City of Foster City (CA)

Codes

NEC Code Version

2023

Fire Code Version

2018 Building Code

Code List

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

2025 CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

ASCE Code Specification

ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status

Adopted

Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions

1

SolarAPP+ Restrictions

Existing Systems,Trenching,MPU

How Many Plansets Required

1

Revision Required

0

Rough Inspection

None

New Planset Required For Module Swap

0

Stamps

Wet Stamps Required

Digital Structural

Structural Calculations Required

Yes - Multiple Layer Shingle,Yes - Pitch > 26

Stamp Location On Plans

Unspecified

Date On Stamps

Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced

1

Setback Notes

Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed

95

Wind Notes

Exposure Category C

Snow Load

0

Reducible Snow Load Allowed

1

Max Attachment Spacing

96

Structural Notes

Standard projects will not require structural 2x4 stick built or truss framing. AHJ requested structural for tilt kits

Minimum Ground On Roof

#10

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required

Yes

Electrical Load Calcs Required

Derates,MPUs

Allowed POI

Line Side Taps,PV Breaker,Load Side Taps,Meter Adapter

Panel Schedule Required

Partial Home Backup

Temperature Rating

90

De Rating Ampacity

0.96

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed

0

ESS Notes

Show on plans minimum distance of Battery from windows/door

Specification and Installation instructions will be required to verify clearance required for proposed ESS model to avoid exposure to potential groundwater and moisture, which could compromise the structural integrity of the installation. Provide ESS manufacturer specifications and installation instructions for plan review.

Provide anchorage detail for ESS installations on plan

Provide a Residential Load Calculation to determine if the existing electrical service is adequate for the new ESS loads. The calculation must be completed in accordance with CEC Article 220. Please use the City of Foster City's electrical load calculation handout.

https://www.fostercity.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development/

Separate ESS Disconnect Required

ESS Disconnect

ESS Elevation Detail Required

Yes

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

 Please provide a photo of labeled main service panel closed and open on plan set.

EV Chargers require a separate, dedicated plan set. Do NOT include on PV Plans.

BOS ELEVATION REQUIRED

• SHOW 3' CIRCULAR DISTANCE FROM GAS METER TO PROPOSED RELOCATION OF BATTERY AND ESS DISCONNECT
• ELEVATION MUST INCLUDE FENCE LINE, MUST INCLUDE FENCE HEIGHT ON ELEVATION PAGE
• BOS MUST BE PLACED BELOW FENCE LINE
• IF equipment is to be placed behind fence, include note [NEW EQUIPMENT TO BE PLACED BEHIND AND BELOW FENCE LINE]

Fill out structural criteria attached to files

• If any of the questions will be answered with a 'No' then structural calcs are required

Provide a legible 8"x11" photo of the electrical panel with the dead front removed. The photo must show the entire enclosure, the main breaker, and the manufacturer's nameplate rating to verify existing conditions.

Cover Page

Specify if the structure has fire sprinklers on the cover sheet. "FIRE SPRINKLERS: NO"

At the Building Info / Project Data, annotate the occupancy group, type of construction, and number of stories for the building. CRC R106.1.1

The Responsible Designer (engineer of record) shall provide their name and signature on the Plan Set. Business and

Professions Code 5537 and 6737

Roof Plan

Exposed conduit NOT ALLOWED - We must run conduit through attic or under the eave

• Use dashed lines for conduit running internally and solid lines for conduit running externally.

Provide dimension between modules and attic vents

Roof Plan Notes

All jobs [ANY EXPOSED CONDUIT WILL NEED TO BE PAINTED TO MATCH THE ADJACENT SURFACE]

Electrical Diagram

REMOVE ALL REFERENCES TO GROUND RODS, GROUND RODS ARE NOT ALLOWED

MPUs require load calcs

To meet the safety standards per the CA Electrical Code, please provide the make and model of main service panel and UL Listed mark to verify existing panel can be used for proposed rooftop PV system on single line diagram.

Clarify grounding on plan and single line. Show equipment grounding/ bonding is in accordance with CA Elec Code 690.43. If the existing concrete encased electrode (UFER) cannot be found, provide new concrete encased electrode per FCMC and California Electrical Code requirements.

Electrical Diagram Notes

Note: Subject to field inspection, the concrete encased will meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code section 250.54 with a 25-ohm grounding impedance test to measure the resistance of an electrode with respect to the surrounding soil. In conformance with FCMC 15.20.160, supplemental ground rods are not allowed unless when used in conjunction with a non-corrosive, highly conductive fill material.

a. Rod and Pipe Electrodes. Electrodes of rods of steel shall be not less than two 1/2-inch round reinforcing bars, each not less than 20 feet long, running in opposite directions, placed within 3 inches of the bottom of the concrete footing. One end of each rod will extend at least 6 inches above the foundation still, at least 6 inches above finish grade and be connected by an approved grounding conductor. The grounding conductor will be installed in an accessible location where it will be bonded to the hot and cold-water pipes by an approved grounding connector.

b. Ground Rods shall be used in conjunction with Non-Corrosive Highly Conductive fill material and only with approval of Building Official. The bonding wire shall be determined by Table 250-68 of the California Electrical Code. Other means may be used when approved by the Building Official. (Ord. 655 § 7) 15.20.170 Article 300-6 amended Protection against corrosion. Article 300-6 of the California Electrical Code is amended by adding Subsection (E) to read as follows: (E) Earth Contact. No ferrous or nonferrous metallic portions of the electrical system shall be installed in direct contract with the earth. (Ord. 655 § 7)

Provide documentation showing the equipment used for interconnection, such as the Tesla Backup Switch, is listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1008, Standard for Transfer Switch Equipment, or as part of a system listed to UL 1741, Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources. Transfer equipment must be suitable for the intended use and designed to prevent the inadvertent interconnection of all sources of supply. CEC 702.5(D), CRC R324.3.1

Identify the required emergency shut off for the Energy Storage System

(ESS). A disconnecting means or its remote control for the stationary battery system must be located at a readily accessible location outside the building for emergency use. The location of this disconnect must be clearly shown on the plans.

On the Electrical Line Diagram, annotate the required Listed Rapid Shutdown Device to be installed within 3 feet of the Main Electrical Service Panel. CFC 1205.4.1.2

Label Page

ESS Disonnect must be permanently marked as the "ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM DISCONNECT" or "EMERGENCY DISCONNECT". CEC 706.15(A), CEC 480.7(B), CFC 1207.1.3

Custom Placards Required

1

Placards Notes

Permanent placards from placard page of approved plans

Non Standard Planset Requirements

BOS Elevation

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required

Mesh/Scrim