Maryland County Solar Regulations: Complete Guide by County 2025

Maryland's 24 counties each maintain unique solar farm regulations, zoning requirements, and approval processes. Understanding your county's specific rules is essential before pursuing solar development, as regulations significantly impact project feasibility, timeline, and costs. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information for every Maryland county, including permitted zones, special exception requirements, setback standards, application processes, typical approval timelines, and recent regulatory changes. Whether your property is in Frederick County or Worcester County, this guide helps you understand exactly what solar development requires in your jurisdiction.

Understanding Maryland County Solar Regulations

Each of Maryland's 24 counties has unique approaches to regulating solar farm development. While state law provides an overarching framework, counties maintain significant control over zoning, permitting, setbacks, and approval processes. Some counties actively encourage solar development with streamlined processes, while others impose strict requirements that can add months to project timelines or make development economically unfeasible.

Key County Solar Regulations by Jurisdiction

Allegany County

• Zoning: Solar farms permitted in Agricultural and Industrial zones
• Approval Process: Special exception required from Board of Zoning Appeals
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property lines, 300 feet from residences
• Maximum Size: No specific size limitation
• Timeline: 4-6 months for special exception approval

Anne Arundel County

• Zoning: Allowed in Rural Agriculture (RA) and Resource Conservation (RC) zones
• Approval Process: Administrative review for small systems (<5 MW), special exception for larger projects
• Setbacks: 50 feet from property lines, 200 feet from existing dwellings
• Landscape Buffers: Type C vegetative buffer required along road frontages
• Timeline: 2-3 months administrative, 4-5 months special exception

Baltimore County

• Zoning: Primary use in RC2, RC5, and RC6 zones
• Approval Process: Special exception required through Board of Appeals
• Setbacks: 75 feet from property lines, 250 feet from dwellings
• Visual Screening: Comprehensive landscaping plan required
• Decommissioning: Detailed removal and restoration plan mandatory
• Timeline: 5-7 months from application to approval

Calvert County

• Zoning: Conditional use in Farm and Forest (FF) districts
• Approval Process: Planning Commission review and public hearing
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property lines, 300 feet from residences
• Timeline: 6-8 months due to comprehensive review process

Caroline County

• Zoning: Permitted use in Agricultural zones
• Approval Process: Site plan review required
• Setbacks: 50 feet from property boundaries
• Screening Requirements: Vegetative buffer along public roads
• Timeline: 3-4 months typical

Carroll County

• Zoning: Special exception in Agricultural zones
• Approval Process: Board of Zoning Appeals approval required
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property lines, 500 feet from residences
• Additional Requirements: Traffic study for larger projects, comprehensive stormwater management
• Timeline: 5-8 months

Cecil County

• Zoning: Principal use in Agricultural zones
• Approval Process: Special exception required
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property lines, 200 feet from dwellings
• Maximum Coverage: Solar panels limited to 50% of property area
• Timeline: 4-6 months

Charles County

• Zoning: Allowed in Rural Preservation Districts with conditions
• Approval Process: Comprehensive development plan amendment may be required
• Setbacks: 150 feet from property lines, 300 feet from residences
• Landscape Buffers: Extensive screening requirements
• Timeline: 6-9 months

Dorchester County

• Zoning: Permitted in Agricultural Conservation districts
• Approval Process: Conditional use permit required
• Setbacks: 75 feet from property boundaries
• Timeline: 3-5 months

Frederick County

• Zoning: Special exception in Agricultural zones
• Approval Process: Hearing Examiner review after Planning Commission recommendation
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property lines, 300 feet from occupied structures
• Maximum Size: Projects over 20 MW require additional review
• Decommissioning Bond: Required before construction permit
• Timeline: 6-9 months

Garrett County

• Zoning: Conditional use in Agricultural zones
• Approval Process: Planning Commission and County Commissioners approval
• Setbacks: 200 feet from property boundaries and roads
• Environmental Review: Additional review for mountainous or sensitive areas
• Timeline: 5-8 months

Harford County

• Zoning: Special exception in Rural Residential and Agricultural zones
• Approval Process: Board of Appeals hearing required
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property lines, 300 feet from residences
• Screening: Comprehensive landscaping buffer plan mandatory
• Timeline: 5-7 months

Howard County

• Zoning: Conditional use in Rural Conservation zones
• Approval Process: County Board approval after Planning Board review
• Setbacks: 150 feet from property lines, 400 feet from dwellings
• Additional Requirements: Comprehensive environmental review, stormwater management plan
• Timeline: 7-10 months (stringent review process)

Kent County

• Zoning: Special exception in Agricultural zones
• Approval Process: Board of Appeals hearing
• Setbacks: 75 feet from property boundaries
• Visual Impact: Screening requirements along scenic byways
• Timeline: 4-6 months

Montgomery County

• Zoning: Limited use in Rural Residential and Agricultural Reserve zones
• Approval Process: Conditional use permit through Hearing Examiner
• Setbacks: 150 feet from property lines, 500 feet from existing dwellings
• Additional Requirements: Forest conservation, stormwater management, traffic impact study
• Timeline: 8-12 months (most stringent county process)

Prince George's County

• Zoning: Special exception in Rural Agricultural and Open Space zones
• Approval Process: Zoning Hearing Examiner and County Council approval
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property lines, 250 feet from residences
• Landscape Buffer: Type "A" buffer required around perimeter
• Timeline: 6-8 months

Queen Anne's County

• Zoning: Conditional use in Agricultural Conservation zones
• Approval Process: Planning Commission and County Commissioners approval
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property boundaries, 300 feet from dwellings
• Maximum Footprint: Limited to 50% of parcel area
• Timeline: 5-7 months

St. Mary's County

• Zoning: Special exception in Rural Preservation Districts
• Approval Process: Board of Appeals hearing
• Setbacks: 150 feet from property lines, 350 feet from residences
• Screening: Substantial vegetative buffer required
• Timeline: 5-7 months

Somerset County

• Zoning: Permitted use in Agricultural zones
• Approval Process: Site plan review
• Setbacks: 50 feet from property boundaries
• Timeline: 3-4 months (relatively streamlined)

Talbot County

• Zoning: Special exception in Agricultural Preservation zones
• Approval Process: Board of Appeals review
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property lines, 300 feet from dwellings
• Additional Review: Enhanced scrutiny for visible sites along scenic roads
• Timeline: 5-8 months

Washington County

• Zoning: Special exception in Agricultural and Rural zones
• Approval Process: Board of Appeals hearing
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property boundaries, 300 feet from occupied structures
• Decommissioning: Financial security required
• Timeline: 4-6 months

Wicomico County

• Zoning: Conditional use in Agricultural zones
• Approval Process: Planning Commission and County Council approval
• Setbacks: 75 feet from property boundaries
• Timeline: 4-6 months

Worcester County

• Zoning: Special exception in Agricultural Preservation districts
• Approval Process: Board of Zoning Appeals hearing
• Setbacks: 100 feet from property lines, 250 feet from residences
• Screening: Vegetative buffer along roads and adjacent properties
• Timeline: 4-6 months

Common Requirements Across Maryland Counties

While specific regulations vary, most Maryland counties share several common solar farm requirements:

Decommissioning Plans and Financial Assurance

• Detailed removal and restoration plan required before approval
• Financial security (bond, letter of credit, or escrow) to guarantee removal
• Typical decommissioning bonds range from $10,000 to $20,000 per MW
• Must be updated every 5 years to reflect current removal costs

Environmental Assessments

• Stormwater management plan meeting Maryland Department of Environment standards
• Forest Conservation Act compliance if clearing forest
• Wetlands delineation and avoidance plan
• Endangered species habitat survey for sensitive areas

Utility Interconnection Studies

• Feasibility study with local utility company
• System impact study for projects over 2 MW
• Facilities study to determine connection costs
• Interconnection agreement before construction

Timeline Summary by Regulatory Complexity

Key Considerations When Choosing Property for Solar Development

• County Regulations: Some counties make development significantly easier than others
• Proximity to Neighbors: Large setback requirements can limit usable area
• Agricultural Preservation Status: Some counties prohibit solar on preserved farmland
• Historical/Critical Area: Enhanced review required in designated areas
• Community Sentiment: Counties with established solar farms typically have faster approvals