City of Irvine (CA)

California 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

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: Targeted

Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions: 1

SolarAPP+ Restrictions: Derate

How Many Plansets Required: 1

Revision Required: 1

Rough Inspection: None

New Planset Required For Module Swap: 1

Stamps

Wet Stamps Required: Digital Structural

Structural Calculations Required: Yes

Stamp Location On Plans: Unspecified

Date On Stamps: Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced: 1

Setback Notes

Standard

Modules must be 4ft away from property line (condos, multifamily dwellings). Demonstrate 4ft setback from shared property lines on the roof.

Structural & loads

Wind Speed: 95

Wind Notes: Exposure Category C

Snow Load: 0

Reducible Snow Load Allowed: 1

Max Attachment Spacing: 96

Structural Notes: ESS projects will require structural calculations for the attachment of the battery to the wall

Minimum Ground On Roof: #10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required: Derates,Load Relocation

Allowed POI: Meter Adapter,PV Breaker,Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps

Panel Schedule Required: Partial Home Backup

Supply Tap Neutral Ground Bond Required: 1

Temperature Rating: 90

De Rating Ampacity: 1

BOS Restrictions: AC Disconnect to be readily accessible.

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed: 1

ESS Notes

Battery jobs require special placards. Provide ESS label for nominal AC voltage and maximum DC voltage per CEC 706.15 C.1
When the Battery is located in the garage, the lockable ESS Disco must go inside garage. Include Heat Detector and spec sheets
Dimension on single line the distance between battery and electrical equipment it is connected to. If battery is more than 5 feet from electrical panel/equipment, show disconnect on single line and provide disconnect specifications in plan set per Art. 706.7(E); otherwise, dimension on single line conductor length to be “less than 5 feet”
Verify if ESS connection distance is more than 5 feet from electrical panel/equipment.
Provide disconnect on single line and specification per Art. 706.7(E) if greater than 5 feet.
Note distance on drawings.
PLEASE PROVIDE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS ON ATTACHMENTS TO STRUCTURE/SFD.
Provide mounting detail sheet to plans for ESS batteries in plan set to be stamped by PE

ESS disconnect required within 6ft of MSP on same wall and not blocked by walls/gates/etc

provide load calcs for backup load panel/isolated loads panels

Separate ESS Disconnect Required: ESS Disconnect

ESS Elevation Detail Required: No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

Attach City of Irvine Photovoltaic General Notes in the back of the plan set.
Provide spec sheet showing the module and racking/attachment system are approved to be installed together and meet a fire classification rating of A.
Class A rating must be explicitly stated. This is commonly found in the install manual of the racking/attachment. Uploaded below: (SM_Installation_UL2703)
EV charging: complete EVCS App Package in files below and upload with PV Plans

Site Notes: Battery [ESS units installed outdoors or on the exterior side of exterior walls shall be located not less than 3 feet from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit.]

Roof Plan

All jobs:

Modules must be 4ft away from property line (condos, multifamily dwellings). Demonstrate 4ft setback from shared property lines on the roof.

Existing Solar:

Array roof coverage calculations must include existing solar array

Electrical Diagram: 120% rule allowed per CEC 705.12(B)(2)(3)(d) If relocating loads to a sub panel, list the loads to be relocated

Electrical Diagram Notes: All Jobs [CONDUCTORS MODIFIED OR EXTENDED OVER 6' SHALL COMPLY WITH ART 210.12(D) OF CEC FOR AFCI PROTECTION]

Label Page: When derating the main breaker, include a label indicating "The main circuit breaker has been downsized to "_" amps, do not upsize it"

Custom Placards Required: 1

Placards Notes: Permanent placards meeting CA placarding requirements + OFCA placarding requirements (for ESS Jobs)

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required: Mesh/Scrim