HomeMy WebLinkAboutPhotovoltaic Requirements over 20kw 2021PALM DESERT PERMIT CENTER
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260
(760) 776-6435 – permitcenter@cityofpalmdesert.org
PHOTOVOLTAIC REQUIREMENTS OVER 20KW OR OTHER
PROJECTS NOT QUALIFIED UNDER AB2188 STREAMLINE
This information bulletin is published to guide applicants through a standardized permitting process for all commercial
and residential solar photovoltaic systems that do not qualify for the “Small Rooftop Residential Solar Program
(AB2188).”
This bulletin provides information about submittal requirements, plan review, fees, and provides a general summary
of mandatory field inspections for the following types of projects:
Commercial rooftop systems
Residential rooftop systems (Over 10kw)
Ground mounted and carport systems
Additions or modifications to existing solar photovoltaic systems
Note: This publication does not conform to the California Solar Initiative (AB2188) for qualifying small rooftop
photovoltaic systems. Refer to the Building and Safety Department’s website for further information on that program
and what qualifies.
Required Approvals
The following approvals are required for installation of photovoltaic system within the City of Palm Desert:
Planning Department approval is required at the time of plan review submittal. Please contact directly for
questions on requirements (760) 776-6483.
Fire Department approval is required for all commercial solar photovoltaic installations and must be submitted
online at www.rivcoplus.org or in person at 77933 Las Montanas Road, Ste. 201, Palm Desert, California
92211 – call (760) 863-8886 for more information.
Building Department approval in the issuance of a Photovoltaic System Permit.
Building Permit Application Form
A permit application can be obtained in person or downloaded fr om the Department’s website at:
www.cityofpalmdesert.org
Project Submittal
All projects can be submitted digitally to the following link: http://cpdftp.org/filedrop/PermitCenter or visit
www.pdpermits.com for a direct link.
Plan Review Timeframes
All solar photovoltaic and thermal plan reviews are conducted within fifteen (15) working days from the date of
approved receipt (fees paid and cleared / a ll submittal Information Included). All necessary rechecks and/or revisions
occur within ten (10) working days of the project re-submittal.
Plan Review and Permit Fees
Residential and Commercial Plan Review Fees are $168 / Permit Fees are approximately $266 depending on the
required number of archived documents.
Minimum Plan Sets Requirements
Provide two (2) complete sets of photovoltaic plans (Minimum 11”X17” to Maximum of 24”X36”). Include a
separate Site and Roof Layout Plan for the Riverside County Assessor’s Office.
Provide a fully dimensioned site plan showing property lines, all structures, and the location of the main
electrical service, all photovoltaic inverters and disconnects, etc.
Provide a roof plan showing the location of the photovoltaic panels and the required setbacks. Include all
walkways to roof mounted equipment (including any roof mounted heating and air conditioning equipment,
etc.). Roof plans should also identify the size and spacing of the existing roof framing members and the slope
of the roof plus any required roof framing alterations needed.
PHOTOVOLTAIC REQUIREMENTS OVER 20KW OR OTHER PROJECTS NOT QUALIFIED UNDER AB2188 STREAMLINE
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Ground Mounted Systems Provide a Ground System Site Plan showing the location of the arrays. Include all
electrical layouts, existing slope, and site drainage, if altered. Ground mounted systems designed for steep
embankments or retained areas require a licensed design professional stamp and signature.
Attachment Details Provide an attachment detail demonstrating how the photovoltaic panels and array will
be secured to the racking system and roof structure.
Engineering Calculations Engineering calculations may be required on some photovoltaic systems to show
that the existing roof is strong enough to support the added weight of the system.
Provide a complete electrical single line diagram showing all electrical equipment, conductor size and type,
conduit sizes, overcurrent protection location and ratings, grounding electrode type and location, point of
interconnection to existing service panel (i.e. back fed breaker), etc.
Provide all manufacturers’ specifications on all inverters, solar panels, combiner and disconnect boxes and
solar panel anchorage system to be used.
Provide a legend showing locations and wording of all required signs or placards at various photovoltaic
system components.
When is a California Licensed Design Professional Required?
When an observation is made (in plan review or field inspection) that the additional dead load from the
photovoltaic system panels and related roof mounted equipment exceeds or calls into question the capacity
of the existing roof framing.
Where photovoltaic panels are mounted on an existing permitted patio, carport, or detached structure.
When a custom designed, altered, or fabricated photovoltaic attachment method is used.
All ballast mounting systems.
Ground Mounted Systems which utilize steep embankments and/or retained surface area.
California Accessible Access Review
An accessible access review may be necessary in the event a solar photovoltaic system is proposed for a carport or
other public area structure. The required accessible parking space(s), loading zone(s), and path of travel under the
new covered parking area must be demonstrated to evaluate clearances and alterations.
All standard (over 20KW) solar photovoltaic systems require two (2) inspections
First inspection is of all rooftop mounting attachments—unflashed with the positive mechanical attachments
visible.
Second inspection may include rough electrical and final inspections.
Residential projects are required to comply with Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm requirements
on or before the final inspection.
All inspections are required to be scheduled twenty-four (24) hours in advance by contacting the Building and
Safety Department at: (760) 776-6420 Monday through Friday (8AM to 4PM) Same day inspection are not
provided.
Permit holders must be prepared to show conformance with all technical requirements in the f ield at the time of
inspection. The inspector will verify that the installation is in conformance with applicable code requirements and
with the approved plans. An OSHA approved ladder must be provided by the contractor of record o r property owner
at the time of inspection or provide an OSHA approved access (stairway).
Here are some common points of inspection you should be prepared to show
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 properly constructed, installed, and displaye d.
Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are required at Final Inspection.
PHOTOVOLTAIC REQUIREMENTS OVER 20KW OR OTHER PROJECTS NOT QUALIFIED UNDER AB2188 STREAMLINE
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Quick tips for contractors & property owners when applying for a permit:
Permit applicants can save time and money by following these tips:
Take time to review permit requirements of the local jurisdiction permitting rules and processes differ
among different cities and counties. Understanding all local requirements will allow permit applicants to
submit a complete and accurate permit application packet the first time.
Contact the local electric utility early in the permitting process (solar PV installations) Local electric utilities
have a completely separate approval process from the local jurisdiction’s permitting process. Some electric
utilities may require that the solar project be reviewed before the local jurisdiction issues a building permit.
Pursuing utility approval early in the permit process enables the solar PV system to become operational as
soon as possible.
Make sure that the solar installation that is built matches the submitted plans the on-site inspector will verify
that the installation aligns with proposed plans and any changes may require corrections and additional
inspections.