County of Kern (CA)

California Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements

NEC Code Version2023

Fire Code Version2018 Building Code

SolarAPP+ StatusAdopted

Wet Stamps RequiredDigital 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: Existing Systems,Trenching

How Many Plansets Required: Other (See Submission Notes)

Revision Required: 1

Rough Inspection: Footing inspection

New Planset Required For Module Swap: 0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD: No

Wet Stamps Required: Digital Structural

Structural Calculations Required: Yes

Stamp Location On Plans: Unspecified

Date On Stamps: Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced: 1

Setback Notes: Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed: 95

Wind Notes: Exposure Category B

Snow Load: 5

Snow Load Notes: All elevations from 5000-6000ft have a 40 PSF snow load snow load in TEHACHAPI is 30 psf

Reducible Snow Load Allowed: 1

Max Attachment Spacing: 48

Structural Notes

Please provide calculations for distributed load and point load on roof sheathing

Minimum Ground On Roof: #10

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required: Yes

Electrical Load Calcs Required: Derates

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

Panel Schedule Required: Partial Home Backup

Temperature Rating: 90

De Rating Ampacity: 0.91

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed: 0

ESS Notes

RESIDENTIAL CODE 328 - PROHIBITS INSTALLATION OF TESLA POWERWALL 3 IN GARAGE

If a battery is located inside, the project will require heat sensors for smoke & carbon detectors
BOLLARDS REQUIRED IF NEAR VEHICLE DAMAGE
UL 9540 APPROVED

Separate ESS Disconnect Required: Gateway Disconnect,ESS Disconnect

ESS Elevation Detail Required: Yes

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

Flattened Plans set - To be able to submit online (In AutoCad, on the command line, enter EPDFSHX and change the value to 0 (zero).)
APN needs to be on plans http://assessor.co.kern.ca.us/prop_search.php
Fill out Expedite Checklists provided on this AHJ page (not required if project includes a battery)
Complete expedite form - Residential Rooftop Solar Submittal Requirements and Checklist - rafters only
Building plans shall identify the proposed bottom of solar panels and all electrical equipment to be resistant to flood damage at minimum of 1.5' above highest adjacent grade

Cover Page

Site

Existing Systems:

Add existing panels to Label page.

Cloud existing system

Add note: (E) Existing solar may not be rapid shutdown Compliant

Roof Plan

AHJ Fire Setbacks have been uploaded in file section below.

A minimum clear space of three feet is provided on the control side of roof mounted HVAC equipment.

BALLAST SYSTEMS:

Show existing roof framing on the plans. Please graphically show roof framing and location of ballast blocks in relation to framing.

Attachment Detail: Avoid using portrait orientation for Rockit attachments. If portrait orientation is required, swap to rail.

Attachment Detail Notes: Please design at 4' spacing to avoid failing inspection

Electrical Diagram

Zinsco panels require load calcs, per correction for Biagioni, Dwayne
Centerfed 120% allowed

Label Page

Provide a site roof plaque to delineate the RS & non RS arrays, if applicable

Reflective Sticker : RAPID SHUTDOWN SWITCH FOR SOLAR PV SYSTEM.

Custom Placards Required: 1

Placards Notes

All Standard Placards used for CA projects
2nd/Additional Main Placard required to be installed at Battery for all ESS Jobs
Derate placard stating 'DERATED MAIN BREAKER - DO NOT CHANGE' installed at derated breaker for all Derates

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required: No

Ground Mount Notes

NUANCE DQ DUE TO SOIL REPORT AND SPECIAL INSPECTIONS REPORT
GM cannot be placed in the front. Setback requirements for the Side and Rear vary by zone and lot. Contact Planning.
septic/record requests: Open Public RecordsNextRequest - Modern FOIA & Public Records Request Software
GMs require 10 ft clearance around array in all cases. (Site specific property setbacks may be higher than 10ft, but 10ft is minimum clearance around array, Show on plans)
Show the dimensions of the array (N-S and E-W direction and array height). Must match calculations.
Flattened PV Plan Set - Needed to submit online
This note needs to be on plans for GROUND MOUNTS - THE PROPOSED BOTTOM OF SOLAR PANELS AND ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE RESISTANT TO FLOOD DAMAGE AT MINIMUM OF 2356.0' NAVD88.
Fencing required by AHJ
All ground mounts will require site-specific engineering.
Soils report should not be attached to the PV Plans. We will need to submit it separately.
Specify on cover sheet of plans the following structural information: • Ground snow load per Section 17.06.140 of the Kern County Code of Building Regulations. • Ultimate design wind speed in miles per hour, and wind exposure. • Seismic design category (SDC) and site class.
Specify on plans material specifications for the following: • Concrete compressive strength
A clear, brush-free area of 10ft shall be required for ground mounted PV arrays
Show distance from array to structures on property
soil report and a statement of special inspections on the cover sheet, prepared by the RDP, in accordance with CBC Sec. 1704.3. for Nuance
Please specify on cover sheet of plans, the following structural information: • Ultimate design wind speed in miles per hour, and wind exposure. • Seismic design category (SDC) and site class. Please add a note indicating the SDC = D. Site class will be determined by the soils report.