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Development Services

Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit

  The previous requirement for professional certification is no longer required. Photovoltaic (PV) projects meeting the criteria below do not require a plan review and can be submitted electronically using a Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar PV Permit. 

 

A Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar PV Permit is required to install a residential rooftop-mounted solar PV system or solar photovoltaic shingles. PV systems for single-family, duplex or townhouse roof installations designed per the template in Information Bulletin 301 can be submitted through this streamlined process with no plan review with the limits/allowances below.

  1. Not more than 14 kW maximum output.
  2. Located on a sloped roof where the roof height exceeds the height of the PV panels.
  3. Structural review not required (see IB-301, Section II, C, 1).
  4. No work necessitating a Combination Building Permit such as structural modifications to the roof structure, adding a new structure, etc.

  5. Scope can include the following scope of work, in addition to PV installation:

    1.  A panel upgrade of up to 320 amps.
    2. An energy storage system where each unit has a maximum rating of 20 kWh and the total amount of energy storage systems not more than 40 kWh.
    3. An Inverter-integrated electric vehicle charger.

 Please include the information above in the scope of work on the Title Sheet to allow for quicker processing.

Solar panels on a roof
Diagram of a residential solar installation

Plan Your Project

What You Should Know

  • Residential Rooftop mounted PV permits are required before installing a solar PV system. Learn more by reviewing PDF icon Information Bulletin 301 - Solar Photovoltaic Systems.
  • All solar PV systems that are proposed on a flat roof, historically designated structure or structure other than a single-family home or duplex require an Electrical Permit with plans.
  • All ground-mounted solar PVs located 5-ft above ground, commercial solar PV with structural or building modifications will need to submit online for a Building Permit.
  • Review the PDF icon Residential Solar PV Project Plan Template and incorporate all elements outlined within the template into your design. Pro-Cert applicants are required to use this template.

Fees

Inspection, review and other fees vary based on the project scope. Learn more by reviewing PDF icon Information Bulletin 301 - Solar Photovoltaic Systems.

Exemptions

No exemptions.

Compliant Outdoor Expansion

Apply for a Permit

Step 1

Review the PDF icon User Guide on How to Apply for a PV Permit Online

Step 2

Review the PDF icon Residential Solar PV Project Plan Template and incorporate all elements outlined within the template into your design. Pro-Cert applicants are required to use this template.

NOTE: The documents must be in PDF format. PDF icon View PDF requirements

Step 3

Download and complete the PDF icon Project Contact Information Form (DS-345)

Step 4

Validate your PDF documents with Scout™

Step 5

Apply for the permit

You will be required to upload the completed PDF documents from Steps 2 and 3.

Additional Resources