City of Benicia (CA)

California Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements

NEC Code Version2023

Fire Code Version2018 Building Code

SolarAPP+ StatusAdopted

Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Electrical,Digital Structural

Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version: 2023

Fire Code Version: 2018 Building Code

Code List

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

ASCE Code Specification: ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status: Adopted

Date SolarAPP+ Accepted: 44495

Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions: 1

SolarAPP+ Restrictions: Existing Systems,Trenching

How Many Plansets Required: 3

Revision Required: 1

Rough Inspection: None

New Planset Required For Module Swap: 0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD: Yes

Wet Stamps Required: Digital Electrical,Digital Structural

Structural Calculations Required: Yes

Ee Stamp Notes: EE digital stamps on residential load calcs and ELD.

Stamp Location On Plans: Unspecified

Date On Stamps: Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced: 1

Setback Notes: Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed: 110

Wind Notes: Exposure Category B

Snow Load: 0

Reducible Snow Load Allowed: 1

Max Attachment Spacing: 96

Structural Notes

PE Requirements; SE digital stamps on corresponding PV pages & PE Letter / Calcs.

Do you require structural calculations for residential solar? Depending (a past project approved w/o structural calcs/stamps and is a "truss". Per structural criteria, trusses are limited to 4' so it appears AHJ ignores this part. Sending a past project & Christine w/o calcs to confirm trusses do not need structural) a past project & Christine (trusses) were approved without structural.

Minimum Ground On Roof: #10

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required: Yes

Electrical Load Calcs Required: All Jobs

Allowed POI: Load Side Taps,PV Breaker,Meter Adapter,Line Side Taps

Panel Schedule Required: Partial Home Backup

Temperature Rating: 90

De Rating Ampacity: 1

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed: 0

ESS Notes: Add Tri-Power Source label

Separate ESS Disconnect Required: ESS Disconnect

ESS Elevation Detail Required: No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

Electrical Load Calcs needed for all projects. Standard - Just fill out structural criteria uploaded below.

The City of Benicia now requires EE stamped load calcs and stamped SLD for Center Fed mains.

Electrical Diagram: 120% rule allowed per CEC 705.12(B)(2)(3)(d)

Electrical Diagram Notes

Provide information on the MSP. Size of buss bar in amps, is there a main OCPD, if so what size, if not is it a hot buss panel.

In the electrical diagram show the point of connection, how the point of connection is being made, along with the necessary calculations. CEC705.12.

Show compliance with CEC 707.16(F) Stand-Alone Operation/710.15(F) Back-fed Circuit Breakers/408.36(D) Back-Fed Devices. Show the required additional attachment for the breakers.

Show the maximum size of the load that may be backed up. Show compliance with CEC 707.16(F) Stand-Alone Operation/710.15(A) Supply-Output.

Custom Placards Required: 1

Placards Notes: If multiple ESS onsite - special placards need to name batteries as 'Battery 1' 'Battery 2' etc

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required: Situational