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County of San Diego (CA)

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

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
Yes - 10kW+
Wet Stamps Required
None
Structural Calculations Required
No
Ee Stamp Notes

Panel count must be on structural letter.

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
0
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Minimum Ground On Roof
#6

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required
Yes
Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Load Side Taps,PV Breaker,Line Side Taps,Meter Adapter
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
0.91
BOS Restrictions

Standard

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes
  • Battery system must be shown on placard.
  • Battery system needs Battery Disco.
  • No published information about battery placement.
  • AHJ accepts UL9540A to reduce battery spacing between batteries to manufacturer's testing.
  • ESS disconnect required within 6ft of MSP on same wall and not blocked by walls/gates/etc.
Separate ESS Disconnect Required
Local Disconnect,ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

FLAT ROOF PROJECTS:

Add the following notes on the plans:

  • Roof with maximum 1:12 slope.
  • Each separate array shall be interconnected as an integral unit.
  • Each ballast support assembly includes permanent marking or stenciling specifying ballast requirements (e.g., number of ballast blocks) for that assembly.
  • Ballast elements shall be positively connected to ballast support assembly at all perimeter trays (This can be through adhesive or other means).
  • Flexible electrical connections between separate arrays and between arrays and fixed electrical elements and demonstrating sufficient slackness to accommodate required minimum clearances.

Add Document 1 [AHJ Checklist]

Cover Page

Add Scope of Work to Cover page. The System info on the sidebar does NOT satisfy the requirement. See files section for details

  • Number of stories
  • Occupancy Type
  • ESS SOW (if applicable)
  • Disconnect information
  • Mods, Inv, Disco

EXAMPLE (You will need to fill in the fields to match your project design):

SCOPE OF WORK:

NUMBER OF STORIES: 1

OCCUPANCY TYPE: RESIDENTIAL R3/U

ESS SOW:

NUMBER AND MODEL: (NEW: 2) SOLAREDGE: ENERGY BANK DC COUPLED LITHIUM ION BATTERY (EXISTING: 0)

ESS UNIT CAPACITY: (NEW: 2) 10KWH LITHIUM ION (EXISTING: 0)

INSIDE ATTACHED GARAGES: 0 UNITS AT 0KWH

INSIDE DETACHED GARAGES AND/OR DETACHED ACCESSORY STRUCTURES: 0 UNITS AT 0KWH

OUTDOORS ON EXTERIOR WALLS: 2 UNITS AT 10KWH

OUTDOORS ON GROUND: 0 UNITS AT 0KWH

OTHER, AND/OR FOR ANOTHER BUILDING ON THE SAME SITE, ETC: 0 UNITS AT 0KWH

DISCONNECTS:

MINIMUM NUMBER OF DISCONNECTS REQUIRED TO TURN OFF ALL POWER SOURCES FEEDING THE HOME (UTILITY, ESS, PV AND OTHER): 3

ESS SYSTEM SIZE LISTED ABOVE IS THE TOTAL USABLE ENERGY

SYSTEM DETAILS:

MODULES: 10 X HANWHA QCELL: Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10.C+ 410 

OPTIMIZERS: 10 X SOLAREDGE U650

INVERTER 1: SOLAREDGE SE5700H-US (PART/SKU: USE5700H-USMNBL75)

BATTERY: 2 X SOLAREDGE: ENERGY BANK


Roof Plan


Electrical Diagram

Specify on the plans SDG&E RMA or Homeowner GMA

Custom Placards Required
0
Non Standard Revision Requirements

For all revisions/corrections

  • Changes made to the plans must be clouded and labeled, 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

Boulevard area only inspected Mondays

Septic Research: doclibrary

Each Property has different building setbacks, to check them go to

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/pds.html

click on zoning and property research->click on zoning info near the top of the next page opened->enter APN #

GROUND MOUNTS:

  • Structural Calcs not always required: If project meets specific criteria no need for stamps (see attached document "Solar PV ground mount systems").
  • Request septic records and plot maps from county: You can retrieve septic layouts and records directly from the Department of Environmental Health. Their number is , or you may visit their service counters directly at 5510 Overland Ave, 1stfloor.
  • ADD APN #
  • Indicate pipe size, if applicable.

ZONING CORRECTIONS:

1). Plot plan must be drawn to engineering standards. Show property per APN page. Show highway if applicable.

2). Must indicate setbacks to property lines and to existing structures on the property.

3). Indicate street and front yard setback to center line of street.

4). Site plan to be drawn based off of parcel map measurements.

5.) Show driveways, open parking areas, paving material, and slope. 

NOTE: To obtain parcel map, go to https://assr.parcelquest.com/Home/Index 

Search via APN. You will need to create an account and obtain maps as a purchase. Parcel maps are free.

ENGINEERING CORRECTIONS:

1). Fill out SWQMP Intake Form, Standard SWQMP form and Easement Certification Forms. Forms are available here: SD COUNTY GM FORMS. Upload the storm water forms separately from the PV plans as an 8.5x11 document.

2). Provide a storm water BMP Plan and legend.

3). Coordinate the storm water BMP’s selected on the storm water form with the BMP’s shown on the BMP Plan and legend. Subject to further comments.

NO break lines allowed on site plans. Draw out entire property. Refer to DCR's on Alcala Rita & Nolazco-a past project.

5). Plot plan must show all easements and structures and GM PV and septic.

6). Add BMP to plans

4.3.2 (4.3.6 is no longer on the Storm Water checklist)

SD-I

SD-L

SC.C

8.) Show road/easement access.

Setback Front Yard
30
Setback Back Yard
40
Setback Side Yard
30
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County 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.