Rochester Hills, MI Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Section 138-10.401 governs solar energy systems citywide. Paragraph B permits rooftop and building-mounted systems in all zoning districts, but paragraph B.1 caps how far a roof-mounted system can extend above the roof surface it is affixed to at four feet, paragraph B.2 bars any system from protruding past the roof's edge, and paragraph B.3 requires a building permit before installation. Paragraph C permits ground-mounted systems, temporary or permanent, in all zoning districts subject to more detailed standards: paragraph C.1 requires the system to meet the district's required front yard setback and keep at least five feet from any side or rear property line; paragraph C.2.a caps height at ten feet when the panels are at maximum tilt, while paragraph C.2.b drops that cap to 42 inches for a system placed between the required front setback line and the front building wall, with evergreen landscaping required to buffer it from view without blocking sun exposure; paragraph C.3 requires a building permit for any ground-mounted installation; and paragraph C.4 caps ground coverage at 20 percent of the total lot area.

Paragraph D requires solar storage batteries to be kept in a secure container while in use and disposed of under applicable law once retired. Paragraph E requires removal of a system that stops functioning for more than 12 consecutive months, with the property owner given 90 days after that 12-month period ends to take the equipment down.