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County of Los Angeles (ESS Requirements) (CA)

California Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
Fire Setback Enforced0

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

IEBC Accepted
1
ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

Revision Required
0
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Notes
Bus Certs are NOT accepted in this AHJ

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
0
Setback Notes

Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
85
Snow Load
999
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Minimum Ground On Roof
#8

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required
Yes
Electrical Load Calcs Required
Battery
Allowed POI
PV Breaker,Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps,Meter Adapter
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
75
De Rating Ampacity
0.96

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

See below plan set section for ESS plan requirements

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
Yes

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements
  • ESS Batteries are no longer allowed in garages unless the garage has a fire sprinkler system installed per LACOFD Fire Code.


  • The maximum energy capacity of individual ESS units shall not exceed 20kWh
  • The maximum aggregate energy capacity shall not exceed 80kWH
  • Use this website to determine if project is in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone:
  • https://www.lafd.org/fire-prevention/brush/fire-zone/fire-zone-map
  • Electrical Equipment Elevation (EEE) page required
  • Power Source Disconnect schedule required - include on site plan, roof plan, and ELD pages
  • Disconnect number Type of Disconnect
  • 1 of 3 Utility disconnect (main service disconnect, must shut off all utilities to the residence) 
  • 2 of 3 PV rapid shutdown disconnect (RSD device can be found on the SolarEdge inverter. For microinverters the breaker in the combiner box acts as this disconnect)
  • 3 of 3 Energy Storage System disconnect (Any AC disconnect that disconnects the battery)
  • Include disconnect verbiage on Site Placard leaders.
  • See "Approved plans" saved to files for example of disconnect schedule on site plan and ELD.
  • All disconnects need to be within 6ft of main panel and need to be outside. 
  • Please provide panel schedule for main service panel and matching load calculations

Interior Installation

  • When ESS are located within a structure a local disconnect is required for each ESS. 
  • Interior ESS installations are permissible and compliant with section 1206.4.6 Fire Detection, when installation is completed with any one of the following
  • An approved listed Heat Alarm
  • A standard heat detection device connected to a fire alarm system
  • A fire sprinkler system with water flow device with local alarm
  • Provide on the plans the location of the installed device(s) and or system(s) as required per the fire code, and also place manufacturer installation and listing guide in the plans.
  • Garage Floor Plan Required, if applicable

Exterior Installation

  • The ESS shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and their listing
Cover Page
  • Add "2023 LA County Fire Code" to code list notes
  • Add notes to cover page:
  • - "All work shall be in compliance with the most current Los Angeles County fire code"
  • - "When ESS is installed inside garage, - Any planned or existing attached garage shall comply with all applicable codes and standards, and with the manufacturer's installation manual(s) to which the equipment has been listed, including requirements pertaining to fire protective features (E.g., gypsum board, doors, and ducts), and to alarm/detector devices"
  • - “THE PROJECT SHALL COMPLY WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE DISCONECT AND PLACARDING SYSTEMS”
  • -"Energy Storage System(ESS) installation shall meet LAFD memo released 05/10/2023"
  • Provide the following scope of work on the cover page VERBATIM with answers:
  •      ESS SYSTEM: (NOTE the chemical make up of battery should be accurate. : Example: Enphase IQSP batteries are LFP (lithium iron phosphate), not Lithium Ion
  • Number and type ESS unit(s): (Provide # and type) Example: New - 2 Li-ion; Existing -0 
  • ESS unit(s) capacity (kWh/unit): (provide data) Example: New - 14kWh per Li-ion. Existing - 0. 
  • Inside attached garages: (provide data) Example: 2 units at 14kWh ea.
  • Inside detached garages and/or detached accessory structured: (provide data) Example: attached garage - 2 units at 14kWh ea.
  • Outdoors on exterior walls: (provide data) Example: 1 unit at 14kWh
  • Outdoors on ground: (provide data) Example: 0 unit at 0kWh
  • Other, and/or for another building on the same site, etc: (provide data) Example: 0 unit at 0kWh
  • DISCONNECTS:
  • Minimum number of disconnects required to turn off all power sources feeding the home [Utility, ESS, PV and other]: (Provide data) Example: 3
  • ESS system size listed in the title block is the total usable energy
Site

ELEVATION DIAGRAM:

  1. Individual ESS Units shall be separated from each other by not less than 3ft. This separation requirement applies in any direction between ESS Units, regardless of their placement on the same wall, opposing walls, and/or separate but adjacent walls. Show the distance from ESS to doors, windows, and other ESS (if any). 
  2. ESS Units, where the bottom of the unit is installed less than 3 feet above finished floor, shall be subject to impact protection per LACoFD Regulation. (See files section for a diagram). Demonstrate on the elevation drawing the height of the ESS from the floor. 
  3. Include distance between all BOS equipment shown on the elevation diagram
  4. All disconnects must be on the same wall as the MSP and within a reasonable distance. disconnects can not be obstructed by any walls, gates, or fences.
  5. Provide a frontal view of related FD shutoffs and where they are located in relation to the ESS

SITE PLAN:

  • Add Note to Site plan if applicable:
  • "Project is NOT located in a fire hazard severity zone, nor in a state-responsibility area and is therefore exempt from the requirement per 2022 CRC R377.6.2 and CBC 706a.2 for securing mesh at the level of the underlayment or decking/sheathing, directly overt the vent opening through the decking/sheathing that is located at the ridge"
  • Add note: "36 in wide emergency escape and rescue pathways will be provided to the center of the operable portion(s) of all operable doors and windows located above the roof plane when a said door or window is both setback from the eave and serving a habitable space. Windows serving vaulted ceiling only shall be exempt" No electrical components associated with the battery integrated PV system shall be located above the roof decking for the full extent of these pathways. Compliance shall be subject to inspection by the fire code official as demonstrated by the lifting of tiles by responsible party as necessary for confirmation. (2022 CFC 1204.2.2)
  • "All FD disconnect switches must be outside the structure, within 6 feet of the main service panel, on the same wall plane, and not separated from other FD disconnects by walls, gates, fences, vegetation, or architectural features of the building"

Add to site plan and elevation diagram: "ESS unit(s) shall be installed and maintained a minimum of:

  • 3 feet from another ESS unit, a structure corner, an intersecting wall, any door, window, operable opening into the building, or HVAC inlet.
  • 5 feet from a property line, lot lint, public way, another building, stored combustible material(s), hazardous material(s)
  • 10 feet from vegetation (per LACFC, section 1207.5.7)"
Electrical Diagram

Add note to EEE and SLD:

"Battery Installed 3 feet away from doors and windows


If no windows or doors are within 3 ft of the battery, indicate that on the elevation drawing"

Add note to ELD:

"The ESS circuit breaker shall be secured by an additional fastener per section 408.36(D). The Breaker and fastener shall be made by the same manufacturer"

See Cutler Hammer Hold Down Kit -or- SQD Breaker hold down kit in file section below

Add Note for Enphase ESS; REMOVE BONDING JUMPER AT IQ SYSTEM CONTOLLER 3.

Label Page
  • Placards - red letters on yellow background
  • F.D. - Electrical BLDG Disconnect #1 of (total # of disconnects)
  • F.D. - Electrical BLDG Disconnect #2 of (total # of disconnects)

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Mesh/Scrim
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Los Angeles (ESS Requirements) (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.