11-323. Solar construction permits; standards
A. Counties shall adopt the following standards for issuing permits for the use of
certain solar energy devices:
1. For construction with solar photovoltaic systems that are intended to connect to
a utility system, the following apply:
(a) The location of the photovoltaic system installation shall be indicated on the
construction plans, including the roof plan and elevation.
(b) Photovoltaic panel mounting details shall be included in the installation
plans.
(c) The electrical diagrams shall include one-line and three-line diagrams.
(d) For direct current to alternating current conversions, the cut sheet and
listings for inverters shall be included in the plans.
(e) A county shall not require a stamp from a professional engineer for a solar
photovoltaic system unless an engineering stamp is deemed necessary. If an engineering
stamp is deemed necessary, the county shall provide the permittee a written explanation
of why the engineering stamp is necessary.
2. For solar water heating systems, the following apply:
(a) The location of the solar panel system shall be indicated on the construction
plans, including the roof plan and elevation, and shall include mounting details for
panel installation.
(b) Construction plan notes shall include a requirement that solar water heating
equipment be installed in compliance with applicable plumbing codes and as prescribed by
a solar rating and certification corporation and any guidelines adopted by this state.
(c) A county shall not require a stamp from a professional engineer for a single
family solar water heating system unless an engineering stamp is deemed necessary. If an
engineering stamp is deemed necessary, the county shall provide the permittee a written
explanation of why the engineering stamp is necessary.
B. Any building or permit fee or charge assessed by a county for a building permit
for solar construction must be attributable to and defray or cover the expense of the
service for which the fee or charge is assessed. A fee or charge shall not exceed the
actual cost of issuing a permit, and a written, itemized list of the individual costs
associated with the permit fee shall be provided at the request of the permittee.
C. Before adoption of a fee for service or an additional or separate charge
pursuant to this section, a county shall hold a public hearing on the issue with at least
fifteen days' published notice.
D. The method by which a county arrives at an assessed permit or plan fee must be
published and made available to the public.
|