Tulsa, OK Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning approval
- By right, no special permit
- Roof-mount height cap
- 3-5 ft above roofline/height limit
- Street-facing panels
- Must be flush-mounted only
- Ground-mount setback
- Barred from street setback/yard
- Governing section
- Tulsa Zoning Code § 45.190
Summary
Tulsa allows solar panels as an accessory use by right in every zoning district, but building- and ground-mounted systems must still meet setback, height, and building/electrical code standards under the zoning ordinance.
A.General.1.Solar energy systems are permitted as of right as an accessory use to all lawfully established principal uses in all zoning districts.2.Accessory solar energy systems must comply with all applicable building and electrical code requirements.B.Building-mounted solar energy systems1.Building-mounted solar energy systems may be mounted on principal and accessory structures.2.Building-mounted solar energy systems may not encroach into required street setbacks. Systems mounted on principal structures may encroach into interior side and rear building setbacks in accordance with Subsection 90.090C.3.Only building-integrated or flush-mounted solar energy systems may be installed on street-facing building elevations.4.Solar energy systems may not extend more than three (3) feet above the applicable maximum building height limit for the subject building type or more than five (5) feet above the highest point of the roof line, whichever is less.
Figure 45-3: Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems Figure 45-3: Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems
C.Ground-mounted solar energy systems.1.In residential zoning districts, ground-mounted solar energy systems may not be located in a required street setback or street yard area.2.Ground-mounted solar energy systems may be located within required interior side and rear setbacks.3.Ground-mounted solar energy systems are subject to applicable accessory structure height and lot coverage regulations. (Ord. No. 25192, § 10, 12-6-2023)
Full Breakdown
Solar energy systems are permitted as of right as an accessory use in every zoning district in Tulsa, so no special use permit or board of adjustment approval is required: only compliance with the city's standard building and electrical permit process. Building-mounted panels can't extend more than 3 feet above the district's maximum building height, or 5 feet above the roofline, whichever is less, and only flush-mounted or building-integrated panels are allowed on walls facing the street. Ground-mounted systems in residential districts can't sit in the required street setback or street yard, though they're allowed within interior side and rear setbacks.
Violations & Fines
Panels installed without the required building and electrical permits, or that exceed the height limit, use non-flush mounting on a street-facing wall, or sit in a required street setback, are code violations subject to zoning and building code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for solar panels in Tulsa?
Can I put solar panels on a roof facing the street in Tulsa?
Where can ground-mounted solar panels go in Tulsa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
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