Accommodation for roof-mounted solar energy panels.

(1) A city or county planning under RCW 36.70A.040 must allow a building to exceed any maximum allowable roof height limits by at least 48 inches to accommodate a roof-mounted solar energy panel.(2) For purposes of this section, "solar energy panel" means a panel device or system or combination of panel devices or systems that relies on direct sunlight as an energy source, including a panel device or system or combination of panel devices or systems that collects sunlight for use in:(a) The heating or cooling of a structure or building;(b) The heating or pumping of water;(c) Industrial, commercial, or agricultural processes; or(d) The generation of electricity.(3) Nothing in this section prohibits a city or county from applying the requirements of the state building code or requires a city or county to allow a setback of less than 36 inches between residential dwelling units.[ 2025 c 139 s 5.]