Small Rooftop Solar Permit

To qualify for the program, your solar energy system must meet the following requirements:

General

1. Are no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal
2. Conform to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical and other building codes as adopted or amended by the city, county or city and county and paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code
3. Are installed on a single-family or duplex family dwelling
4. Do not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction

Planning and Zoning

1. Is not on a historic structure
2. Will be mounted parallel to and less than 8 inches off the plane of the roof
3. Locate the inverters and accessory equipment outside of public view in a side or rear yard

1. Approval Requirements

The following permits are required to install a solar PV system with a maximum power output of 10 kW or less:

a)      ELECTRICAL PERMIT

2. Submittal Requirements

a)    Demonstrate compliance with the eligibility checklist for expedited permitting

b)    A completed Solar PV Standard Plan. The standard plan may be used for proposed solar installations 10 kW in size or smaller

• Standard Electrical Plan
• Standard Plan - Simplified Microinverter
  
  

c)    Completed permit application form.  Download the required electrical permit application or complete entire process online.  Note – our online process allows for electronic signature on all forms, applications and other documentation may be used in lieu of a wet signature.

If standard electrical plans are not provided for use, an electrical plan should be submitted that includes the following:

• Locations of main service or utility disconnect
• Total number of modules, number of modules per string and the total number of strings
• Make and model of inverter(s) and/or combiner box if used
• One-line diagram of system
• Specify grounding/bonding, conductor type and size, conduit type and size and number of conductors in
• each section of conduit
• If batteries are to be installed, include them in the diagram and show their locations and venting
• Equipment cut sheets including inverters, modules, AC and DC disconnects, combiners and wind generators
• Labeling of equipment as required by CEC, Sections 690 and 705
• Site diagram showing the arrangement of panels on the roof or ground, north arrow, lot dimensions and the distance from property lines to adjacent buildings/structures (existing and proposed)

d) A roof plan showing roof layout, PV panels and the following fire safety items: approximate location of roof access point, location of code-compliant access pathways, PV system fire classification and the locations of all required labels and markings. Examples of clear path access pathways are available in the State Fire Marshal Solar PV Installation Guide. http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/pdf/reports/solarphotovoltaicguideline.pdf.

e) Completed expedited Structural Criteria along with required documentation. Download Structural Criteria.

For non-qualifying systems, provide structural drawings and calculations stamped and signed by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer, along with the following information.

• The type of roof covering and the number of roof coverings installed
• Type of roof framing, size of members and spacing
• Weight of panels, support locations and method of attachment
• Framing plan and details for any work necessary to strengthen the existing roof structure
• Site-specific structural calculations
• Where an approved racking system is used, provide documentation showing manufacturer of the rack system, maximum allowable weight the system can support, attachment method to the roof or ground and product evaluation information or structural design for the rack system

3. Plan Review

Permit applications can be submitted to Building Division in person at 200 S Anaheim Blvd, 1st Floor and electronically through: e-permits page.

Permit applications utilizing standard plan may be approved “over-the-counter” at 200 S Anaheim Blvd, 1st Floor. Permit applications may also be submitted electronically for “over-the-counter” approval through: e-permits page.

Permits not approved “over-the-counter” should be reviewed in 1 to 3 days.

4. Fees

Sub Panels (Under 600 V, up to 200 amps)……………………………....$110.81 per Unit

PV Inverters Over 1 to 10 hp – 1 to 75 kva………………………………..$110.81 per Unit

Micro Inverters……………………………………………..………………….$110.81 total

5. Inspections

Once all permits to construct the solar installation have been issued and the system has been installed, it must be inspected before final approval is granted for the solar system. On-site inspections can be scheduled by contacting Building Inspection hotline (714) 765-4626 or electronically through our Building Inspection Online page.  Inspection requests made prior to midnight will be scheduled on the following work day.
 
 Following Inspections are required:
 

Permit holders must be prepared to show conformance with all technical requirements in the field at the time of inspection. The inspector will verify that the installation is in conformance with applicable code requirements and with the approved plans.

The inspection checklist provides an overview of common points of inspection that the applicant should be prepared to show compliance. If not available, common checks include the following.

• Number of PV modules and model number match plans and specification sheets number match plans
• and specification sheets.
• Array conductors and components are installed in a neat and workman-like manner.
• PV array is properly grounded.
• Electrical boxes are accessible and connections are suitable for environment.
• Array is fastened and sealed according to attachment detail.
• Conductor’s ratings and sizes match plans.
• Appropriate signs are property constructed, installed and displayed, including the following:
  •       Sign identifying PV power source system attributes at DC disconnect
  •       Sign identifying AC point of connection
  •       Sign identifying switch for alternative power system
• Equipment ratings are consistent with application and installed signs on the installation, including the following.
  •        Inverter has a rating as high as max voltage on PV power source sign.
  •        DC-side overcurrent circuit protection devices (OCPDs) are DC rated at least as high as max voltage on sign.
  •        Switches and OCPDs are installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications (i.e., many 600VDC switches require passing through the switch poles twice in a specific way).
  •         Inverter is rated for the site AC voltage supplied and shown on the AC point of connection sign.
  •      OCPD connected to the AC output of the inverter is rated at least 125% of maximum current on sign and is no larger than the maximum OCPD on the inverter listing label.
  •        Sum of the main OCPD and the inverter OCPD is rated for not more than 120% of the bus bar rating.

6. Departmental Contact Information

For additional information regarding this permit process, please contact:

Anaheim Building Division
200 South Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92805
714-765-5153
buildingdivisionweb@anaheim.net