Mills County, Iowa solar ordinance
Solar: 300 ft (from a residence that is not a part of the SESUS area) from homes, 50 ft (from edge of the right-of-way) from roads, 20 ft (maximum tilt of the solar panel) maximum height. Every figure is quoted from the county's ordinance, read September 30, 2026.
Updated September 2026
Solar rules
5 figures read from the county's ordinance, each with the sentence it comes from.
| Rule and what the ordinance says | Requirement |
|---|---|
Setback from homesfrom a residence that is not a part of the SESUS areaand three hundred (300) feet from a residence that is not a part of the SESUS area. | 300 ft |
Road setbackfrom edge of the right-of-wayThe front yard setbacks shall be a minimum of fifty (50) feet from the edge of the right - of - way to the closest solar panel of a SESUS project | 50 ft |
Maximum heightmaximum tilt of the solar panelA solar panel shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height above grade at maximum tilt of the solar panel(s). | 20 ft |
Fence heightThe SESUS shall be fenced with a minimum eight - foot (8’) tall security fence. | 8 ft |
Noise limitmeasured at the residence(s) when located adjacent to an existing residence or residential districtNoise levels caused by the SESUS measured at the residence(s) shall not exceed fifty (50) decibels (A - weighted) when located adjacent to an existing residence or residential district. | 50 dBA |
Source: Mills County ordinance (PDF), read September 30, 2026. Check the cited section with the county before relying on a figure.
Iowa state law
State law can cap or override county rules. All Iowa rules and counties.
State siting: Iowa Utilities Commission (formerly Iowa Utilities Board)
A plant of 25 MW or more needs a state certificate before construction.
Iowa Code 476A.1(5), 476A.2. Source
Limits on local rules
For plants of 25 MW or more, the state may issue its certificate even if the project does not meet county zoning; no limit was found for smaller projects.
Iowa Code 476A.5(3). Source
Every Iowa figure in one spreadsheet
114 figures from 17 counties, each with its quote, source, date read and any condition. 3 of those places are not on this site. Plus the 8 moratoria and bans on file and Iowa state law.
How these figures were read
We found Mills County's own ordinance and had two AI models read it separately. A figure is shown only when both read the same number and the sentence it comes from was found in the document. Moratoria and bans are checked against the adopting document. Ordinances change and many figures apply only in some cases, so check the cited section with the county before relying on one.
Common questions
What are the solar setbacks in Mills County, IA?
The county's ordinance sets solar facilities back 50 ft (from edge of the right-of-way) from roads and 300 ft (from a residence that is not a part of the SESUS area) from homes. Check the cited section with the county before relying on a figure.
How tall can a solar farm be in Mills County, IA?
The ordinance sets a maximum height of 20 ft (maximum tilt of the solar panel). Check the cited section with the county before relying on a figure.