How to Obtain a Permit for the Installation of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

I. Permit Requirements

1. An Electrical Permit is required for the installation of photovoltaic (PV), Batteries / ESS (Energy Storage System), PV deferred from another building permit, and PV shingle systems.
2. A Combination Building Permit is required if the scope of work includes structural modifications to existing single-family/duplex/townhouse residential structures to support the PV system or photovoltaic shingles. In this case, a separate Electrical Permit is not required.
3. A Building Permit is required for the installation of a PV system on existing non-residential or multi-family residential buildings/structures if the scope of work includes modifications to structures to support the PV system or when the scope of work includes new accessory structures such as carports, canopies or shade structures.
4. A Building Permit or Combina­tion Building Permit is required for a ground-mounted PV system with a support structure greater than five feet above ground.
5. For projects where a solar PV system or systems will be installed on multiple buildings, a separate electrical permit is required for each stand-alone structure, except for garages and carports that are accessories to the building and located on the same premises.
6.  Where existing roof-mounted PVs are removed for renewal of the roof covering. An original approved record plan set must accompany the submitted PV plans to confirm that the system was permitted and installed. A pre-removal inspection of the existing system may be required. The permit for the re-installation of the existing PV does not allow any alteration of the original equipment or system. The installation of the PV system for the re-roofing purpose shall be performed by a qualified contractor holding a C-10 or C-46 license.

II. Submittal Requirements

The following plans and documents shall be submitted along with the appropriate fees.

1.  Application Package
   1. Hazardous Materials Reporting Form (DS-165) when a Building Permit is required and/or when batteries/ESS are included in the scope of work for projects other than single-family, duplex and townhouse projects
   2. San Diego Regional Hazardous Materials Questionnaire (HM-9171) when a Building Permit is required
   3. Stormwater Requirements Applicabil­ity Checklist (DS-560) when a Building Permit is required
   4. Owner-Builder Verification (DS-3042) if the property owner is doing the work
   5. The Project Contact form (DS-345) must be submitted at the time of permit issuance
2. Plans
   1. Plan Template for Single-Family/Duplex/Townhouse Residential
      It is recommended that all residential projects use the Residential PV plan template per Appendix A. The template can be used for a residential PV project located on a sloped roof. Provide the following items when submitting the Residential PV plan template.
      • The plan template sheets must be modified to reflect the actual project-specific details.
      • Show on the plan the building occupancy type.
      • The manufacturer’s specifications for the PV modules, racking, inverter(s), and batteries/ESS with the UL 9540 listing.
      • On the plans, show that inverters are listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1741; or part of the ESS UL 9540 listing.
      • On the plans, show individual ESS separated from each other by not less than 3 feet. If other separation distances are utilized, then include the ESS UL 9540A large-scale fire test documentation to justify the smaller separation distance(s).
      • On the plans, show the smoke alarms and/or heat alarms, where smoke alarms cannot be installed based on their listing.
      • On the plans, show impact protection from vehicle damage if ESS is installed in a location subject to vehicle damage (e.g., by driveway, inside garage, etc.).
        • The normal driving path of vehicle travel within a garage is a space between the garage vehicle opening and the interior face of the back wall to a height of 48 inches above the finished floor. The width of the normal driving path shall be equal to the width of the garage door opening.
        • Impact protection is also required on the interior face of the back wall and located within 36 inches to the left or to the right of the normal driving path; and on the interior face of a side wall and located within 24 inches from the back wall and 36 inches of the normal driving path.
        • Impact protection shall comply with one of the following:
          • Bollards minimum 48 inches in length by 3 inches in diameter Schedule 80 steel pipe embedded in a concrete pier not less than 12 inches deep and 6 inches in diameter, with not less than 36 inches of pipe exposed, filled with concrete and spaced at a maximum interval of 5 feet. Each bollard shall be located not less than 6 inches from an ESS.
          • Bollards minimum 36 inches in height by 3 inches in diameter Schedule 80 steel pipe fully welded to a steel plate not less than 8 inches in length by ¼ inch in thickness and bolted to a concrete floor by means of four (4) 4-½-inch concrete anchors embedded not less than 3 inches. Spacing shall be not greater than 60 inches and each bollard shall be located not less than 6 inches from an ESS.
          • Premanufactured steel pipe bollards filled with concrete and anchored in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, with spacing not greater than 60 inches. Each bollard shall be located not less than 6 inches from the ESS.
          • Wheel barriers constructed of concrete or polymer 4 inches in height by 5 inches in width by 70 inches in length, anchored to the concrete floor not less than every 36 inches and located not less than 54 inches from the ESS. Concrete anchors not less than 3-½ inches in diameter with 3-inch embedment per barrier shall be used. Spacing between barriers shall be not greater than 36 inches.
          • Premanufactured wheel barriers shall be anchored in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and be readily available for field inspection.
          • An approved method designed to resist an impact of 2,000 pound-force in the direction of travel at 24 inches above grade.
        • Indoor installations of ESS that produce hydrogen or other flammable gases during charging shall be provided with mechanical ventilation in accordance with the California Mechanical Code (CMC).
        • ESS with the potential to release toxic or highly toxic gas during charging, discharging and normal use conditions shall not be installed within Group R-3 or R-4 occupancies.
        • ESS installations exceeding the permitted individual (20 kWh) or aggregate (40 kWh within utility closets, basements and storage or utility spaces; 80 kWh in attached garages; 100 kWh on or within 3 feet of exterior walls of dwellings and attached garages; 200 kWh on or within 3 feet of exterior walls of dwellings and attached garages where exterior walls are constructed with noncombustible surfaces per Table R330.5 footnote a; 200 kWh in detached garages and detached accessory structures; 600 kWh in detached garages and detaches accessory structures when a minimum of 10 feet away from property lines and dwellings; 200 kWh outdoors on the ground when ESS is a minimum of 3 feet away from property lines and dwellings; and 600 kWh outdoors on the ground when ESS is a minimum of 10 feet away from property lines and dwellings) ratings shall be installed in accordance with California Fire Code (CFC) Section 1207.1 thru 1207.9, not the CRC. Stop here and resubmit a complete set of plans addressing all applicable concerns in CFC Sections 1207.1-1207.9.
   2. All Other PV Installations
      Provide the following documents for all other PV installations.
   3. Site Plan
      The site plan must show the location of all existing and proposed PV panels, AC or DC combiners, all discon­nects, inverters, batteries/ESS, and sub-panels connected to the PV system and the meter panel. The site plan for ground-mounted PV systems must show as outlined in Information Bulle­tin 122, How to Prepare a Site Plan and Vicinity Map.
   4. Roof Plan
      The roof plan must show the roof slope and location of the existing and proposed PV panels on the roof in relation to any ridge, hip or valley, as well as the location and size of any existing roof-mounted equipment. Include the weight of the PV system in pounds per square foot and the connection to the roof details on the plans. Also, plans must comply with all access pathways and ridge clearance requirements.

Single-Line Diagram
The single-line diagram must show the number of PV panels (including manufacturer model number) with voltage and kilowatt output, disconnects, combiners, inverters (include manufacturer model number) with input ratings, ampere rating of sub-panels connected to the PV system, kWh of batteries/ESS rating (including manufacturer model number) ampere rating of meter panel bussing, ampere rating of main service disconnect, ampere rating of PV circuit breaker, size and type of all raceways and the size and type of all conductors.Show the existing electrical system's complete rating information for the purpose of determining adequate interconnection of the PV system.

5. Manufacturer’s Specifications
   Provide the manufacturer’s specifications for the proposed PV modules, racking, inverter(s), batteries/ESS, and meter. Specifications for PV panels and racking systems must include the UL listings indicating that a Class A fire rating for the proposed system is provided, except for ground-mounted PV systems with no use underneath the panels. Products proposed for installation shall be listed. 
6. Design Professional Stamp and Signature
   All plans must be stamped and signed in accordance with the California Business and Professions Code by the registered design professional.
   • PV or batteries/ESS plans may be stamped and signed by a California registered Civil or Electrical Engineer or a licensed Electrical Contractor (C-10 License), General Contractor (B License) or Solar Contractor (C-46 License) who is responsible for the design and installation of the system.
   • When an electrical panel upgrade is proposed, a California-registered Electrical Engineer or a C-10 must sign and stamp the plans.
   • A California registered Architect, Civil or Structural Engineer must stamp and sign structural calculations and plans.
7. Building Integrated Photovoltaic Shingles
   Where building integrated photovoltaic shingles are provided, the following requirements must be shown on plans:
   • Shingles must be applied to a solid or closely fitted deck, except where the shingles are designed to be applied over spaced sheathing.
   • Shingles shall not be installed on roof slopes less than 2:12 slope (17%).
   • Shingles shall be listed as a Class A roof assembly in accordance with San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC) §149.0902 (c) or §145.1505 (c), as applicable.
   • Shingles shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1703.
   • Shingles must be tested in accordance with ASTM D3161 for wind resistance per CRC 905.16.6 or CBC 1507.16.8, as applicable.
8. Structural Review, Plans and Calculations
   1. Structural Review Required
      Structural review is required for the installation of PV systems where any of the following conditions occur:
      • Alterations to a structure as required for support and/or attachment for PV systems.
      • The weight of the PV system exceeds six pounds per square foot.
      • The weight of any ground-mounted or roof-mounted equipment exceeds 400 pounds.
      • PV mounting height, at any point, is greater than 24 inches above the roof level
      • PV system installed on a ballasted roof.
      • Ground-mounted PV system located more than five feet above the ground.
      • Batteries not installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
   2. Structural Plans
      Provide the following information when structural review is required.
      1. Structural plans that demonstrate the required load path to the ground.
      2. A roof framing plan with the following information:
         • Size and location of all roof framing members and vertical support elements.
         • PV support structure framing plan with size and location of all framing members.
         • Location, size and weight of any existing or new roof-mounted equipment.
         • Maximum weight, number and location of PV panels.
         • Maximum weight of batteries/ESS equipment and support anchoring detail.
         • Size, weight and number of ballasts at each location.
         • Attachment of panels to the support structure and the support structure to the roof or to the ground.
         • Manufacturer’s installation specifications for pre-manufactured racking systems.
         • Cross-section showing the height of the proposed PV panels above the roof or ground, the supporting structure, slope, and the distance down the slope from any roof ridge.
9. Structural Calculations
   Structural calculations must be provided to evaluate the existing roof framing system for roof dead load, PV dead load (panels, ballasts, support platform, etc.) and roof design live load. For roof areas covered by the PV panels, where the clear space between the PV panels and the rooftop is 24 inches or less, the live load of the roof design may be ignored. The adequacy of the following must be evaluated by a California-licensed civil/structural engineer or architect:
   • Existing gravity load-carrying structural elements (joists, beams, girders, trusses, columns, foundation) where installation of the PV system causes an increase in design gravity load of more than 5% and,
   • Existing lateral load-carrying structural elements (horizontal diaphragms, shear walls, braced/moment frames) where installation of PV system causes an increase in the demand to capacity ratio under earthquake loading of more than 10%.
10. Zoning Review
    A zoning review is required for the installation of PV systems that require a Building Permit or Combination Permit. Zoning, structure height, brush management, FAA notification and conditions of prior development permits are enforced for the installation of PV systems.
11. Historical Review
    Historic review is required for the installation of PV systems that also require a Building Permit or Combination Permit if the project involves any parcel with a designated historical resource or is located within the boundaries of an adopted historic district, a historical review is required. Please refer to Information Bulletin 581, “Designated Historical Resource Review” for additional Historic Review information.
12. Fire Roof Access and Pathways
    Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements must be provided in accordance with the California Fire Code, Section 1205.2. If compliance is not provided or an alternative is proposed, a Fire Plan Review will be required.

III. Options for Service

1. Single-Family/Duplex/Townhouse Residential Roof-Mounted Solar PV Systems
   New residential roof-mounted PV projects designed per the template and building integrated photovoltaic shingles for single-family, duplex or townhouse roofs are self-issued with no plan review with the following limits/allowances.
   1. Not more than 38.4 kW AC maximum output.
   2. Structural review is not required per Section II, B, 9.
   3. Fire Plan Review is not required per Section II, B, 13.
   4. No work necessitating a combination building permit, such as structural modifications to the roof structure, adding a new structure, etc.
   5. The scope can include the following scope of work in addition to PV installation:
      • Panel upgrades up to 320 amps.
      • An energy storage system up to 38.4 kWh with each unit no greater than 20 kWh.
      • Inverter-integrated electric vehicle charger.
   6. Submit these projects electronically through the online portal, selecting the Photovoltaic – SB 379 Permit.
2. All Other Solar PV Systems Not Requiring a Building or Combination Permit
   Plans for PV systems that do not qualify under Section III. A, or Section I. B, C or D above and do not require a building or combination permit must be submitted electronically through the online portal by selecting "Plan - Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Standalone Permit."
3. Solar PV Systems Requiring a Building or Combination Permit
   Plans for PV systems that require a building permit must be submitted electronically through the online portal by selecting "Building Permit."

IV. Fees

The fees listed below apply only to Electrical Permits and include upgrades to service panels up to 320 amps. Unless otherwise noted, these fees must be paid prior to review. Projects that require additional reviews—such as structural, zoning, brush management/landscape, or historical—may incur additional charges based on an hourly rate, as outlined in Information Bulletin 501. Additional fees will apply if a Building Permit or Combination Building Permit is required for the project. For details, please refer to Information Bulletin 501.

1. No Plan Review PV Systems (See Section III, A)

2. Single-Family/Duplex/Townhouse PV Systems with Plan Review

3. Non-Residential/Multi-Family Residential PV Systems and Photovoltaic Shingles

4. Batteries/ ESS Plan Review and Inspection 

Hourly fee for plan reviews and inspections

5.  Mapping Fee
   This fee is collected to fund automation efforts and online GIS data and mapping for Development Services. It is charged when there are plans, drawings, maps or other geographical documents utilized for project review.

6. Express Plan Check
   When available, a reduced review period can be accomplished by paying an Express Plan Check Administrative Fee plus 1.5 times the regular plan check fee (or 1.5 times the hourly rate, when applicable). Refer to Information Bulletin 700 for additional information on the optional Express Plan Check Service. 

   ^**Note: the optional Express Plan Check service is not available for single-family/duplex/ADU projects.

V. Inspections

Required inspections may include Electrical Underground, Electrical Rough, Electrical Final, Structural-Foundation, Structural-Rough and Structural-Final. After receiving final inspection approval for all related City of San Diego Permits, San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) will be notified. The system is not approved to energize until SDG&E approval is obtained.

VI. References

• San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC)
• How to Process Construction Changes to Approved Plans (IB 118)
• How to Prepare a Site Plan and Vicinity Map (IB 122)
• Fee Schedule Construction Permits - Structures (IB 501)
• Designated Historical Resource Review (IB 581)
• Hazardous Materials Reporting (DS-165)
• Stormwater Requirements Applicability Checklist (DS-560)
• Owner-Builder Verification (DS-3042)
• San Diego Regional Hazardous Materials Questionnaire (HM-9171)
• Residential Photovoltaic (PV) Plan Template

VIII. Previous Versions of this Information Bulletin

This section contains previous versions of this Information Bulletin by the last day they were effective. 

• 2026-05-04|IB-301
• 2025-10-08| IB-301
• 2025-05-04|IB 301
• 2024-06-30 | IB 301