Sauk County, WI Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Chapter 7, Section 7.078 of the Sauk County Code of Ordinances sets the secondary standards for renewable energy structures, including solar. Before a resident in unincorporated Sauk County erects, relocates, structurally alters, or reconstructs a solar energy system, wind system, or gasification system, Section 7.078(2) requires a land use permit issued by the Zoning Administrator. Ground-mounted solar panels are capped at 25 feet in height, measured from the average surface of the ground below, under Section 7.078(3)(a). The system can be sited on the front, back, or side lot, but Section 7.078(3)(b) still requires it to meet every setback that otherwise applies in the district under Section 7.094; in the Single Family Residential district that means 10 feet on the sides, 10 feet in front, and 25 feet at the rear.

Section 7.078(3)(c) adds a coverage limit specific to residential zoning: in the Single Family Residential and Multiple Family Residential districts, a ground-mounted array cannot exceed 50 percent of the photovoltaic surface area of the front, side, or back yard lot on which it sits. Renewable energy structures sited in the Exclusive Agriculture district must additionally qualify as an accessory use under Section 7.078(1), unless state or federal law specifically requires or authorizes the location. The land use permit process runs through the same Section 7.153 application the county uses for any structure, so an applicant submits a site plan showing the array's distance from lot lines and structures before construction begins.