Washington Statewide Rule

Washington Solar Permit and Local Approval Limitations

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Washington (2026)

Key Facts

Solar policy: RCW 64.04.140
HOA protection: RCW 64.38.055
Condo/WUCIOA protection: RCW 64.90.510
Permits: Local building/electrical permits apply

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: RCW 64.04.140 - Solar energy systems and solar easements

Summary

Washington RCW 64.38.055 and RCW 64.90.510 bar HOAs and condominium associations from prohibiting solar panels. State policy under RCW 64.04.140 encourages solar energy and authorizes solar easements. Cities may still require building and electrical permits.

(1) A city or county planning under RCW 36.70A.040 must allow a building to exceed any maximum allowable roof height limits by at least 48 inches to accommodate a roof-mounted solar energy panel. (2) For purposes of this section, "solar energy panel" means a panel device or system or combination of panel devices or systems that relies on direct sunlight as an energy source, including a panel device or system or combination of panel devices or systems that collects sunlight for use in: (a) The heating or cooling of a structure or building; (b) The heating or pumping of water; (c) Industrial, commercial, or agricultural processes; or (d) The generation of electricity.

Source: RCW 64.04.140 - Solar energy systems and solar easementsView official code

Full Breakdown

RCW 64.04.140 declares that the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy are in the public interest and authorizes privately negotiated solar easements to protect access to sunlight. RCW 64.38.055 voids HOA governing documents that prohibit solar panels on an owner's property, allowing only reasonable placement rules; RCW 64.90.510 extends the same protection to condominium and WUCIOA communities. Cities and counties may require building and electrical permits and apply the Washington State Energy Code, but the association protections make covenant-based solar bans unenforceable.

Violations & Penalties

HOA enforcement of prohibited solar restrictions exposes the association to injunctive relief and attorney fee awards, with covenants deemed void and unenforceable to that extent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Washington city require permits for residential solar panels?

Yes. Cities and counties may require building and electrical permits and apply the Washington State Energy Code, though state policy under RCW 64.04.140 encourages solar use.

Can my HOA force me to remove solar panels in Washington?

No. RCW 64.38.055 voids HOA prohibitions on solar panels. Associations may set reasonable placement rules but cannot deny installation.

Sources

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