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Springdale, AR Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applies in
Ballpark Area/SW Springdale Overlay only
Placement
roof-mounted, flat on sloped roof
Noise cap
65 decibels at property line
Operating hours
6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. without variance
Utility hookup
no permanent water/wastewater connection

Summary

Inside Springdale's Ballpark Area/Southwest Springdale District Overlay, rooftop solar panels must sit flat on the roof, stay under 65 decibels, and run only 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. without a variance.

Solar panels may occur on roofs only, and are to be positioned flat onto a sloped building roof, or placed in an area visible to the customer areas or adjacent residential zoning.(1)Noise level of unit or sound equipment may not exceed sixty-five (65) decibels when measured at the property line.(2)May not include drive in service.(3)Must have hooded or shielded exterior lighting.(4)May not have signage that projects more than six (6) inches from unit.(5)Must keep the area clear of liter and debris at all times.(6)May operate only between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. without specific variance.(7)No permanent water or wastewater connection is permitted.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 145).

Full Breakdown

Article 12 of the zoning ordinance, the Ballpark Area/Southwest Springdale District Overlay around Arvest Ballpark, restricts solar panels to roof placement only, positioned flat on a sloped roof or in a spot visible to customer areas or adjacent residential zoning. The unit's noise may not exceed 65 decibels measured at the property line, it may not include drive-in service, exterior lighting must be hooded or shielded, signage may project no more than six inches from the unit, and it may operate only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. without a specific variance. No permanent water or wastewater hookup is allowed; power may come from temporary service or an onboard generator.

Violations & Fines

Installing panels off-roof, exceeding the 65 dB cap, or running outside the 6 a.m.–10 p.m. window without a variance violates the overlay's design standards, enforceable under the Code's general penalty, Sec. 1-9 (fine up to $1,000).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these solar rules apply citywide or just near the ballpark?
Only inside the Ballpark Area/Southwest Springdale District Overlay: these placement, noise, and hours standards are not citywide requirements.
Can a rooftop solar unit run all night in the overlay district?
No: without a specific variance it can only operate between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. under § 2.10(b)(6).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Springdale

All Springdale rules

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