SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances tit. 20, ch. 550, art. XII

in effect

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.1700 Purpose.

550.1700. - Purpose. Regulations governing solar energy systems are established to provide for appropriate locations for solar energy systems, to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses, and to promote safe and effective use of solar energy to increase opportunities for generation of renewable energy.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.1710 Definitions.

550.1710. - Definitions. As used in this article, the following words shall mean: Building-integrated solar energy system. A solar energy system that is an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device, replacing or substituting for an architectural or structural component of the building. Building-integrated systems include but are not limited to active photovoltaic or hot water systems that are contained within roofing materials, windows, walls, skylights, and awnings, or passive systems that are designed to capture direct solar heat. Building-mounted solar energy system. A solar energy system affixed to a principal or accessory building. Freestanding solar energy system. A solar energy system with a supporting framework that is placed on, or anchored in, the ground and that is independent of any building or other structure. Garages, carports or similar structures that incorporate building-integrated or building-mounted solar energy systems shall not be classified as freestanding solar energy systems and shall instead be subject to regulations governing accessory structures. Solar collector surface. Any part of a solar energy system that absorbs solar energy for use in the system's transformation process. The collector surface does not include frames, supports, and mounting hardware. Solar energy. Radiant energy received from the sun that can be collected in the form of heat or light by a solar collector. Solar energy system. A device or structural design feature intended to provide for collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for heating or cooling, electricity generating, or water heating.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.1720 Permitted uses and specific standards, subject to administrative review and approval.

550.1720. - Permitted uses and specific standards, subject to administrative review and approval. (a) In general. Solar energy systems shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the standards of this article. Solar collector surfaces and all mounting devices shall comply with the minimum yard requirements of the district in which they are located. Screening of solar collector surfaces shall not be required. (b) Building-mounted solar energy systems. (1) Notwithstanding the height limitations of the built form overlay zoning district, building mounted solar energy systems shall not extend higher than three (3) feet above the ridge level of a roof on a structure with a gable, hip, or gambrel roof and shall not extend higher than ten (10) feet above the surface of the roof when installed on flat or shed roof. (2) The solar collector surface and mounting devices for building-mounted solar energy systems shall be set back not less than one (1) foot from the exterior perimeter of a roof for every one (1) foot that the system extends above the parapet wall or roof surface, if no parapet wall exists, on which the system is mounted. Solar energy systems that extend less than three (3) feet above the roof surface shall be exempt from this provision. (3) All solar energy systems using a reflector to enhance solar production shall minimize glare from the reflector that affects adjacent or nearby properties. Measures to minimize nuisance glare include selective placement of the system, screening on the north side of the solar array, modifying the orientation of the system, reducing use of the reflector system, or other remedies that limit glare. (c) Freestanding solar energy systems. (1) Freestanding solar energy systems, measured to the highest point of the system, shall not exceed the height of the principal structure or twenty (20) feet, whichever is less. The height of the principal structure shall be measured as provided in Chapter 565, Definitions. Freestanding solar energy systems up to sixteen (16) feet in height shall be subject to the minimum yard requirements of an accessory structure. Freestanding solar energy systems greater than sixteen (16) feet in height shall be subject to the minimum yard requirements of a principal structure. The required yard shall be measured from the property line to the closest part of the structure at minimum design tilt. (2) In the urban neighborhood and residence mixed-use districts, the area of the solar collector surface of freestanding solar energy systems shall not exceed five (5) percent of the lot area. Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the maximum area of solar energy systems shall be calculated independently of the floor area of all other accessory structures on the zoning lot. (3) The supporting framework for freestanding solar energy systems shall not include unfinished lumber. (4) All abandoned or unused freestanding solar energy systems shall be removed within twelve (12) months of the cessation of operations. (5) All solar energy systems using a reflector to enhance solar production shall minimize glare from the reflector that affects adjacent or nearby properties. Measures to minimize nuisance glare include selective placement of the system, screening on the north side of the solar array, modifying the orientation of the system, reducing use of the reflector system, or other remedies that limit glare.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.1730 Administrative review process.

550.1730. - Administrative review process. (a) In general. The zoning administrator, in consultation with the planning director, shall approve or deny such application. The zoning administrator may impose such conditions and require such guarantees deemed reasonable and necessary to protect the public interest and to ensure compliance with the standards and purposes of this zoning ordinance and policies of the comprehensive plan. (b) Submittal requirements. An application for a solar energy system shall be filed on a form approved by the zoning administrator, as specified in Chapter 525, Administration and Procedures. In addition, the applicant shall submit written evidence that the electric utility service provider that serves the proposed site has been informed of the applicant's intent to install a solar energy system, unless the applicant does not plan, and so states so in the application, to connect the system to the electricity grid.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.1740 Conditional uses.

550.1740. - Conditional uses. Solar energy systems that do not comply with the standards of section 550.1720 above may be allowed by conditional use permit, subject to the provisions of Chapter 525, Administration and Procedures, provided that requests to reduce minimum yard requirements shall be by variance. (Ord. No. 2025-023, § 71, 5-15-2025)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.1750 Solar access.

550.1750. - Solar access. Solar access easements may be filed consistent with Minn. Statutes, Section 500.30. Any property owner may purchase an easement across nearby properties to protect access to sunlight. The easement is purchased or granted by owners of nearby properties and can apply to buildings, trees, or other structures that would diminish solar access.

Source: City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MICOOR_TIT20ZOCO_CH550DEST_ARTXIISOENSYFetched: 11/2/2026