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County of Pima (AZ)

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

Codes

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

2024 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2024 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2024 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2024 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2024 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Adopted
Date SolarAPP+ Accepted
44340
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restriction Notes
Cannot be in a flood zone to be eligible for SolarAPP. AHJ tool to validate flood zones:
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
Existing Systems,Trenching
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

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


Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
115
Wind Notes

3 sec gust Exposure Category C

Snow Load
999
Snow Load Notes

Less 4000 ft 0 psf 4 to 5000 ft 20 psf 5 to 7000 ft 40 psf 7 to 8000 ft 60 psf Over 8000 ft 80 psf

Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

For Ground Mounts: Solar Collector roof loading data and mounting system with fastener sizes and calculations for dead load and wind uplift. Installations exceeding 4 PSF allowance shall require a structural load analysis. Plans are required to be sealed by an engineer

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Load Side Taps,PV Breaker,Meter Adapter,Line Side Taps
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
0.87

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 Cash/Mosaic - Check the Pima County GIS Floodmap, if the property has any part of it in flood/riparian area block CR with a ticket to Permitting to find the value of the property and value of any additional improvements done already.

Site

If elevation is below 4000 put note that says

"NOTE : ELEVATION IS BELOW 4000 FT"

(Use this link: https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/theme/elevation/##bottom)

You must enter the Longitude and Latitude coordinates. Searching by address is currently broken.

  • If above 4000 feet, plans must account for snow load (including 4' spans)
  • Additional requirements include:
  • Equipment shall not cover more than 50% of roof area

PLEASE RESEARCH ANY PROPERTY PRIOR TO DESIGN USING https://gis.pima.gov/apps/floodhazard/ TO DETERMINE IF IT WILL NEED A FPUP (FLOOD PLAIN USE PERMIT).

IF SITE IS NOT IN OR NEAR a flood plain or riparian area, add a note stating "ENTIRE PARCEL LOCATED WITHIN A LOCALLY MAPPED SHEET FLOW FLOODPLAIN. BASED FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE) = 0.5FT ABOVE HIGHEST ADJACENT NATURAL GRADE. REGULATORY FLOOD ELEVATION (RFE) = 1.5 FT ABOVE HIGHEST ADJACENT NATURAL GRADE. ALL NEWLY INSTALLED ELECTRICAL FACILITIES MUST BE ELEVATED AT OR ABOVE THE RFE.” Also, plans must still be to Engineer scales.

Projects with systems IN OR NEAR flood and erosion hazard areas, or mapped riparian habitat, must have the following:

Minimum Required Site Plan Content:

  • If project is in a flood plain, Must show 50 foot erosion hazard setbacks, floodplain zones, mapped riparian habitat, topography, or regulatory washes (SEPARATE PAGE IS NOT ACCEPTABLE - MUST BE ON SITE PLAN)
  • Accurately state the scale that is used.
  • Contain a North arrow.
  • Provide an accurate representation of all existing and proposed improvements to scale, with labels and
  • Must have note: "Proposed work is done in accordance with the FPUP."
Site Notes

All Jobs [Proposed work is done in accordance with the FPUP]

Ground Mount [2. PROPERTY WITHIN A 0.5 FT LOCALLY MAPPED SHEET FLOW FLOODPLAIN. ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE ELEVATED 1.5 FT ABOVE THE HIGHEST ADJACENT NATURAL.]

Roof Plan
  • Underground electrical minimum 18
  • MUST NOTE ELEVATION OF PROPERTY
Electrical Diagram
  • 3 Line Diagram with grounding sizing and connections.
  • Battery 3-Line & 1Line: Need to include a Backed-Up Loads Meter and a Backed-Up Loads Disconnect (see Trico and TEP battery configuration sample)
  • PM required. Call out EATON-011.
  • Inv > PM > AC > POI
Custom Placards Required
0

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Situational
Ground Mount Notes

12/28/22 - When a ground mount is in zoning CR-1, CR-2, SR-1, or SR-2 fencing is required ONLY if the ground mount is within 50' of the property line. If the array is further than 50', scrim is allowed.

ALL other ZONES for Pima County require metal mesh/scrim for ground mounts under 6'. -staff

Soil Class: Clay

Flood Hazard Parcel Search: https://gis.pima.gov/apps/floodhazard/

Show riparian areas: Site Link

For Ground Mounted Systems:

  • Ground mount systems must show entire parcel, all existing structures/fencing, erosion hazard setbacks (25 foot from the banks of the wash), wash, and any structures, fences/walls and/or graded areas or other features that may divert, retard or obstruct flow such as driveways, culverts, storage piles, etc.
  • Provide Elevation Methods for Site-Built Structures Within Regulatory Floodplains
  • Provide panel array dimensions: outside dimensions, the total area covered, the highest point above grade.
  • Provide the dimensions from the property lines to the proposed system and existing structures; show setbacks.
  • Please add a note on the plan that says:"2. PROPERTY WITHIN A 0.5 FT LOCALLY MAPPED SHEET FLOW FLOODPLAIN. ALL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TO BE ELEVATED 1.5 FT ABOVE THE HIGHEST ADJACENT NATURAL."
  • Please add it to the main site plan page and any page that references elevation.
  • Structure shall be within 3' of residence wall to be considered an attached shade structure. Installation as a ground mount solar or detached structure will require an MSR (Modification of Setback Requirements) if setbacks are an issue. (See link below)
  • https://webcms.pima.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=66477

Pima County has additional requirements for building ground mounts on slopes greater than 15%; AVOID BUILDING ON HILLS GREATER THAN 15 DEGREES. If you have to please reference DCR - a past project (12/17/20 - AG)


10/16/24 - zoning advised scrim will be needed for all shade structures and the total of all accessory structures should not exceed 1500sqft

height requirement cannot go above 24ft

Ground Mount Requires Soil Sample
Soil Study
Setback Front Yard
30
Setback Back Yard
40
Setback Side Yard
10
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Pima (AZ) 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.