Stratford, CT Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Section 6.1.7 of the Stratford Zoning Regulations, adopted by the Zoning Commission 12-17-2024 and effective 1-1-2025, treats solar as an accessory renewable energy structure with three forms, each with its own limits.

Building mounted systems on a roof face or a side or rear facade cannot exceed the total square footage of the roof surface they attach to, sit less than four inches from the roof whenever possible, and project laterally no more than 3.5 feet from the facade or roof edge. On a pitched roof the system cannot extend beyond three feet parallel to the roof surface or more than five feet above the highest peak. On a flat roof it cannot extend beyond four feet parallel to the roof. Signage or writing of any kind is barred except required manufacturer plates and safety labeling.

Freestanding systems go only in the interior side yard or interior rear yard. Output cannot exceed one megawatt or a total area of 10% of the total lot area. Height tops out at six feet in a Residential District, eight feet in a Commercial District and 10 feet in an Industrial District, with three feet of clearance under the lowest point, and every part sits at least five feet from interior side and rear property lines and outside any public utility easement. Parking lot canopies cover no more than 50% of the lot or parking story and run between eight and 15 feet high.

Section 6.1.7 itself prints no application form or fee for solar. The Town's building and mechanical fee schedule in § 62-1 does not name solar. Section 62-4 withholds any building permit while delinquent real property taxes are owed on the parcel.