VA SB26

Authorizes Virginia localities to require solar canopies over up to 50% of qualified parking areas as a condition of land development approval, effective July 1, 2027

Defines "qualified parking area" as new or expanded surface parking lots with 100 or more contiguous spaces serving nonresidential buildings or developments

Requires any such local ordinance to apply equally to all qualified parking areas, including publicly owned lots, school parking, and regional authority properties

Exempts solar canopies from being counted as additional impervious surface for stormwater management and eliminates landscaping requirements for canopy-covered areas

Allows deviations from requirements when strict application would prevent otherwise-permitted development or when solar modeling shows the canopy would generate less than 75% of expected electricity due to shading or other obstructions