Skokie, IL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Sec. 118-72 of the Skokie Village Code, adopted by Ordinance No. 22-8-C-4611 on August 1, 2022 and amended by Ordinance No. 23-7-C-4650 on July 17, 2023, splits solar rules into roof mounted and ground mounted systems. A roof mounted system is structurally attached to a building's roof and is permitted as an accessory structure in every zoning district, from the R1 Single-Family district to the industrial M districts. On a pitched roof of 2/12 pitch or steeper, the panels cannot rise more than 15 inches above the roof's highest point or 15 inches above the district's allowable building height, whichever number is lower.

On a flat roof under a 2/12 pitch, the allowance jumps to 10 feet above the roof peak or 10 feet above the district height limit, whichever is lower. A ground mounted system, defined as any solar array structurally anchored to the ground rather than a roof, is likewise an accessory structure in every district, capped at 8 feet in height, and must satisfy the accessory structure setback standards in Sec. 118-60. Ground systems also cannot cover more than 30 percent of the rear yard on residentially zoned lots.

Any wiring that carries electricity from the panels to a building or to the utility distribution system must run underground or inside the building itself; overhead transmission lines are not allowed. Regardless of type, a Village building permit is required before construction or installation begins, and plans are reviewed against these height, setback and coverage standards before a permit is issued.