Residential Ground Mounted Solar Systems

To apply for zoning approval, you may apply online via ePortal or in-person.

To apply online, please visit ePortal. When you are logged into your ePortal account, go to "Apply", select "Plans", and select “Zoning Approval – Building Permit Zoning Approval.” Please follow the instructions on screen.

To apply in-person please bring all necessary documents and check in at the Early Assistance Desk, Development Services Building, 5 County Complex Court, Prince William, VA 22192, to obtain a service ticket for Zoning Counter services. The Zoning Counter is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Tickets for zoning counter services stop at 2:00 pm to ensure all customers are served by close of business.

Please note:

• Plans that show the length, width, and height of the structure are needed. Plans should include the number of solar panels being requested as a part of the structure.
• If there are additional improvements being built in association with the ground mounted solar system like a concrete pad, this should be included with your application, or it will need separate zoning approval.
  • Ground mounted solar systems on residential properties are for personal use only.
  • A special use permit for a solar energy facility may only be considered on A-1 Agricultural properties. Special use permits are handled by the Planning Office. For more information call (703) 792-7615 or email [email protected].
• To apply for approval of a ground mounted solar system on a commercial site:
• Ground mounted solar systems on commercial sites must be shown on an approved Prince William County site plan.
• Contact the Department of Development Services Land Development Division at (703) 792-6830 (TTY: 711) or [email protected] for information on how to apply for site plan approval.
• After zoning approval is issued, applications for Ground Mounted Solar System permits must be submitted to the Building Development Division, for review.
• For information on Residential Solar System requirements, visit Solar Energy Plan submission and Inspections Guidelines, call (703) 792-6930 or email [email protected].
• No zoning approval is required for residential roof mounted solar panels.  To apply for approval of residential roof mounted solar panels:
  • Residential roof mounted solar panels must obtain approval permits.
  • Contact the Building Development Division at (703) 792-6930 or email [email protected] for information on how to apply.
  • If roof mounted solar panels are installed on a detached accessory structure, zoning approval is required for the detached accessory structure. The combined height of structures may not exceed the allowable height for your zoning district.
• This overview is for general information purposes only and may not reflect all aspects of the review process. Site specific requirements will be discussed at the time of formal review.

• Provide a completed Zoning Application Form.
• Provide the full-size, 100% to-scale, house location survey plat that clearly shows the surveyor’s seal, signature, and scale used.
• Draw the Ground Mounted Solar System to-scale on the house location survey plat.
  • Provide the exact dimensions of the full project, including length and width for the Ground Mounted Solar System.
  • Measure and show the setbacks to each property line from the Ground Mounted Solar System.
  • Highlight the Ground Mounted Solar System location.
  • If applying in-person provide 2 copies of the 100% to scale house location survey plat.
• Provide building plans that show the exact dimensions (length, width, and height) of the proposed structure including the number of panels.
• Review the Zoning Fee Schedule for the applicable processing fee and pay by credit card.
• Review Step 3 below to check if other requirements may apply to your property or project.

• A Special Power of Attorney Affidavit is required if the applicant is not the homeowner or a registered Prince William County contractor.
• Review by the Environmental Management department may be required. If the property is identified as having a RPA (resource protection area), 100 Year or FEMA floodway area, storm drain/storm sewer easement, conservation or buffer area, the project exceeds 2,500 sq. ft, or any other public works impacts, Environmental Management review will be needed prior to zoning issuance. Environmental Management Combined Application Form / Flood Hazard Use Permit Application.  
• If a project is within any easements, including utility easements, written approval from the easement holder may be required.
• If other home improvement projects have been completed on the property without prior zoning approval, review of those improvements may be required prior to issuance of new zoning approvals.
• Condominium Units – An approval letter from the condominium association is required for processing.
• Zoning Administration or non-conforming use review may be required at the time of review due to lot size, setbacks, structure, verifications, recertifications, determinations, or use. Email [email protected].
  • A-1 zoned lots less than 10 acres must have a completed approved non-conforming use review on file prior to zoning review or issuance.
• If your property is on private well or septic, Virginia Department of Health (VDH)  recommends a setback of at least 10 feet from the well and drain field area.
• Lot coverage allowances are zoning district specific. All structures count towards a property's lot coverage. Lot coverage percentages can be found under the Development Standards for your zoning districts subsection within the Zoning Ordinance. This information may also be found on the original subdivision plans or lot grading plan for your property.
• Lot Coverage examples:
  • R-4 Development Standards – 40% max lot coverage
  • SR-1 Development Standards – 25% max lot coverage
  • A-1 Cluster Development Standards – 25% max lot coverage
• To find the setback requirements for structures, please review the Prince William County Zoning Ordinance - Section 32-300.03. Zoning staff will verify setbacks before issuing zoning approval.
  • Structures must be located at least five (5) feet from the existing dwelling.
  • If the lot is three (3) acres or less, the ground mounted solar system can be located in the rear or side yard only. If located at the rear of the lot, the ground mounted solar system must be at least five (5) feet from the rear and side property lines. If located on the side property, the ground mounted solar system must maintain the same setbacks as the primary structure in that zoning district. In the case of a corner lot, a minimum of twenty (20) feet setback from the side property line adjacent to the side street is required.
  • If the lot is greater than three (3) acres, the ground mounted solar system may be located in any yard area. The ground mounted solar system must maintain the same setbacks as the primary structure in that zoning district.

• To research your property, visit the County Mapper to find the zoning district, environmental impacts, and any overlay districts.
• Learn more about House Location Survey Plats.
• For record requests, contact the Development Services Records Center (703) 792-6863.
• To get your utilities marked before you dig, call 1-800-552-7001or visit https://va811.com/
• Residential Solar Building Submissions
• Certification for Real or Personal Property Tax Exemption