Solar & Battery Regulation & Incentive Programs

Guidelines for Solar and Wind Local Ordinances

Program Overview


Category:
Regulatory Policy
Program Type:
Solar/Wind Permitting Standards
Implementing Sector:
State
State:
Virginia
Eligible Storage Technologies:
Solar Photovoltaics, Wind (All), Wind (Small)
Applicable Sectors:
Commercial, Investor-Owned Utility, Municipal Utilities, Residential, Cooperative Utilities, Installers/Contractors, Retail Supplier
Last Updated:
10/12/2018

Summary

In March 2011, the Virginia legislature enacted broad guidelines for local ordinances for solar and wind. The law states that any local ordinance related to the siting of solar or wind energy facilities must:

  • Be consistent with the Commonwealth Energy Policy (§ 67-102)
  • Provide reasonable criteria for wind and solar energy siting, protecting the locality while promoting wind and solar development
  • Establish reasonable requirements for noise limitations, buffer areas, set backs, and facility decommissioning

Authorities

NameEnacted DateEffective DateExpired Date
Va. Code § 67-10303/28/201103/28/2011
Va. Code § 67-1022006 (amended 2009)