Can I Build Solar Panels in Scottsdale, AZ? (2026)
Find out if you can build a solar panels in Scottsdale, AZ. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Yes, solar panels are permitted in Scottsdale, AZ. A permit is required.
Solar panel installation in Scottsdale, AZ is permitted and, for new construction, often required by state mandate. Residential solar installations require a building/electrical permit from the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services. The permit process in Scottsdale: Scottsdale Building permit required. Arizona Public Service (APS) serves Scottsdale — APS NET Billing tariff for net metering with time-varying export rates. SolarAPP+ available for standard residential systems. APS interconnection application required for grid-tied systems. DRB design review for systems in design overlay areas.
Solar Panels Rules in Scottsdale
Solar Panel Rules in Scottsdale: Permit required: Yes — all solar installations require a permit. Thresholds: All solar installations. Permit fees: $150–$500. HOA restrictions: Arizona Revised Statutes Section 33-1816 prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations. Scottsdale's many upscale HOA communities (particularly in North Scottsdale) frequently attempt to regulate solar placement. HOAs can require rear or non-visible placement but cannot ban solar. Scottsdale Development Review Board may also apply design standards for solar in overlay zones.. Historic district note: Scottsdale has locally-designated historic properties and the McCormick Ranch Planned Community (1960s pioneering master-plan) with specialized design guidelines. The Scottsdale Historic Preservation Commission reviews solar applications for listed properties. Old Town Scottsdale properties visible from public areas require design consideration.. Scottsdale is in APS territory — distinct from Mesa's SRP service area. Scottsdale's upscale community often prefers low-profile solar installations. Some North Scottsdale HOAs have negotiated specific placement requirements with solar companies — understand your HOA's ARC requirements before purchasing equipment. Scottsdale's superb solar resource (300+ sunny days/year) maximizes ROI on properly sized systems.
Costs & Fees
Solar permit fees in Scottsdale: $150–$500.
Timeline
1-2 business days via SolarAPP+
Next Steps
Next steps for installing solar panels in Scottsdale: 1. Get quotes from licensed solar installers familiar with AZ requirements. 2. Installer will prepare permit application and system design documents. 3. Permit application submitted to the Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services. 4. Once permit approved, installation begins. Electrical inspection required at completion. 5. Apply for utility interconnection and net metering through your utility provider.
Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services
Phone: (480) 312-5750
Website: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/building
Online Permits: https://etrakit.scottsdaleaz.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Scottsdale estate property?
Yes. Arizona HB 2297 (effective September 2024) requires Scottsdale to allow ADUs on all single-family lots regardless of size — including large estate lots (R1-190, R1-70, R1-35). The law limits ADUs to 50% of primary dwelling floor area or 1,200 sqft. No owner-occupancy is required. Scottsdale may require design review for ADUs visible from public right-of-way in some districts. Contact Scottsdale Building Services at (480) 312-5750 or apply through eTrakit.
What is Scottsdale's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance and how does it affect ADU development?
Scottsdale's ESLO (Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance) protects desert washes, significant natural vegetation (Saguaro, Ironwood, Palo Verde), hillside areas with 15%+ slopes, and ridgelines. If your property has ESLO-designated areas, ADU construction cannot disturb those areas without mitigation. Many North Scottsdale lots have substantial ESLO-protected portions that reduce the buildable area. An ESLO analysis (typically done by an environmental consultant) will identify developable vs. protected areas on your lot before you design your ADU.
Can my Scottsdale HOA restrict my solar installation?
No. Arizona ARS Section 33-1816 prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations. Scottsdale's upscale HOAs frequently try to impose strict solar placement requirements — while they can require rear-facing or non-street-visible placement (within reason), they cannot ban solar installations entirely. The Development Review Board (DRB) may also apply design standards for solar in some Scottsdale overlay zones. Arizona has one of the strongest HOA solar protection laws in the nation — your solar installation is protected.
What are short-term rental rules for Scottsdale properties near the resort district?
Scottsdale is one of Arizona's most active STR markets due to its resort destinations, spring training baseball, golf courses, and Old Town nightlife. STR registration ($250/year) is required for all rentals of 30 days or fewer. Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional. Scottsdale actively enforces STR regulations — nuisance complaints receive prompt response. HOA CC&Rs in many Scottsdale communities may further restrict STRs (unlike ADU CC&Rs, STR CC&R restrictions are currently enforceable). Check your specific HOA rules before listing.
How does Scottsdale's R1-190 zone compare to R1-7 for ADU development?
R1-190 is a very large estate lot zone (190,000 sqft minimum — approximately 4.4 acres) found in North Scottsdale near the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Front setbacks are 50 feet and coverage is limited to 15%. R1-7 is a standard smaller residential lot (7,000 sqft minimum) common in south Scottsdale near Tempe with 20-foot front setbacks and 50% coverage. In both zones, ADU setbacks follow HB 2297 — maximum 5 feet rear and side. In practice, large-lot R1-190 estates easily accommodate a detached ADU (guest house/casita) given the abundant developable area. Smaller R1-7 lots have less room but can still accommodate a modest ADU in the rear yard.
Source: Scottsdale Planning and Development Services — Building Services — Building Regulations. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source