Solar Panel Rules in Salt Lake City, UT (2026)
Solar panel installation rules, mandate status, HOA restrictions, and permit process for Salt Lake City, UT.
Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City must obtain a permit before installing solar panels. HOA restrictions on solar are limited by state law. Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.
Solar Mandate Status
No Solar Mandate in Salt Lake City: Salt Lake City 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. Utah has a strong solar industry. Rocky Mountain Power serves Salt Lake City with net metering at avoided cost rates. No residential solar mandate in Utah, but significant state and federal incentives are available.
HOA Restrictions
HOA Restrictions on Solar in Salt Lake City: Utah Code Section 57-8a-404 limits HOA restrictions on solar energy systems. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions but cannot prohibit solar installations that comply with applicable codes.
Permit Process
Permit Process in Salt Lake City: Salt Lake City Building Services issues solar permits. Standard residential solar systems typically processed in 1-3 weeks. Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp) provides net metering for SLC area customers through their Wattsmart Battery and Solar programs.
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Considerations in Salt Lake City: Properties in Salt Lake City Historic Preservation Overlay (H) districts require design review for solar installations visible from public right-of-way. SLC has multiple historic districts including The Avenues, Capitol Hill, and 9th and 9th. If your property is located in a historic district, contact the Salt Lake City Division of Planning before designing your solar system — placement restrictions may affect system output.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Utah Senate Bill 174 (effective May 2021) requires Salt Lake City to allow internal ADUs by-right on all single-family lots. Salt Lake City's local code also allows detached ADUs in most residential zones. ADUs are limited to 1,000 sqft. No owner-occupancy requirement applies. Internal ADUs qualify for ministerial approval (no discretionary review) per state law.
What does Utah SB 174 require for ADUs?
Utah SB 174 (2021) requires all Utah municipalities to allow at least one internal ADU (within or attached to the primary dwelling) by-right on all single-family lots. Key protections: municipalities cannot require a conditional use permit for internal ADUs, cannot require owner-occupancy, and must approve code-compliant internal ADU applications ministerially. Salt Lake City also allows detached ADUs under local code.
Does Salt Lake City require a permit for short-term rentals?
Yes. Salt Lake City requires a Short-Term Rental License ($110/year) for all Airbnb-style rentals. The license number must be displayed on listings. Properties must meet housing and fire codes. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit applicable Utah and Salt Lake County taxes on behalf of hosts.
What are the setbacks in an R-1-5000 zone in Salt Lake City?
In an R-1-5000 zone (minimum 5,000 sqft lot single-family), the setbacks are: 15 ft front, 5 ft each side, and 15 ft rear. ADUs must maintain 5 ft side and 10 ft rear setbacks for detached structures. Always verify specific parcel setbacks with the Salt Lake City Division of Planning.
Are solar panels required on new homes in Salt Lake City?
No. Utah does not have a residential solar mandate. Solar is voluntary in Salt Lake City. Rocky Mountain Power (the local utility) offers net metering for solar installations. HOAs have limited ability to prohibit solar under Utah Code Section 57-8a-404.
Source: Salt Lake City Building Department — Solar Panel Permits. Last verified April 5, 2026. View source