Does Texas require a permit for a solar farm?
Short answer: Texas has no statewide siting permit for solar or wind, and counties generally lack zoning authority. But projects still need several specific approvals.
What still applies
- Grid connection: most of Texas connects through ERCOT's interconnection process (ERCOT).
- Construction stormwater: disturbing 1 acre or more needs coverage under TCEQ's Construction General Permit (TCEQ).
- Flood zones: development in a special flood hazard area needs a local floodplain permit (44 CFR 60.3).
- Wetlands: filling jurisdictional wetlands needs a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit (EPA).
- Removal: solar leases must include removal security under Utilities Code Chapter 302 (Tex. Util. Code § 302.0005).
- Batteries: new sites of 1 megawatt-hour or more follow the state fire safety law; see battery fire safety.
What counties can do
Without zoning, counties shape projects mostly through road use agreements, tax abatements, and floodplain permits. See your county's contacts on its county page and the statewide list on the Texas permits page.
Related questions
General information from the sources linked above, not legal, tax, or financial advice.