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County of Santa Clara (CA)

California Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusAdopted
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
Adopted
Date SolarAPP+ Accepted
45020
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
Existing Systems,Trenching
How Many Plansets Required
2
Revision Required
1
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
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
110
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
0
Snow Load Notes

N/A

Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

**Ground Mounts** * Justify use of Wind Exposure selected for the design of proposed PV Array structure * Justify use of Soil Class selected for the design of proposed PV Array structure. **Batteries** * If the ESS weighs more than 400Ibs or will be mounted with a center of mass located 4 ft or more above the floor, structural calculations are required for the attachment of the ESS to the wall. * Disclaimer from PE stating "stamped for existing roof and PV attachment only" must be revised to include the battery

Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Meter Adapter,PV Breaker,Load Side Taps,Line Side Taps
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
75
De Rating Ampacity
0.91
BOS Restrictions

Standard

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

Provide a simple and clear description of scope of work such as installing a XXX kw PV system with XXX kwh ESS batteries. See SD&S A-7 Protection for ESS Subject to Vehicle Damage 04.27.2021.doc for interior garage placement. Plans to include a detail of the attachment of the ESS battery to the floor/ wall assembly


Individual units shall be separated from each other by not less than 3โ€™ except where smaller separation distances are documented to be adequate based on large scale fire testing complying with Section 1206.1.5 of the California Fire Code. (R327.3.1) Provide the approval document from SCCFD for the UL 9540A testing


ESS - ESS units shall not be installed with the center of mass above 48" from adjacent grade without site specific engineering calculations for the batters, mounting type and location.

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

Load side taps are permitted as long as they comply with article 240

Provide clear color photos of the main service panel with the dead front cover in place and removed. Include the panel label to show the manufacturer and bus rating.

Electrical Diagram

Single line diagram required Load side taps require length of conductors. batteries installed in the garage: 1. Stationary storage battery systems installed in a location subject to vehicle damage shall beprotected by approved barriers per R327.6. Bollards must comply with CFC 312. Fire Marshal Review - Fire Life Safety Review 1\. Individual units shall be separated from each other by not less than 3โ€™ except where smaller separation distances are documented to be adequate based on large scale fire testing complying with Section 1206.1.5 of the California Fire Code. (R327.3.1) Rooms and areas within dwelling units, basements, and attached garages in which ESS are installed shall be protected by smoke alarms in accordance with Section R314. A heat detector, shall be installed in locations within dwelling units and attached garages where smoke alarms cannot be installed based on their listing. (R327.7) Provide material cut sheets and location where the device will be located. ESS installed in a location subject to vehicle damage shall be protected by approved barriers. (R327.8) Provide detail for vehicle impact protection that complies with CFC Section 312. Provide document or calculations that show that the force that the bollard proposed can withstand 6000 # per CBC Section 1607.9.


If using SLFK: Verify if the sub-feed lug kit in the MSP is a bolted or plug-in connection

Electrical Diagram Notes

Battery [Producer's storage device(s) will not cause the Host Load to exceed its normal peak demand. Normal peak demand is defined as the highest amount of power required from the Distribution System by Producer's complete facilities without the influence or use of the energy storage device(s).]

Custom Placards Required
1
Non Standard Planset Requirements
Single Line Diagram

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Situational
Ground Mount Notes

AHJ DOES NOT ALLOW NUANCE RACKING, WE MUST USE IRONRIDGE


SETBACKS REQUIRED

100FT FROM FRONT YARD SETBACKS

100FT FROM CREEKS/STREAMS/WASHES 


ALL JOBS

  • Site plan must show setback lines,
  • Including entry and exit point from property.
  • Show the distance from the GM system to the septic tank *
  • Show the distance from the GM system to the nearest leach line (minimum 10ft setback from leach line)
  • Provide a grounding electrode system for the array structure
  • show the location of the leach field expansion area (reserve area).


Provide stamped/signed letter from railing manufacturer confirming the proposed rail system meets CBC requirements.

Calculations shall be based on ASCE7-16, not ASCE7-10


records request: Open Public RecordsNextRequest - Modern FOIA & Public Records Request Software

Ground Mount Requires Soil Sample
Soil Study
Setback Front Yard
100
Setback Back Yard
25
Setback Side Yard
25
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Santa Clara (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.