City of Riverside (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

Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions: 1

SolarAPP+ Restrictions: Storage Systems,Existing Systems,Trenching,MPU,Derate

How Many Plansets Required: 1

Revision Required: 1

New Planset Required For Module Swap: 1

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD: Yes - 10kW+

Wet Stamps Required: Digital Electrical,Digital Structural

Structural Calculations Required: Yes

Ee Stamp Notes: Over 10k requires EE stamps

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 C

Snow Load: 0

Snow Load Notes: N/A

Reducible Snow Load Allowed: 1

Max Attachment Spacing: 96

Structural Notes: Standard

Minimum Ground On Roof: #10

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required: Yes

AC Disconnect Conditional Criteria: All Jobs [AC DISCONNECT WILL BE PROVIDED WITHIN 10" TO 72" FROM THE EXISTING SERVICE METER AND WILL BE INSTALLED BETWEEN 48" TO 75" ABOVE THE FLOOR OR GRADE LEVEL. // EXTERNALLY OPERATED KNIFE BLADE TYPE AC DISCONNECT SWITCH WHICH IS LOCKABLE IN THE OPEN POSITION, VISIBLE DESIGNATIONS WHICH IS ACCESSIBLE TO RIVERSIDE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES AT ALL TIMES AND NON-FUSED NEC 690.17 AND (NEMA 3R). // METER HEIGHT AT CENTER OF METER SHALL BE 48" - 75". MAINTAIN 3FT PERIMETER LEVEL AND CLEAR SPACE IN FRONT OF METER.]

Electrical Load Calcs Required: Derates,Load Relocation

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

Panel Schedule Required: Partial Home Backup

Temperature Rating: 75

De Rating Ampacity: 0.96

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed: 0

ESS Notes

Standard

ESS disconnect required within line of sight of battery on same wall and not blocked by walls/gates/etc

Separate ESS Disconnect Required: ESS Disconnect

ESS Elevation Detail Required: Yes - with dimensions

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

CSI CALCS ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH ARRAY ---> CSI CALCULATOR

Cover Page

Include wind speed and snow load
Include meter number

Cover Page Notes: All Jobs [A provision in the 2025 California Residential Code (CRC) requires that Smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide alarms be retrofitted into the existing dwelling. These Smoke alarms are required to be in all bedrooms, outside each bedroom, and at least one on each floor of the house. Carbon Monoxide alarms are required to be retrofitted outside each bedroom and at least one on each floor of the house. These alarms may be solely battery operated if the Photovoltaic project does not involve the removal of interior wall and ceiling finishes inside the home, otherwise, the alarms must be hard wired and interconnected.]

Site

Identify all structures on the site (ADU, Shed, Pool)
Thoroughly review the site from the aerial imagery in Aurora. Anything that could be misconstrued as a structure needs to be called out on the site plan (Umbrellas, RVs, concrete pads, etc)
Include the rating of the service panel and main breaker in the leader on the site plan

Roof Plan

THE LAYOUT OF EXISTING PV SYSTEMS NEED TO BE ILLUSTRATED AS INDIVIDUAL MODULES, NOT ONE BIG 'OBSTRUCTION'
Layout of modules needs to be replicated in Aurora before downloading DXF
IF THE EXISTING SYSTEM IS NOT RAPID SHUTDOWN COMPLIANT, THEN A DOTTED LINE SHALL BE DRAWN AROUND THE ARRAY, WITH A LEADER INDICATING THAT THE ARRAY WILL REMAIN ENERGIZED
Show rafters and attachment points on roof plan

Attachment Detail

Please identify the minimum lag diameter of 5/16 inches.

Electrical Diagram

If combining solar output, ensure panel is called out as COMBINER PANEL and not load center
Verify UFER or add Ground Rods (min. 2) spaced a min. 6 feet apart

Electrical Diagram Notes: All Jobs [AC DISCONNECT WILL BE PROVIDED WITHIN 10" TO 72" FROM THE EXISTING SERVICE METER AND WILL BE INSTALLED BETWEEN 48" TO 75" ABOVE THE FLOOR OR GRADE LEVEL. // EXTERNALLY OPERATED KNIFE BLADE TYPE AC DISCONNECT SWITCH WHICH IS LOCKABLE IN THE OPEN POSITION, VISIBLE DESIGNATIONS WHICH IS ACCESSIBLE TO RIVERSIDE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES AT ALL TIMES AND NON-FUSED NEC 690.17 AND (NEMA 3R). // METER HEIGHT AT CENTER OF METER SHALL BE 48" - 75". MAINTAIN 3FT PERIMETER LEVEL AND CLEAR SPACE IN FRONT OF METER. // PERMANENT PLACARD REQUIRED DENOTING THE LOCATION OF ALL ELECTRIC POWER SOURCE DISCONNECTING MEANS.]

Label Page

The site placard must be oriented, so the BOS is parallel with the bottom of the page
The compass arrow must be rotated to always point North
Include note on placard - CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER.
SHOW EXISTING ARRAYS ON PLACARD
IF EXISTING ARRAYS ARE NOT COMPLIANT WITH THE CURRENT CEC RSD REQUIREMENTS, A DOTTED LINE SHALL BE PLACED AROUND NON-COMPLIANT ARRAYS AND INCLUDE A LEADER INDICATING 'NON-RSD COMPLIANT ARRAY'

Label Page Notes: Existing Systems [NON-COMPLIANT ARRAYS WILL REMAIN ENERGIZED]

Custom Placards Required: 1

Placards Notes: Specific Placards Required (see file PV Sign Requirements-Form PV.5),

Non Standard Revision Requirements

FOR MOD SWAPS, LAYOUT CHANGES, OR ANY CHANGE INVOLVING THE LOCATION OF MODULES NEW CSI CALCULATIONS MUST BE PROVIDED
Red clouds and deltas required for all changes post initial permit submission

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required: Yes