Winnebago County, IL Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Roof-mounted max height
- 15 ft above flat roof
- Ground-mount setback
- 2.5 ft from lot line
- Front/side yard ground height cap
- 3 ft
- Other yards ground height cap
- 20 ft
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 2024-CO-045, 7-25-24
Summary
Winnebago County allows private solar panels by right in every zoning district, but roof-mounted arrays over 15 feet or ground-mounted systems over 3 feet in front and side yards need a special use permit.
18.3.15 Solar Panels (Private). Solar panels that are for private use and are not part of or otherwise appurtenant to a Commercial Solar Energy Facility are permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the provisions of this section. ... Roof-Mounted. Solar panels may be mounted on a flat roof, and may project a maximum of fifteen (15) feet above the roof surface, unless additional height is granted by special use permit, and must be set back a minimum of three (3) feet from the roof edge.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64).
Full Breakdown
Under the County's Unified Development Ordinance, private solar panels not tied to a commercial solar farm don't need a special zoning permit as long as they stay within dimensional limits. Roof-mounted panels on a flat roof can project up to 15 feet above the roof surface, set back at least 3 feet from the edge; on a sloped roof they must sit at least 1 foot behind the ridge and edge. Facade-mounted panels can project up to 3 feet off the wall. Ground-mounted arrays must sit at least 2.5 feet from any lot line, capped at 3 feet tall in front and required side yards, and 20 feet in all other yards. Exceeding these height limits requires a special use permit.
Violations & Fines
Installing a roof- or ground-mounted solar array that exceeds the height limits without first securing a special use permit is a zoning violation the County's zoning office can cite, forcing removal or after-the-fact permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install rooftop solar panels in Winnebago County?
How close can a ground-mounted solar array be to my property line?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
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