City of San Jose - Photovoltaic Permit Requirements (California)

Last modified on February 12, 2015.

Rules Regulations Policies Program

Place	California
Name	City of San Jose - Solar Hot Water Heaters and Photovoltaic Systems Permit Requirements
Incentive Type	Solar/Wind Permitting Standards
Applicable Sector	Commercial, Construction, Industrial, Installer/Contractor, Multi-Family Residential, Residential, Duplex
Eligible Technologies	Photovoltaics
Active Incentive	Yes
Implementing Sector	Local
Energy Category	Renewable Energy Incentive Programs
Website	http://www.sanjoseca.gov/building/permit.asp
Date added to DSIRE	2002-10-23
Last DSIRE Review	2012-07-09
References	DSIRE

Summary

Building, Planning and Electrical Permits are required for Photovoltiac (PV) systems installed in San Jose. In most cases, PV systems must also undergo a Building Plan Review and an Electrical Plan Review. Building Plan Reviews are not required for installations that meet all of the following criteria:

1. Total panel weight (including frame) is not greater than 5 lbs. per square foot. 2. Maximum concentrated load at each point of support does not exceed 40 lbs. 3. Maximum height above roof surface does not exceed 18 inches. 4. PV panels are installed on the rooftop 5. PV panels are not ballasted

If a Building Plan Review is required, a plan must be submitted showing existing roof framing and any proposed alteration along with panel support and bracing systems. For installations that do not require a Building Plan Review, a site plan showing the building's footprint and location of PV panels is required when applying for a building permit.

Electrical Plan Review for photovoltaic systems is required for all multi-family, commercial and industrial installations. Electrical Plan Review for single family and duplex installations will be offered if requested by the applicant or may be required by the Building Official based on complexity of installation.

The City does not collect the building permit tax (associated with most construction projects) on the construction or installation of solar energy generation equipment. If the project is larger than just the solar installation, regular permitting charges will apply to the rest of the project. Planning Site Adjustment Permits are required for commercial or industrial buildings and for residential buildings over two units. Single family residence and duplex do not require planning review. Planning adjustment permits can be obtained from planning staff assigned to the Building Division or from Planning Division.

Incentive Contact

Contact Name	Mary Tucker
Department	City of San Jose
Division	Environmental Services Department
Address	200 East Santa Clara Street, 10th Floor
Place	San Jose, California
Zip/Postal Code	95113-1905
Phone	(408) 975-2581
Email	mary.tucker@sanjoseca.gov
Website	http://www.sanjoseca.gov/esd/natural-energy-resources/

Authorities (Please contact the if there are any file problems.)

Authority 1:	City of San Jose Building Division Informational Handout
Date Enacted	2010-08-17

• Incentive and policy data are reviewed and approved by the N.C. Solar Center's DSIRE project staff.