This case study of Howard County, MD’s Solar Legislation (Council Bill 17-2021) is intended to highlight how local governments can create an enabling policy environment for rooftop and ground-mount solar development throughout the community. The solar legislation creates new opportunities for solar installations in commercial and industrial zones and further regulates solar in agricultural areas to preserve farmland. The legislation results in lower barriers for solar developers and property owners, cleaner air, lower emissions and increased energy resilience for the County and its residents.

This case study is most useful for local governments with zoning authority.

This case study was published by ICLEI USA in September 2026 through the Municipal Investment Fund.

This case study includes...

Provided language for zoning definition changes

Community concerns & additional guardrails related to agricultural solar

A demonstrated increase County-wide solar capacity since the change in zoning

...and more!