Solar Sanity Checksolar, decoded Independent. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

County of Boulder (CO)

Colorado Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusTesting
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version
2023
Fire Code Version
2018 Building Code
Code List

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE,

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE,

2021 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL GREEN CONSTRUCTION CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL PERFORMANCE CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE

ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Testing
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
MPU,MPU,Derate,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
1
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
Footing inspection
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
999
Wind Notes

DEPENDS ON LOCATION. SEE DOCUMENT BELOW The wind and ground snow loads for Unincorporated Boulder County vary greatly across the county. Please see the attached link to ‘Property Search’ (). FIND THE PROPERTY THROUGH THE SEARCH BAR. UNDER THE ZONING SECTION, THE WIND SPEED AND SNOW LOAD SHOULD BE FOUND.

Link: https://maps.boco.solutions/propertysearch/

Snow Load
999
Snow Load Notes

DEPENDS ON LOCATION. SEE DOCUMENT BELOW The wind and ground snow loads for Unincorporated Boulder County vary greatly across the county. Please see the attached link to ‘Property Search’ (). FIND THE PROPERTY THROUGH THE SEARCH BAR. UNDER THE ZONING SECTION, THE WIND SPEED AND SNOW LOAD SHOULD BE FOUND.

Link: https://maps.boco.solutions/propertysearch/

Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes
  • Engineer must reference the required wind and snow loads for the site.
  • If panels extend above the roof ridge, this must be included in the engineer’s evaluation.
  • Wind and ground snow loads vary significantly within Unincorporated Boulder County.
  • For flat roof installations, provide the method of repair for roof penetrations.


Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

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

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

PM required. Call out 200 amp AMI Production Meter Inv > PM > AC > POI No published information about battery placement.

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

Site Plan - Equipment Outside a Building (NEED CLARITY IF THIS IS FOR GROUND MOUNTS Show the layout of all the array's and the required minimum access and pathways per section R324 of the Boulder County Building Code Amendments. Show the location and connection of all grounding electrode conductors. WIND SPEED: DEPENDS ON LOCATION, SEE DOCUMENT ATTACHED BELOW

Attachment Detail

Standard flashing

Electrical Diagram

Centerfed 120%: Not Sure

Custom Placards Required
0

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Mesh/Scrim
Ground Mount Notes

Provide dimensions from panels/equipment to:

  • Property lines
  • Other structures on the property
  • Property easements
  • Provide engineered footing design.

Setbacks & Location

  • Ground-mounted systems may be located within minimum lot line and major road setbacks without a variance if:
  • Minimum 5 ft from lot lines, and
  • Minimum 15 ft from all roads.
  • Systems must comply with applicable zoning setbacks unless otherwise approved.

Height Limits

  • Maximum standard height: 15 ft
  • Height may be increased for site-specific needs with approval.
  • Absolute maximum height: 25 ft

Site Restoration

  • Prior to final inspection, all disturbed or exposed soil must be:
  • Re-vegetated or
  • Stabilized to prevent erosion, noxious weeds, and stormwater impacts.

Site Plan Review Exemptions

Ground-mounted systems do not require Site Plan Review if all of the following are met:

  • System height is 10 ft or less
  • System meets zoning setback requirements
  • Panels are within 100 ft of the structure they serve
  • Total panel area is 750 sq ft or less
  • Panel area is calculated as length × width of the array


Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Boulder (CO) 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.