City of Portland (OR)

Oregon Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements

NEC Code Version2023

Fire Code Version2018 Building Code

SolarAPP+ StatusTargeted

Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural

Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version: 2023

Fire Code Version: 2018 Building Code

Code List

2021 PORTLAND FIRE CODE

2023 OREGON RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY CODE

2014 OREGON FIRE CODE

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

2025 OREGON ENERGY EFFICIENCY SPECIALTY CODE

IEBC Accepted: 1

ASCE Code Specification: ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status: Targeted

Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions: 1

SolarAPP+ Restrictions: MPU,Derate

How Many Plansets Required: 2

Revision Required: 1

Rough Inspection: None

New Planset Required For Module Swap: 1

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD: No

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

Pathway Guidelines

Pathways must go to and around smoke/heat vents. Vent gaps are not allowed.
For buildings two stories or more, the lower story cannot be used as part of the pathway.
If the array area exceeds 22,500 sq ft, a 36” intermediate pathway is required to break up the array.
If a valley or hip is used as a pathway, an 18” clearance is required on both sides.

Standard Fire Setbacks (Non-Exempt)

A 36” setback is required on three sides of each array.
A 36” setback is required on both sides of the ridge.

Exceptions to Fire Setbacks

To qualify for an exception, all of the following must be met:

The roof slope is greater than 2:12.
The array area per array is 1,000 sq ft or less.
The array per array is 150 ft or less in length or width.
There is an intersecting adjacent roof without a PV array.

Exception 1 (For Arrays Covering 25% or Less of Total Roof Plan Area)

A 12” setback is required along each side of the ridge.
Fire access pathways are not required.

Exception 2 (For Arrays Covering More Than 25% of Total Roof Plan Area)

A 12” setback is required along each side of the ridge.
A 36” fire access pathway is required from ridge to eave over a structurally supported area.
If the array also exceeds 22,500 sq ft, a 36” intermediate pathway is required in addition to the fire access pathway.

Site Plan Requirements (For Exception Use)

If using either Exception 1 or 2, the site plan must include:

A calculation showing whether the array is above or below 25% of the total roof plan area.
Dimensions of each array (length and width).
Dimensions of the perimeter of the home.

Note: Setbacks are required for flat roofs.

Structural & loads

Wind Speed: 98

Snow Load: 25

Snow Load Notes: The minimum snow load for a sloped roof must be at least 20 psf × the importance factor (Is), plus any additional weight from rain-on-snow if applicable. Snow load calculations must use specific load points rather than assuming an even distribution across the roof.

Reducible Snow Load Allowed: 1

Max Attachment Spacing: 48

Structural Notes

Provide digitally stamped plans and calculations from a Professional Engineer (PE) when engineering is required.
If the ridge is framed by a ridge board without direct vertical support, calculations must consider the entire roof triangle, as rafters and ceiling joists create a "frame."
The maximum span for rafters is 7'8". If the span exceeds this, a Structural Engineer (SE) stamp will be required.
The BOS Elevation Page must be stamped by a licensed professional.

Minimum Ground On Roof: #10

Electrical

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: 1

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed: 1

ESS Notes: Standard

Separate ESS Disconnect Required: No

ESS Elevation Detail Required: No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

#NFZ_ALL#

Structural elevation required

Structural Elevation/Side section needs to show side section of roof structure and panels. staff will supply this, please put it in the stamp notes and put it in the planset when stamps are complete.

Load bearing wall diagram required

Dimensions are required for framing member size and spacing for the framing members, as well as dimensions for the supporting walls.

See files section for approved elevation diagram

Specify if structural members are new or existing

Cover Page

Snow load, wind speed, and dead load weight (in PSF) for panels, racking, and attachment hardware.
Complete load calculations for wind, snow, and dead loads - including racking and attachments - for all roof-mounted PV projects.

Cover Page Notes

Site

For Duplex homes must show the division between units.

Roof Plan

The roof plan must include all framing details, attachments, and railings. Clearly label the structural members and attachment points, and include their spacing.

Roof Plan Notes

Attachment Detail

Attachments shall not be spaced greater than 48"

Attachments shall not be spaced greater than 24" where ground snow loads exceed 36 psf

Located within 3 feet (914 mm) of a roof edge, hip, eave or ridge.
Located in wind Exposure Category B or greater and the wind speed exceeds 120 mph.
Located in wind Exposure Category C or greater and the wind speed exceeds 110 mph.

SISTERING

Provide connection details for the attachment of the new rafters to the existing rafter.

INCLUDE NOTE - [The new rafter is attached over the full length of the existing rafter.]

Attachment Detail Notes

ALL JOBS [Panels will not be mounted more than 12" from the surface of the roof.]

All Jobs [THE ATTACHMENTS SHALL BE SPACED NOT MORE THAN 24 INCHES ON CENTER IN ANY DIRECTION WHERE THE ATTACHMENTS ARE LOCATED WITHIN 3 FT OF A ROOF EDGE, HIP, EAVE, OR RIDGE]

Custom Placards Required: 0

Non Standard Planset Requirements: BOS Elevation,Home Elevation

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required: Mesh/Scrim