Photo: Kindel Media

Do you need planning permission for solar panels?

You need only apply for full planning permission (flats) or householder planning permission (houses) to install a solar panel when any of the following apply: it would protrude more than 20cm from the external surface of the wall or roof slope, when measured perpendicularly.

camden.gov.uk - Solar panels and planning permission - Camden Council

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Do I need planning permission?

Permitted development rights allow the installation of solar panels. This is subject to the conditions outlined below. Permitted development rights also apply to conservation areas, with the exception of those covered by an Article 4 Direction. This removes permitted development rights for solar panel installations. In these cases you must apply for planning permission. To comply with permitted development conditions, you should place the solar panel, so far as is practicable, to reduce its effect on the external appearance of the building and the amenity of the area. You should remove solar panels as soon as they are no longer needed. Solar panels mounted on a house or a block of flats or a building in the grounds of a house or flats: You need only apply for full planning permission (flats) or householder planning permission (houses) to install a solar panel when any of the following apply: it would protrude more than 20cm from the external surface of the wall or roof slope, when measured perpendicularly the highest part of the solar panel or equipment will be higher than the highest part of the roof. This excludes any chimney it would be installed on a wall in a conservation area which faces a highway. This includes roads, paths and public rights of way your house or flat is a listed building, or within the curtilage of a listed building. Curtilage means within the garden or grounds. If your house or flat is a listed building you must also apply for listed building consent.

Stand alone solar panels on domestic premises (panels not on a building)

You need only apply for full planning permission (flats) or householder planning permission (houses) to install a stand alone solar panel when any of the following apply:

more than one stand alone solar panel would be installed.

it would exceed 4m in height.

it would be located 5m within the boundary of the property.

it would be installed within the curtilage of a listed building. Curtilage means within the garden or grounds. in a conservation area, any part of the solar installation would be closer to a highway than any part of the house. A highway includes roads, paths and public rights of way. the surface area of any stand alone solar panel will exceed 9m² or any dimension of its array (including other equipment) would exceed 3m .

Where can I find more information?

The solar panels section of the national planning portal has lots of guidance and useful information.

Can I get confirmation that I do not require planning permission?

Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to prove an existing or proposed solar panel is lawful.

Am I likely to get planning permission?

To find out whether your proposal is likely to be accepted, you can apply for pre-planning application advice.

How do I apply?

You can apply via the national planning portal. To find out what information is needed with your application, see making a planning application.

Still not sure whether you need planning permission?

If you need further advice about whether you need planning permission, contact planning advice and information.

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Can two toilets share the same vent?

Most houses have more than one toilet, and if they are on the same side of the house, their waste lines can usually tie into the same stack. If they are on opposite sides, however, each may need its own stack.

homeguides.sfgate.com - How to Install Two Toilet Drains - Home Guides - SFGATE

Glue a coupling on the top of the waste stack, which should extend a foot above the top waste connection, to reduce its diameter from 4 inches to 2 inches. Run 2-inch ABS from that coupling through the roof to vent the stack. The vent pipe should extend at least 1 foot above the roof line. Seal the roof opening by installing vent flashing around the exposed section of the vent pipe.

Warning

The plumbing code has specific requirements for toilet drain/waste/vent systems. Make a diagram of your planned installation and have it inspected by a licensed plumber before you begin. The plumber will be able to identify code violations or improper configurations. Be sure to secure the necessary permit from your local building department before you begin work.