Solar Panel Rules in Colorado Springs, CO (2026)
Solar panel installation rules, mandate status, HOA restrictions, and permit process for Colorado Springs, CO.
Colorado Springs, CO does not currently have a solar installation mandate. Solar panels are a permitted use on residential and commercial properties subject to standard building permit requirements. Property owners in Colorado Springs must obtain a permit before installing solar panels. HOA restrictions on solar are limited by state law. Colorado Springs offers permit review for residential solar installations. Below you will find the current solar mandate status, HOA rules, permit process, and any historic district restrictions that apply to solar installations in Colorado Springs.
Solar Mandate Status
No Solar Mandate in Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs does not currently have a solar installation mandate for new or existing construction. Installing solar is voluntary and subject to permit requirements. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) may apply — consult a tax professional for current incentive information. Colorado Springs has excellent solar resources at 6,035 ft elevation — thinner atmosphere means higher UV index and solar irradiance. Colorado Springs Utilities is a city-owned utility unlike most investor-owned utilities, which can result in different net metering rates. The US Air Force Academy solar installations nearby demonstrate the region's strong solar potential.
HOA Restrictions
HOA Restrictions on Solar in Colorado Springs: Colorado C.R.S. 38-30-168 restricts HOAs from prohibiting solar energy devices that comply with reasonable HOA standards. HOAs may impose aesthetic requirements that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency.
Permit Process
Permit Process in Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs Planning electrical permit required. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) interconnection agreement required. CSU is a municipally-owned utility with its own net metering program. CSU's Community Solar Garden program provides an alternative for customers who cannot install rooftop solar. Colorado offers a state income tax credit for residential solar installations (verify current availability).
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Considerations in Colorado Springs: Colorado Springs has locally-designated historic districts in the Old Colorado City and downtown areas. Contact Colorado Springs Planning for solar installation requirements in historic overlay zones. If your property is located in a historic district, contact the Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development before designing your solar system — placement restrictions may affect system output.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Colorado Springs property?
Yes. Colorado HB 24-1175 (2024) requires Colorado Springs to allow at least one ADU per single-family lot by-right — without requiring a variance or discretionary review. ADUs are limited to 1,000 sqft. No owner-occupancy requirement. No additional parking required within 0.5 miles of a transit stop. Colorado Springs has updated its Zoning Code to comply with state law. Apply through Colorado Springs Planning.
How does the military presence affect housing in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs is home to Fort Carson (Army), Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the US Air Force Academy — one of the highest concentrations of military installations in any US city. Military personnel and their families create significant housing demand, particularly for rentals and ADUs. Defense contracts and government employment create a stable economic base. Military base closures or expansions significantly affect local real estate. Some areas near installations may have noise or height overlay restrictions.
What should I know about building at Colorado Springs's 6,000-foot elevation?
Colorado Springs is at approximately 6,035 feet above sea level. This affects construction in several ways: snow load requirements for roofs and structures are higher than lower-elevation cities; HVAC equipment must be rated for high altitude operation; concrete curing is affected by temperature swings and altitude; wildfire risk exists along the western and northern city edges. High altitude also means excellent solar irradiance — solar panels produce more power per panel than at sea level.
Are short-term rentals allowed near the Air Force Academy and military bases?
Yes. STR licensing is required for all rentals of 30 days or fewer in Colorado Springs ($150/year). There are no specific restrictions near military installations from the city's perspective. However, STR operators should be aware that some military guests may have security restrictions on staying in off-base accommodations depending on their clearance level and assignment. Colorado Springs Lodging Tax applies to all STR rentals.
Does Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) offer solar net metering?
Yes. Colorado Springs Utilities is a municipally-owned utility that offers a net metering program for residential solar customers. You'll need an electrical permit from Colorado Springs Planning and an interconnection agreement with CSU. CSU also offers a Community Solar Garden program for customers who cannot install rooftop solar. At 6,000 ft elevation, Colorado Springs has excellent solar resources with more solar irradiance than many lower-elevation cities.
Source: Colorado Springs Building Department — Solar Panel Permits. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source