Solar Sanity Checksolar, decoded Independent. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

County of Baltimore (MD)

Maryland 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

2021 NATIONAL STANDARD PLUMBING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CODE

2021 NFPA 101 LIFE SAFETY CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL 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
0
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
No
Wet Stamps Required
Digital Structural
Structural Calculations Required
Yes - 10kW+
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes
  • MUST HAVE 36'' PATHWAY FOR SETBACKS. NOT 18''
  • Roof Access Point - This is the point at which the firefighters first access the roof.

All Buildings:

  • This point may not be above windows or doors and must be free of overhead obstructions such as tree limbs, wires, or signs above or below the access point.
  • This point must be located at a strong point of building construction.

One and Two Family Buildings:

  • The access point is located at the bottom of each access pathway.
  • See description below.

Other than One and Two Family Buildings:

  • There must be a minimum six feet clear perimeter along the edge of the roof.
  • If either axis of the building is 250 feet or less in length, a reduction to a minimum four foot clear perimeter along the edge of the roof shall be permitted.

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
90
Wind Notes

Design wind speed (Risk Categories I & II) 90 MPH Nominal 3 second gust (minimum design)

Snow Load
30
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes
### IF KW IS LESS THAN 10 KW, STAMPS ARE NOT NEEDED **Note:** Design professional shall provide detail information as to compliance with the International Conservation Code 2015 Edition, Energy Efficiency for Zone 4A.
Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
PV Breaker,Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps,Meter Adapter
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
0.96
BOS Restrictions

If there is to be a fused disco inside, use a flush-mounted breaker housing instead of a surface-mounted knife-blade switch. Former is aesthetically pleasing. Latter is not.

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 there is to be a fused disco inside, use a flush-mounted breaker housing instead of a surface-mounted knife-blade switch. Former is aesthetically pleasing. Latter is not.

Check service cable to see if frayed. If yes, the project will require replacement to pass inspection.

Signage Requirements:

  • All signage must be weather resistant, and otherwise suitable for the environment.

Main Service Disconnect Requirements:

  • Must be affixed to the panel.
  • Must be red and white lettering.
  • Must be in capital letters.
  • Must be three-fourths inches in height.
  • Must read: [Warning: Photovoltaic Power Source].
  • Must be reflective

Circuit Disconnect Requirements:

  • Must be adjacent to the breaker.
  • Must be contrasting colors.
  • Must be in capital letters.
  • Must be three-eighths inches in height.
  • Must read [Photovoltaic Disconnect].

DC Only Requirements: (This section specifies the DC system signage requirements for conduits, enclosures, cable assemblies, combiner boxes, and junction boxes.)

  • Must be located every 10 feet, at turns, above and below penetrations, on every combiner box, and on every junction box.
  • Must be red with white lettering.
  • Must be in capital letters.
  • Must be three-eighths inches in height.
  • Must read: [Warning: Photovoltaic Power Source].
  • Must be reflective.

What are the local building design requirements in Baltimore County? footing depth 30 inches

  • pole buildings 48 inches minimum
  • design wind pressure 14.4 psf
  • flood protection elevation 10.4 feet (Back River and south)
  • 11.2 feet (north of Back River)
Cover Page

AHJ does not do plan review if the project is under 10 kW. All requirements in the DB should still apply to projects under 10kW

Electrical Diagram
  • If POI is a Line Side Tap, two disconnects are required. One fused, one non-fused.
  • If there is to be a fused disco inside, use a flush-mounted breaker housing instead of a surface-mounted knife-blade switch. Former is aesthetically pleasing. Latter is not.
  • Surge protector required to be within fused ac disconnect for lineside taps only. Please add surge protector to the BOM page for lineside taps, does not need to be shown on SLD.
Custom Placards Required
0
Non Standard Planset Requirements
BOS Elevation

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Mesh/Scrim
Ground Mount Notes

Ground Mounted PV Arrays

  • A clear 10 feet area around the installation shall be provided.
  • A gravel or other non-combustible base shall be installed and maintained under and around the installation.
  • Side and back yard is 2.5'
  • Front setback has to be the start of the rear foundation wall of the house.
Setback Back Yard
2
Setback Side Yard
2
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Baltimore (MD) 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.