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Read. Follow. Verify.Indiana Restricts Solar Zoning Overlays and Requires Compatible Underlying Classifications
Last action · January 6, 2026: Senator Byrne added as second authorSponsors: Liz Brown and 1 other
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What This Bill Proposed
After December 31, 2025, local permit authorities in Indiana are prohibited from establishing a zoning for s unless every underlying zoning district across which it extends already permits commercial solar use. If any underlying district does not permit commercial solar use, it must be rezoned to allow it before the overlay can be established.
Property owners and local governments must ensure underlying zoning districts explicitly permit s before creating new solar s, altering how renewable energy infrastructure is planned and sited across municipal jurisdictions.
Who It Would Have Affected
Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
local permit authorities
Local permit authorities are prohibited from establishing new commercial solar overlay districts unless all underlying zoning districts permit commercial solar use or are rezoned.
commercial solar energy project developers
Developers must ensure that underlying zoning districts permit commercial solar uses before new overlay districts can be established, potentially altering project timelines and siting requirements.
Key Facts
- This section does not apply to an overlay district established in a unit before January 1, 2026.
- A commercial solar energy project (CSE project) involves the construction, installation, siting, modification, operation, or decommissioning of one or more CSE systems.
- A commercial solar energy system (CSE system) captures and converts solar energy into electricity for wholesale sale and off-premises use.
- Overlay districts are supplemental districts extending across one or more underlying zoning districts that prescribe additional or alternative regulations.
Show all 7 facts
- After December 31, 2025, permit authorities may not establish a commercial solar overlay district unless each underlying zoning district permits commercial solar use.
- If any underlying district does not permit commercial solar use, that district or part of it must be rezoned to permit commercial solar use.
- An emergency is declared for this act, making it effective January 1, 2026 (retroactive).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this bill affect solar panels installed on residential or commercial rooftops for on-site power?
What happens if an underlying zoning district does not permit commercial solar projects when an overlay is proposed?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in Senate committee.
Procedural history
3 actions- Jan 6, 2026SenateSenator Byrne added as second author
- Dec 8, 2025SenateIntroducedFirst reading: referred to Committee on Utilities
- Dec 8, 2025SenateAuthored by Senator Brown L
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
iga.in.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance20Lowered because this bill did not pass (its text scored 65)
- Controversy50Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
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