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Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (CO)

Colorado Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusTargeted
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

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

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2018 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Targeted
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
1
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
1

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
No
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

NON STANDARD REQUIREMENT: Fire setback pathways must have measurements shown on both site and roof plans. 

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
130
Wind Notes

WIND SPEED: 130 MPH

EXPOSURE CATEGORY C

*MUST include this on structural letter

Snow Load
999
Snow Load Notes

Reference - https://ascehazardtool.org/


Please update Snow load based on elevation of project:

Above 7,000 feet elevation:

Roof snow load: 40 LBS

Ground snow load: 57 LBS

Below 7,000 feet elevation:

Roof snow load: 30 LBS

Ground snow load: 43 LBS

Snow Load Reduction is NOT allowed except for flat roof snow load which may be reduced for roof slope using Section 7.4 of ASCE 7

Reducible Snow Load Allowed
0
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

Please add ground & roof snow load on cover page of structural engineer letter.

Roof elevated Mount - Provide engineer letter regarding the ability of the existing roof to handle the additional load.

Please make sure structural calcs & letter reflect the 2021 Codes and ASCE 7-16, and not stating "latest additions of IBC, etc."

Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required
Yes
Electrical Load Calcs Required
All Jobs,Derates,MPUs,Battery,Load Relocation,Taps
Allowed POI
Meter Adapter,PV Breaker,Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
0.96

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes
  • Installation of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) requires both a floor plan and site plan submittal. On the floor plan please clearly indicate exterior walls and interior walls and the location of all electrical gear. All electrical gear must be uniquely identified and labeled ( Disconnects). Labeling of electrical gear must match throughout the plan set. (See files section for "Floor Plan Example")
  • Installation must comply with 706.15(A)(3) NEC and 706.31(F) NEC
  • Provide spec sheet for surge protector if applicable.
  • 1/3/24 "Comply with 706.31 (F) NEC. missing OCPD in disconnect." Means shall be provided to disconnect any fuses associated with ESS equipment and components when the fuse is energized from both directions and is accessible to other than qualified persons. Switches, pullouts, or similar devices that are rated for the application shall be permitted to serve as a means to disconnect fuses from all sources of supply.
Separate ESS Disconnect Required
Local Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements
  • Please make sure to use Pikes Peak Checklist
  • Please include racking system grounding & bonding specification sheets, including the module compatibility sheets that clearly state that the specific solar panel module is compatible with the mounting system.
  • Add SFM railless UL2703 cert for SFM projects to plans.
  • PROVIDE DIMENSION FROM PROPERTY LINES TO HOUSE
Site
  • Production meters are required for CSU and Fountain utilities for all PV installations. MVEA does not require a production meter.
  • if MPU, show utility meter and (N) MSP side by side
  • REC meter (Production Meter) and utility meter must be grouped together in site plan, roof plan & placard pages of plans
  • Fire setback pathways must have measurements shown on both site and roof plans. 
Roof Plan
  • Show wind speed, exposure, and snow load
  • REC meter (Production Meter)(IF APPLICABLE) and utility meter must be grouped together in site plan, roof plan & placard pages of plans
Electrical Diagram

AC Disconnect

  • AC Disconnect must go between Inverter and PV meter: INV -> AC Disconnect -> PV Meter -> MSP
  • For Line side taps - Ground must be removed after fused AC disco, second disco required
  • For line side taps, provide service rated disconnect with N-G bond. parallel the neutral between the fused disconnect and taps & install no ground.
  • Provide 2nd AC disconnect when performing a line-side tap: INV -> AC Disconnect -> PV Meter -> AC Disconnect -> LST

MISC

  • The Service Disconnect needs to be shown on SLD.
  • Provide service load calculation and photos of breakers
  • Show compliance with current NEC
  • Production meter must be 200A rated per CSU
  • If 200A Production meter is used, #6 Wire is required on the line and load side.
  • Centerfed 120% allowed
  • For Load side taps - Must show size, type, and quantity of conductor being tapped, even if existing
Custom Placards Required
1
Placards Notes
  • If equipment is not installed all together next to the utility meter or within line-of-site, placards are required
  • placard that says “Warning: Dual power supply. System fed from utility and solar”. Placard can be yellow with black writing or red with white writing. Placard must be installed on exterior AC Disconnect of the system.
  • Requires all outside signage to be hard placards. They will no longer accept stickers outside.

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
No
Ground Mount Notes
  • Specific setback requirements vary by lot and zone. Zoning Dept will also vary depending on project address and the AHJ it belongs to. Check the following AHJ Databases for further information, Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Fountain, Woodland Park, Manitou Springs, Monument, Green Mountain Falls and Palmer Lake.
  • Ground mount (over 7’ in height) - Engineering is required for foundation, pole if site fabricated, and frame if site fabricated.
  • Ground screws allowed with engineering. 
  • Max height < 7’-0”
  • Frost depth is 30”
  • No grade requirements. 
  • Cannot be in the floodway.
  • Septic documentation is gathered from El Paso County Health


https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/licenses-permits-inspections-water-testing/onsite-wastewater-treatment-systems/ septic records here

Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (CO) 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.