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City of San Diego (CA)

California Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusTargeted
Wet Stamps RequiredNone
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
Targeted
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
2
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
Yes - 10kW+,Yes - Derate
Wet Stamps Required
None
Structural Calculations Required
Yes - Pitch > 24
Ee Stamp Notes
  • Busbar certification accepted
  • EV CHARGERS REQUIRE STAMPED LOAD CALCS
  • PE Requirements for stamping; Digital stamps with verifiable digital signature showing date stamped/signed and seal must show expiration date too. Stamp all applicable PV pages.
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Provide 2 roof access points on the roof plan preferably in the front of the house.

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
110
Wind Notes

Exposure Category C

Snow Load
0
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

Structural Calcs: Required if roof pitch is over 24 degrees. Tilt kits require structural. 

If structural engineer review is applicable; All sheets of construction plans and the first sheet of calculations must be signed by a registered civil engineer or a licensed architect certified by the State of California. The civil engineer must stamp the above and note date signed; architects must note the license number and renewal date.

PE Requirements for stamping; Digital stamps with verifiable digital signature showing date stamped/signed and seal must show expiration date too. Stamp all applicable PV pages.

See file below "Digital Signature example" The AHJ wants to see our stamps look similar to this. 

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required
Yes
Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates,Load Relocation
Allowed POI
PV Breaker,Meter Adapter
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
75
De Rating Ampacity
1
BOS Restrictions

Standard

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
1
ESS Notes
  • Per Rework Ticket #1859830 the AHJ does not require disconnects to be within 6 feet of MSP.
  • Battery system needs Battery Disco.
  • Battery system must be shown on placard.
  • Label for Energy Storage System (NEC 706.7 (D)) - (SEE FILE SECTION)
Separate ESS Disconnect Required
Local Disconnect,ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements
  • Provide datasheet showing module and racking UL2703 grounding compatibility and class A fire rating. Highlight the applicable PV mod on the document.
  • Site specific placard must show the site address
Cover Page

Include staff's license classification (C-10 electrical, C-46 solar) in the title block

APN: (OBTAINED FROM ParcelQuest)

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: (MAP #, LOT #) (OBTAINED FROM ParcelQuest)

LAND USE TYPE: (OBTAINED FROM ParcelQuest)

ZONE NAME: (OBTAINED FROM Scoutred)

SCOPE OF WORK:  Photovoltaic system comprised of __ modules, __kW, with ____ [Manufacturer] ESS, ___kW [charge rate], ___kWh [Capacity]

OCCUPANCY TYPE: List the type of residential building being installed on [R3 for residential home, R2 for multi-unit homes like duplexes, U for misc. like detached structures]

Plans should be numbered, not titled, as PV - ## (no decimals)

Cover Page Notes


Site
  • Equipment needs to be a minimum of 4 feet from the property line.
  • Provide a dimension from the property line to the Main Service Panel on the Site Plan.
Roof Plan

ALL JOBS:

  • SHOW CALCULATION JUSTIFYING THAT THE RIDGE SETBACK CAN BE REDUCED TO 18"
  • PITCHED ROOFS, ADD NOTE [PV MODULES DO NOT EXTEND PAST HIGHEST ROOF PEAK]
  • AVOID PLACING MODULES ON FLAT ROOF IF AT ALL POSSIBLE
  • If the building(s) supporting the PV array has an existing grounding electrode, show the NEW OR EXISTING grounding electrode on the site plan and the line diagram (Per 690.47(A).)

FLAT ROOFS: 

  • PROVIDE WHOLE HOME ELEVATION DRAWING 
  • List the height of parapet walls on flat roofs (if any) in the plans. If array taller than the parapet wall, additional structural calculations required.
Attachment Detail
  • IDENTITY THE FLASHING AND THE ROOF DECKING IN THE STRUCTURAL ATTACHMENT DETAIL PAGE.
  • UNIRAC ATTACHMENTS SHALL BE RENAMED 'UNIRAC SOLARMOUNT (DO NOT CALL OUT LIGHT RAIL)
  • Indicate modules are flush mounted on flat roofs if we are using chem curb no tilt
Electrical Diagram

ALL JOBS:

  • REMOVE VERBIAGE "OR #X AWG MUST BE IN EMT CONDUIT" from Mods to J-box
  • AC disconnect to be located within sight and within 10ft of the inverter
  • POI can't be in a subpanel located in a closet
  • Existing EV chargers MUST be on SLD.
  • If the building(s) supporting the PV array has an existing grounding electrode, show the NEW OR EXISTING grounding electrode on the site plan and the line diagram (Per 690.47(A).)

SUB-PANEL:

  • Load calcs required for sub panels if we are relocating loads. Load calcs shall indicate which loads being relocated.
  • The load calculation page in the plans must match the formatting of the other PV pages with the title block and page size.
Electrical Diagram Notes

All jobs [AC DISCONNECT TO INITIATE RAPID SHUTDOWN WHEN PROMPTED // PV system is using an integrated grounding UL2703 "continuous grounding using # 6"]

Label Page

ALL JOBS:

  • Make sure placards are red and rapid shutdown placard is yellow, refer to labels page

BATTERY:

  • INCLUDE BATTERY DISCONNECTING MEANS PLACARD WITH RELEVANT VALUES
Custom Placards Required
1
Non Standard Planset Requirements
Home Elevation
Non Standard Revision Requirements

For all revisions/corrections

Changes made to the plans must be clouded and labeled as Deltas, and the title page needs to have a full description of what the changes/revisions are.

In the title page we must also state the pages in which the changes/revisions are located at.

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
No
Ground Mount Notes

Include assessor's parcel number on plans

Plan requirements:

  • clearly indicate & dimension all setbacks
  • indicate property dimensions
  • Specify the pipe column and beam specifications and thickness on the plans.
  • Specify the concrete specifications on the plans ie, compressive strength, water to cementitious materials ratio, cement type, slump, maximum size aggregate, etc.

Setbacks are zoning specific, please use https://scoutred.com/zoning/93 to check your setbacks

Arrays built with pitch of a hill: Cannot be over 25 degrees.

Setback Back Yard
20
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the City of San Diego (CA) building department before you rely on this, and treat it as a research head start, not a ruling. Getting quotes? Run them through the quote checker first.