HomeMy WebLinkAboutPhotovoltaic Requirements 20kw or less 20211PALM DESERT PERMIT CENTER
73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California 92260
(760) 776-6435 – permitcenter@cityofpalmdesert.org
PHOTOVOLTAIC SMALL RESIDENTIAL 20kW OR LESS
Minimum Submittal Requirements
(Small Residential Rooftop Systems —20kW or less)
This information is published to guide applicants through a streamlined permitting process for qualifying small rooftop
residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems of 20 kilowatts (kW) or less.
This bulletin provides information about submittal requirements, plan review, fees, and provides a general summary
of mandatory field inspections.
1. Required Approvals
The following approvals and permits are required to install a small rooftop residential PV system with a maximum
power output of 20kW or less:
Planning Department approval is required for over 20kW or when doubling main panel. Please coordinate
directly at (760) 776-6483.
Fire Marshall approval is not required for small residential rooftop systems at this time.
Building Department approval in the issuance of a Photovoltaic System Permit is required to install or modify
a new or existing solar photovoltaic system.
2. Building Permit Application Form
A permit application can be obtained in person or downloaded from the Department’s website at:
www.pdpermits.com .
3. Eligibility Checklist
An eligibility checklist for expedited and standardized permitting is provided and can be downloaded at the
Department's website or obtained in person. If your project does not meet these criteria’s, standard plan review
timetables apply. Please consult a licensed designed professional or licensed contractor for further details for
submitting a comprehensive photovoltaic plan.
4. Project Submittal
All projects must be submitted digitally to the following link: http://cpdftp.org/filedrop/PermitCenter or visit
www.pdpermits.com for a direct link.
5. Plan Review Timeframes:
All qualifying small residential photovoltaic plan reviews are expedited to seven (7) to ten (10) working days from
the date of project submittal. All necessary follow up reviews occur within seven (7) working days.
The definition of “qualifying small residential rooftop solar systems” is all of the following:
A solar energy system that is no larger than 20 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating
or 30 kilowatts thermal.
A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other
building codes as adopted or amended by the City and paragraph (iii) of subdivision (c) of
Section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amen ded, renumbered,
or re-designated from time to time.
A solar energy system that is installed on a single or duplex family dwelling. (Must be a
permitted roof structure)
A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as
defined by the City of Palm Desert.
New installations only. (Additions or alteration are through regular plan review timelines)
PHOTOVOLTAIC SMALL RESIDENTIAL 20kW OR LESS
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6. Plan Review and Permit Fees
Permit Fees are approximately $266 depending on archiving materials.
7. Minimum Plan Set Requirements
Site Plan
Provide a fully dimensional site plan showing property lines, all structures, and the location of the main
electrical service, all photovoltaic inverters and disconnects, etc.
Roof Plan
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.
In addition, demonstrate the required clear path access pathways as required by the State Fire Marshal’s
Office. You can find these clearances at:
http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/training/pdf/photovoltaics/solarphotovoltaicguideline.pdf
Attachment Details
Provide an attachment detail demonstrating how the photovoltaic panels and array will be secured to the
racking system and roof structure.
Product Specifications and Literature
Provide all manufacturers’ specifications on all inverters, solar panels, combiner and disconnect boxes
and solar panel anchorage system to be used.
Signage Specifications
Provide a legend showing locations and wording of all required signs or placards at various photovoltaic
system components.
Standard Electrical Plan
A standard generic electrical plan may be used for proposed solar installations of 20kW in size or smaller and can
be downloaded within the City’s website. All submittals must be signed by a C-10 (Electrical Contractor) or C-46
(Solar Contractor) or licensed design professional. Electrical Plans should include the following:
Location 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.
Single line diagram of system .
List existing main panel ampage and new main panel or sub-panel ampage on the single line diagram, if
applicable.
Specify grounding/bonding, conductor type and size, conduit type, 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).
Expedited Structural Criteria with Supporting Documentation
A Structural Criteria Checklist can be downloaded at Department’s website or obtained in person. Projects not
within the scope of this structural criteria may req uire a licensed design professional justification.
For non-qualifying systems, provide structural drawings and calculations stamped and signed by a licensed
designed professional along with the following information:
PHOTOVOLTAIC SMALL RESIDENTIAL 20kW OR LESS
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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 .
As a references, the Solar Structural Technical Appendix hyperlink is provided:
http://www.opr.ca.gov/docs/Solar_Structural_Technical_Appendix.pdf
Inspection Information
Once a photovoltaic system permit has been issued and the system has been installed, it must be inspected before final approval
is granted. Inspections are required to be scheduled twenty-four (24) hours in advance at:
(760) 776- 6420 – Monday through Friday (8AM to 4PM) (same day inspection will not be provided)
Qualifying small rooftop PV systems will be inspected in one (1) site visit, if under 10 kilowatts. If PV system is over 10 kilowatts it
will require a rough inspection after mounting system is installed. If the inspection does not pass, subsequent inspections will not
conform to the one inspection policy per the California Solar Initiative AB2188.
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. An
OSHA approved ladder must be provided by the contractor of record or property owner at the time of inspection.
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 displayed.
Smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarms are required at final inspection.
QUICK TIPS FOR CONTRACTORS & PROPERTY OWNERS WHEN APPLYING FOR A SOLAR
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 am ong 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.