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County of Merced (CA)

California Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusTesting
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural
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
Testing
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
Existing Systems,Trenching,MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
2
Revision Required
0
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Wet Stamps Required
Digital Structural
Structural Calculations Required
Yes
Stamp Location On Plans
Top Right
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
105
Wind Notes

Exposure Category C

Snow Load
0
Snow Load Notes

N/A

Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

WIND EXPOSURE CATEGORY C

Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Load Side Taps,PV Breaker,Line Side Taps,Meter Adapter
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
0.91

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes


Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Cover Page Notes

All Jobs [WIND EXPOSURE CATEGORY C]

Site

Call out all property features on site plan

Attachment Detail Notes

All Jobs [WIND EXPOSURE CATEGORY C]

Electrical Diagram


Custom Placards Required
1

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
No
Ground Mount Notes
  • Add the location of the septic system and leach lines to the site plan.
  • Add a replacement area for all septic systems on the site plan. Replacement area needs to be large enough to contain a new septic system and must be free of any structures or pavement. It will also need to maintain a 100’ setback from any wells to the leach field. The replacement area will also need to meet 10' setback to the solar array. This replacement area can be indicated by an area outlined with a dotted box labeled “100% replacement area”
  • Include details on the site plan like pools and detached structures

Email to get septic records:

Setback Front Yard
10
Setback Back Yard
10
Setback Side Yard
10
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Merced (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.