Development

Pierce County Proposes Solar Code Amendments

Thursday, August 20, 2026

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Pierce County Planning and Public Works proposed code amendments for solar energy systems and battery storage on August 18, 2026. The changes would require separate permits for such projects, including environmental reviews if needed. Public comments are due by September 1, 2026.

The amendments aim to regulate solar and battery projects that may affect Puyallup residents. Pierce County residents in the Puyallup area would need to apply for new permits under the proposed rules. The county is seeking feedback before finalizing the code.

The county will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes at a future council meeting. Residents can submit written comments online or at the hearing.

📄 Source: WA Ecology SEPA — Pierce County — https://data.wa.gov/resource/mmcb-z6jf.json?countyname=PIERCE

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Pierce County Planning and Public Works proposed code amendments for solar energy systems and battery storage on August 18, 2026“Project: Environmental Review: Solar Energy and Battery Storage Code Lead agency: Pierce County Type: DNS Applicant: Pierce County Planning and Public Works Description: Adoption of the proposed code amendments by the Pierce County Council. Solar energy systems and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects enabled by these code amendments would require separate, project-specific permits, which may include: • Project action SEPA review, if non-exempt • Building permits • Conditional use permits (for utility-scale BESS) • Fire code review and approval for com Issued: 2026-08-18 Comments due: 2026-09-01 Record: https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/separ/Main/SEPA/Record.aspx?SEPANumber=202603466”
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The changes would require separate permits for such projectsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The changes would include environmental reviews if neededNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Public comments are due by September 1, 2026“Comments due: 2026-09-01”
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The amendments aim to regulate solar and battery projects that may affect Puyallup residentsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Pierce County residents in the Puyallup area would need to apply for new permits under the proposed rulesNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The county is seeking feedback before finalizing the codeNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The county will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes at a future council meetingNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Residents can submit written comments online or at the hearingNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.