Design Review for Solar Panels and Solar Tiles

Landmark Preservation reviews applications for the installation of solar panels and solar tiles on all individual landmarks and properties within a historic district to ensure consistency with the appropriate design guidelines.

Design Guidelines

Landmark Preservation staff, the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC), and the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission (LDDRC) use design guidelines to review all solar installation in historic districts and at individual landmark sites. Site specific conditions determine how well the proposed solar installation fits the surrounding historic context. Most solar projects will be reviewed with Chapter 2: Guidelines for Preserving Historic Buildings(PDF, 2MB). Solar projects in the Lower Downtown Historic District will also be reviewed with Chapter 2: Guidelines for Preserving Historic Buildings(PDF, 2MB) in as the Design Guidelines for the Lower Downtown Historic District are supplemental to the main guidelines. For more information about applicable design guidelines, visit the Landmark Preservation design guideline webpage.

E-permits Application

Submit your application materials via E-permits:

• Create an account or log in to an existing account
• Click the "Development Services" tab
• Click "Apply for a Permit"
• Select "Landmark Certificate of Appropriateness" and follow the instructions.

For assistance with e-permits, visit the FAQ page.

Required documents

Design review applications must adequately describe the project and provide sufficient information to evaluate the proposal. Documentation must clearly illustrate the existing conditions as well as any proposed work.

All applications for solar panels and solar tiles must include the following information:

• A completed Landmark design review application and checklist(PDF, 1MB)
• Current color photographs of the area of project scope and street fronting façade(s)
  • Photos must be at least 300 dpi or at least 4” X 6”
  • Photographs must be labeled with the cardinal directions (ex. north, south, east, west). Photographs labeled front, side, and rear will not be accepted
  • Photos must be included as a page or pages within the drawing set or attached as jpeg or pdf. (Thumbnail photos, photos embedded within emails, and photos linked to a file sharing system will not be accepted) Roof Plans that include existing, if applicable, and proposed roof. Plans to be scaled and dimensioned with roof pitch(es) noted.
• Existing and proposed site plans that include:
  • Address with street name
  • Scale and dimensions (at least 1”=20’)
  • Zone lot and Property lines (include both if different)
  • Zone lot depth (e.g., 65/35 or 80/20)
  • Orienting features such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, and adjacent structures
  • Location of hardscaping elements such as fences, site walls, patios, exterior stairways, driveways, etc.
  • North direction arrow
  • Zoning setback requirements
  • Original grade elevation at intersection of side interior zone lot lines and minimum setback to primary setback
  • Identify all proposed and existing site elements that violate zoning regulations for which you will be seeking relief through the Administrative Adjustment process.
• A roof plan that includes:
  • Existing and proposed roof
  • Scaled and dimensioned with roof pitch and solar panel setbacks noted
• Section drawings of solar panels and skylights that include dimensions and materials notes. Clearly show the roof and height of the solar panels or skylights, or thickness of the solar tiles
• Details of construction that include:
  • All construction materials clearly labeled in plan including color, finish, and profiles
  • Material samples or photographs of new or innovative materials as requested by staff

Ready to apply?

View design review application instructions