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County of Montgomery (MD)

Maryland Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2017
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusAdopted
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural,Digital Electrical
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version
2017
Fire Code Version
2018 Building Code
Code List

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2021 INTENATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FUEL AND GAS CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2017 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE

IEBC Accepted
0
ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Adopted
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restriction Notes

SolarAPP excludes: Gaithersburg, Tacoma Park and Rockville sdue to historic and zoning rules

SolarAPP+ Restrictions
Existing Systems,Trenching,Historic District,Other
How Many Plansets Required
Other (See Submission Notes)
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
Yes
Wet Stamps Required
Digital Structural,Digital Electrical
Structural Calculations Required
Yes
Ee Stamp Notes
  • EE digital stamps. Electrical engineer must complete Moco checklist#2
  • Stamps required for SolarAPP Projects
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

3' path required from the ridge on one side of the array.

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
115
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
30
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes
  • SE digital stamps on corresponding PV pages & PE Letter / Calcs. (Note next to stamps that stamps are digital).
  • Plans and calcs must be digitally signed and sealed by a MD licensed structural engineer.
  • All structural sheets of the plans need to be stamped by same engineer who stamps the structural letter.
  • Must have PE cert block next to any stamps on plans, letter, and checklist. Structural engineer must complete AHJ Moco checklist#1.
  • Stamps required for SolarAPP Projects
Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Line Side Taps,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

Standard

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

If exterior disconnect present (MBE or disconnect) always TAP exterior means of disconnect.

Roof Plan

For Historic Properties Only: Please refer to pages 8-9 as an example IV-E (montgomeryplanning.org)

Roof Plan Notes


Electrical Diagram

Line Side Taps with no exterior MBE and a distribution panel in a non finished area will need 2 AC Disconnects:

  • 1 Non Fused Knifeblade disco outside near the UM and 1 Fused AC Disco inside near the MSP.

Line Side Taps with no exterior MBE and a distribution panel in a finished area will need 2 AC Disconnects: EXAMPLE

  • 1 Non Fused Knifeblade disco outside near the UM and 1 recess mounted 70amp breaker box with a breaker to match fuse size inside near the MSP.

Line Side Taps with an exterior MBE will need:

  • 1 Fused AC Disconnect near the MBE and a tap in the MBE.
Custom Placards Required
0
Placards Notes
All values must be put on with label maker or paint marker with clear cover sticker over top

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Yes
Ground Mount Notes

1. Clearances

  • Provide a 10-foot clearance around the ground-mounted PV installation.
  • Note: This does not require the skirt or fence to be 10 feet away.

2. Noncombustible Base

  • Install and maintain a noncombustible base under and around the array.
  • Acceptable options include:
  • Gravel over 4-mil poly or weed screen
  • Concrete
  • Asphalt
  • Other materials approved by the AHJ

3. Security Barriers

  • Provide fencing or flame-retardant skirting around the entire array.
  • Fence requirements:
  • Minimum 4 feet high
  • Not easily climbable
  • Gates must swing outward, away from the array

4. Zoning Requirements

  • Must meet accessory structure setbacks for the applicable zoning district.
  • System output may not exceed 120% of current electrical consumption.
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Montgomery (MD) 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.