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County of Lake (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,MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
2
Revision Required
0
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

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
85
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
5
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Meter Adapter,PV Breaker,Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
0.96

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

All Jobs

AHJ is very particular about ESS Elevation and clearance. Make sure ESS Elevation includes dimensions of:

  • Entire wall/walls where equipment will be mounted.
  • Distances between all equipment.
  • Horizontal distances between ESS and closest wall openings, AC units, doors, windows, dryer exhaust vents, crawl space vents. ESS MUST maintain 3' from all of these items. (Vertical or diagonal measurements between ESS and wall opening will prompt a rejection.)
  • The ESS itself (PW3: 43.25" X 24", PW2: 45.3" X 29.7", Enphase 5P: 38.6" X 21.7" Enphase 10T: 50.5" X 30.5", SolarEdge Energy Bank: 46.4" X 31.1")
  • If you have to encroach into the 3' HORIZONTAL measurement between ESS and Crawl Space/Attic vents there is an exception that we can use. Add a M-Leader pointing to the Crawl Space/Attic vents that are within the 3' clearance stating "SELF-SEALING/FIRE RESISTANT VENTS TO BE ADDED". Create a Ticket assigned to branch management to acquire " XX# of Self-Sealing Fire-Resistant Attic/Crawl Space Vents are needed. " Please block Inspection Scheduling with this ticket.
Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
Yes - with dimensions

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements
  • If project qualifies for SolarApp, all equipment locations must still be called out
  • Buildings located within 1,000 feet of Clear Lake - Exposure C on the side facing the lake only. Buildings located on ridges, in exposed valleys, or on exposed hillsides.
  • 2/19/24 if property is in a flood zone and there are batteries being proposed, you need a temporary benchmark from a surveyor
Roof Plan

All Jobs:

  • Include the dimensions of the entire roof as well as the dimension of the arrays. Example in files section (This includes projects qualified for SolarApp)
Electrical Diagram

120% allowed from center fed mains

Electrical Diagram Notes

Battery [Producer's storage device(s) will not cause the Host Load to exceed its normal peak demand. Normal peak demand is defined as the highest amount of power required from the Distribution System by Producer's complete facilities without the influence or use of the energy storage device(s).]

Custom Placards Required
1

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Situational
Ground Mount Notes
  • Fencing is required on a case-by-case basis. Call ahead with the property address/APN to confirm requirements for a specific project location. Fencing is generally not required in less-developed areas or agricultural zones without animals.
  • Minimum soil bearing capacity: 1,000 PSF. A soils report is required for values greater than this.
  • Site plans must include the locations of any wells, septic systems, and leach lines. Property lines must match the APN.
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Lake (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.