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

City of Seattle (WA)

Washington Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2020
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusTesting
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version
2020
Fire Code Version
2018 Building Code
Code List

2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC)

2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC)

2018 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE (IMC)

2018 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE (IPC)

2018 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE (IFGC)

2018 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE (IECC)

2018 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE (IEBC)

2018 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE (ISPSC)

2020 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE (NEC)

ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Testing
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
MPU,Derate
Revision Required
0
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
98
Snow Load
20
Snow Load Notes
  • https://hazards.atcouncil.org/#/
  • 01JP5VEXN5TQDSP1WCY47DBE8V (760×1048)
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96

Electrical

Allowed POI
PV Breaker,Meter Adapter,Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps
Supply Tap Neutral Ground Bond Required
1

Battery / ESS

ESS Notes

CE to fill out sections 6 through 11 on the ESS checklist in the files section.

PC team to fill out sections 2 through 5.

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

ESS can only be placed outdoors or on exterior walls when all of the following conditions are met:

  1. The maximum energy capacity of individual ESS units shall not exceed 20 kWh.
  2. The ESS shall comply with applicable requirements in Section 1207.
  3. The ESS shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and their listing.
  4. Individual ESS units shall be separated from each other by at least 3 feet (914 mm).
  5. The ESS shall be separated from doors, windows, operable openings into buildings or HVAC inlets by at least 5 feet (1524 mm).

For all Trenches

  • 2 Disconnects required - one at each end of trench
  • Required for AC or DC trenches
Cover Page

Include wind and snow notes on the cover page

Site


Electrical Diagram

For all Line Side Connections:

  • Neutral and ground bonded in fused disconnect
  • #6 bare copper run from N/G bar to (E) MSP's GEC and crimped
  • Schedule 80 PVC must be used in between fused disconnect and MSP - only showing 2 hots and neutral
  • All other conduit can be EMT

For all Load Side Taps:

  • Schedule 80 PVC must be used in between disconnect and MSP
Custom Placards Required
0
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the City of Seattle (WA) 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.