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City of Waco (TX)

Texas Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusAdopted
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural,Digital Electrical
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

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

2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Adopted
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
Storage Systems,Existing Systems,Trenching,MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
1
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
Rough Electrical
New Planset Required For Module Swap
1

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
Yes
Wet Stamps Required
Digital Structural,Digital Electrical
Structural Calculations Required
Yes
Ee Stamp Notes

EE stamps required by same engineer.

Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Show separate dimension for set backs on both sides of the ridge. Do not combine the setbacks on both sides of the ridge into one dimension.


***If we are adding on to a house that already has panels on it, we need to combined the (E) & (N) panels when we are calculating the roof coverage percentage. This will dictate on if we need a 3' FSB (more than 33%) or if we can install at 18" (less than 33%).***

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
115
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
5
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

PE stamps; SE digital stamps on corresponding PV pages & PE Letter / Calcs. Combined plans, letters / calcs into one PDF file. Need to state code year on PE letters.

Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required
Yes
Electrical Load Calcs Required
All Jobs,Derates,MPUs,Battery,Load Relocation,Taps,Center Fed Panels
Allowed POI
Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Supply Tap Neutral Ground Bond Required
1
Temperature Rating
60
De Rating Ampacity
0.91

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

We are now submitting City of Waco Projects through a 3rd party review team. We no longer need to abide by 702.4 requirements within the AHJ. please design towards MFG Battery requirements, and the installer Backup Load Policies.


*702.4 Guidance*

  • AHJ Enforcing NEC 702.4 (Optional Standby Systems) for ESS Will require us to only backup essential loads whose total demand does not exceed what the # of Batteries can provide "E.G.: 1x Enphase 5P Continuous Output is 16A and if the system is designed with 3 units = 48A Continuous Load. The Backup Loads must have a Load Calc Less than or Equal to 48A. Load Calc shown on plans." (Exception: Tesla Powerwall 2/+/3 Projects) 
  • Option 1: Submit Sales Request to change to Tesla Powerwall 2/+/3 
  • Option 2: 702.4(B) EMS or Load Management Hardware Exception can be used in NEC 2020/2023 as to allow maximum capable backup loads (I.E.-SPAN). 
  • Option 3: 220.87(1) Exception: Load Calculation based on Utility Meter Demand Data (Green Button - 15 min Interval over a 30 day period.). 
  • Option 4: Load Calculations via Emporia Energy Monitoring (30 Day Period). 
  • Option 5: Downsize loads. 


*702.4 Exceptions*

  • Tesla Powerwall 2/+/3 can backup per the installer backup policies and do not need to meet 702.4

*Avoid locating Batteries within garage. Regardless of location in garage, Bollards and heat detection is required if located with garage.

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

Single Line Diagram Required

Site Notes

Show the locations of all required smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Electrical Diagram

EXTERIOR DISCONNECT REQUIRED ON ALL JOBS

Show supply side bonding in the PV AC disconnect 250.24(A).

Show AC Surge arrestor (Tie in MSP with 20A 2P)

Indicate the (SIZE AND TYPE) service entrance conductors for all projects

Example - 200A Main service breaker requires (3) - #3/0 AWG THWN-2

Example - 100A Main service breaker requires (3) - #3 AWG THWN-2

Example - 125A Main service breaker requires (3) - #3 AWG THWN-2

Meter/Main Combo is not allowed

TAPS

Use Polaris Taps, see files section for more information.

When calling out a line side tap one of the two following builds should be designed, based on the as-built conditions.

  1. Meter can ONLY outside (readily accessible): (N) non fusible disconnect outside next to meter to serve as the emergency disconnect (NEC 2023: 230.85) . Show two port lugs on the line in side of the disconnect with the inverter/combined inverters output terminated on the second port (first port tied to the utility supply). Include all subsequent parts in BOM.
  2. Meter can AND disconnect located outside (readily accessible): Perform a Hoffman/tap box tap at the existing disconnect. Indicate on single line that the tap connecters used are Polaris IT-350 and clearly show tap in the junction box NOT the disconnect. Include the confirmation letter in the files section Include all subsequent parts in the BOM


N-G BOND REQUIRED IN AC DISCONNECT FOR SUPPPLY SIDE TAPS




110.14(C)(1)(a) limits #6 to 55 amps. If Inverter output is 60A it will require #4 conductors


*FOR TESLA ESS* - Add the following note

  • ESS is Listed to UL916 to utilize "Source-side" EMS per 750.30 in accordance with 750.30 (C)(1) - (C)(4) and Labeling in Accordance with 750.50. 
Electrical Diagram Notes

All Jobs [Installation shall be by properly qualified TDLR license holder. // PV rough will need to be scheduled when the equipment is on the job before installation // Electrical Equipment shall be listed, labeled and installed for its intended use // Installation shall be to the NEC 2023 • Maintain working space about electrical equipment 110.26 // Grounding must meet 250.160-166, 250.64(C) and 250.64, 250.66 // Electrical work that penetrates to the interior shell of a dwelling may require smoke detectors. ] MPU [Existing loads will be relocated into the new main service panel]

Label Page

Make sure to include the Florida label that shows our contact information.


This is to comply with 705.10(2)


*ALL ESS*

  • Ensure proper ESS Labels are present
  • Ensure Placard is clearly labeled
Custom Placards Required
0
Non Standard Planset Requirements
Single Line Diagram
Non Standard Revision Requirements


Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Mesh/Scrim
Setback Front Yard
25
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the City of Waco (TX) 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.