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County of Contra Costa (CA)

California Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusAdopted
Wet Stamps RequiredNone
Fire Setback Enforced1

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
Date SolarAPP+ Accepted
45196
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
Existing Systems,Trenching
How Many Plansets Required
3
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
Yes
Wet Stamps Required
None
Structural Calculations Required
Yes
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

3' Setbacks on both sides of ridge

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
999
Wind Notes

Wind Speed depends on location. Enter project address at

ASCE Hazard Tool

https://ascehazardtool.org/


Exposure Category B

Snow Load
0
Snow Load Notes

N/A

Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

PE Stamps; SE / EE digital stamps on all PV Pages & PE Letter / Calcs. WS 92 MPH The Structural Calcs required a Stamp and Engineer Signature.

Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps,PV Breaker,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

No published information about battery placement. If battery system, include this note on ELD: Producer's storage device(s) will not cause the Host Load to exceed its normal peak demand. Normal peak demand is defined as the highest amount of power required from the Distribution System by Producer's complete facilities without the influence or use of the energy storage device(s).

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
Yes

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements
  • Regardless of Solarapp or not, show BOS location due to recent rejections
Cover Page

AHJ wants the Scope of Work on cover page, including additional work. See example:

Scope of Work

9.55 kW PV Roof Mount

(1) Battery

225A MPU

Site
  • Show roof access point on plans
  • Label all property lines and include dimensions, all existing and proposed building/structures/uses clearly labeled with setbacks
  • 3' Setbacks on both sides of ridge
  • Regardless of Solarapp or not, show BOS location due to recent rejections

Roof Plan

_**Roof Mounts**_ need to show the following: * 'Required Structural Criteria' form required (prefilled packet uploaded below for standard 2x4 trusses projects)


MAKE SURE ATTACHMENT SPACING COMPLIES WITH THE STRUCTURAL CRITERIA


(Benabou, Eliahou) If roof pitch is more than 26 degrees, spacing of the anchors to the rafters shall be 2 feet. Maximum spacing of 4 feet is also acceptable but shall be staggered from row-to-row , per table 1, part 3, of the California solar permitting guidebook , third edition; or, provide calculations and drawings, stamped, and signed by a California licensed civil engineer


FD requires a Full Report UL9540A

Attachment Detail

replace 3" min - 6" max with 2" min and 10" max per Pierce, Lokke DCR.

Electrical Diagram


Electrical Diagram Notes

LST [LINE SIDE TAP WILL BE INSTALLED PER UL SPECIFICATIONS AND CERTIFIED BY A NRTL ENGINERR PRIOR TO FINAL INSPECTION. A REPORT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE CITY INSPECTOR AT THAT TIME FOR EVALUATION AND CONFIRMATION OF FIELD LISTING]

Label Page


Custom Placards Required
1

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
No
Ground Mount Notes

_**Ground Mounts**_ * IronRidge calcs & span charts are acceptable engineering for GM - include in specs ****For septic map and plot plan request**** Check the request for records file attached below to request septic records, or submit form via link below


12/4/24 - please include ground mount checklist with plan set as it is required for submittal

Setback Front Yard
3
Setback Back Yard
3
Setback Side Yard
3
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Contra Costa (CA) 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.