Tazewell County, IL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

03, ground mount and roof mount solar energy systems (SES) are permitted by building permit as an accessory use in every zoning district that has a principal structure. 508 plus the chapter's own height, setback, glare, aviation and safety rules. Roof or building mounted systems cannot exceed the district's maximum height for principal structures; ground or pole mounted units are capped at 20 feet in height at maximum tilt. Ground mounted systems must meet the accessory structure setback for their zoning district and cannot extend into the side or rear yard setback at minimum design tilt.

Collectors must be oriented so reflection angles do not project glare onto neighboring properties, and units within 500 feet of an airport or in an airport approach zone must submit a solar glare hazard analysis tool (SGHAT) report consistent with FAA policy on solar energy projects at federally obligated airports. Roof or building mounted systems, other than building-integrated systems, must preserve roof access for firefighting, and any grid connection must be inspected by the serving public utility. 10 sets the permit fee schedule collected by the Community Development Administrator: $200 for 0-10 kW, $350 for 11-50 kW, $500 for 51-100 kW, $1,000 for 101-500 kW, $3,000 for 501-1,000 kW, $5,000 for 1,001-2,000 kW, and $5,000 plus $100 per additional 100 kW (or fraction) above 2,000 kW.

A system that stops generating electricity or is left unmaintained for six consecutive months gets a 30-day removal notice from the Community Development Administrator before the county issues a violation notice and a hearing before the County Hearing Officer.