New buildings of 50,000 sq. ft. or more seeking construction permits on or after January 1, 2025 must have solar-ready zones. Solar-ready zones, spaces on rooftops that are reserved for solar installations, must be areas on the roof of buildings up to 5 stories above grade with low-slope roofs or slanted roofs facing 110 to 270 degrees from true north. There are some exceptions to this requirement, including buildings with permanent on-site renewable energy systems or buildings deemed unsuitable based on shading percentages or certain rooftop obstructions.
