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County of Sonoma (CA)

California Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusAdopted
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
Adopted
Date SolarAPP+ Accepted
44432
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
Existing Systems,Trenching
How Many Plansets Required
Other (See Submission Notes)
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
Footing inspection for > 10kW
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Wet Stamps Required
None
Structural Calculations Required
No
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
90
Wind Notes

Exposure Category C

Snow Load
999
Snow Load Notes

Check snow load for every project.

Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes
Show two pathways on separate roof planes from lowest roof edge to the ridge. Pathways shall not be less than 36 inches wide. Not fewer than one pathway shall be provided on the street or driveway side of the roof. (R324.6.1 Pathways) a past project E. - DCR
Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required
Yes
Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Line Side Taps,PV Breaker,Load Side Taps
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
1

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

Batteries installed interior of home must be accompanied by a sprinkler system.


If battery system, include this note on ELD: 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).

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

On structural Calcs: Structurals are ONLY required for GM solar for arrays over 6 ft. 11/30/2017 Please complete STRUCTURAL STANDARD doc. (attached below) If the project doesn't qualify with structural standard doc, structural engineering is required

Electrical Diagram

Standard

Custom Placards Required
1

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
No
Ground Mount Notes
  • Dimensions from array to house, all detached structures, property lines, septic/leach lines and well must be included
  • If plot plan can not be sourced from AHJ, a qualified septic consultant to prepare a Type 1 Findings Report 
  • Ensure proper wind category is selected (Most often wind category C)
  • 1. Septic tank not being identified in plans. 2. All existing structures needing to be identified. (Labeled correctly ex. main house, barn, shed, ect.) 3. Setback measurements from the property needs to be added. Site plan needs to meet all of the requirements of CSS-019 Minimum Standard Site Plan Requirements per a past project DCR.
  • Site plan minimum guidelines can be found at https://permitsonoma.org/instructionsandforms/css-019siteplanrequirements
  • to look up septic permis: Public Records Requests
Setback Front Yard
30
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Sonoma (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.