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Development Services

Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit

A Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV) permit is required to install a residential rooftop-mounted solar PV system or solar photovoltaic shingles. Integrated electric vehicle (EV) chargers can be included in this permit along with a panel upgrade of up to 320 amps.

For customers installing a solar PV system or solar shingle roof with an independent separate EV charging unit or battery, a separate simple Electrical Permit is required for the EV charging unit and/or battery system.

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.
  • Residential solar PV  on flat roofs, historically designated structures, ground-mounted PVs located 5-ft above ground or any PV installation that requires building modifications will need to submit online for a PTS building permit.
  • All solar PV systems that are proposed on a structure other than a single-family home or duplex require an Electrical Permit with plans.
  • Commercial solar PV with structural or building modifications will need to submit online for a PTS 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.

Professional Certification

The PDF icon Professional Certification (Pro-Cert) program allows eligible design professionals to obtain a permit for a Residential Solar PV installation without a full plan review.

This program applies to roof-mounted Solar PV modules on single-family residences that utilize the City’s PDF icon Residential Solar PV Plan Template. Plans submitted by certified design professionals will be permitted with only a limited review by staff to assure the correct plans, documents and fees have been submitted. Designers now only need to add the professional certification notes on plan sets with a signed statement and meet the Pro-Cert requirements.

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.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Apply for the permit

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

Additional Resources