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County of Charles (MD)

Maryland Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2020
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version
2020
Fire Code Version
2018 Building Code
Code List

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

2020 NATIONAL ELECTRIC CODE

IEBC Accepted
1
ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

How Many Plansets Required
Other (See Submission Notes)
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
Stamp Location On Plans
Unspecified
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Standard

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
115
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
25
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

PE Instructions:

Digital SE stamps with valid/verifiable digital signatures on structural PV pages & PE Letter.

PLANS AND STRUCTURAL LETTER MUST HAVE CERTIFICATION BLOCK NEXT TO ENGINEER STAMP.

Maryland law under COMAR requires that a professional engineer’s seal be accompanied by a certification statement to include their license number and expiration date

MUST HAVE MINIMUM WIND SPEED OF 115


Post Install Instructions:

This AHJ requires a post-installation structural letter (stamped), also requires a post-install design (stamp not needed).

Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Meter Adapter,Load Side Taps,Line Side Taps,PV Breaker
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Temperature Rating
90
De Rating Ampacity
0.91
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

Demonstrate compliance with all of the below code requirements: ESS shall only be placed in the following locations:

1. detached garages and detached accessory structures

2. attached garages separated from the dwelling unit living space

3. outdoors or on the exterior side of exterior walls located not less than 3ft from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit.

4. enclosed utility closets, basements, storage or utility spaces within dwelling units with finished or noncombustible walls and ceilings. Walls and ceilings of unfinished wood-framed construction shall be provided with not less than 5/8" type x gypsum wallboard Rooms and areas within dwelling units, basements and attached garaged in which ESS are installed shall be protected by smoke alarms. A heat detector, listed and interconnected to the smoke alarms, shall be installed in locations within dwelling units and attached garages where smoke alarms cannot be installed based on their listing. ESS installed in a location subject to vehicle damage shall be protected by approved barriers. Indoor installations of ESS that produce hydrogen or other flammable gases during charging shall be provided with mechanical ventilation

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

This AHJ allows a single fused disconnect on exterior of home, if within 10' of interconnection per 2020 NEC. If exterior service disconnect present on site: always TAP the exterior disconnect, only exterior disconnect needed in this case ALWAYS refer to IRC 2021 324.6 fire code setbacks off-sets always required in Charles County This AHJ always requires a POST INSTALL STRUCTURAL LETTER, STAMPED BY ENGINEER Check service cable to see if frayed If so will require replacement to pass inspection

Custom Placards Required
0

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
No
Ground Mount Notes
  • 25ft setback from drain fields
  • 10ft setback from well
  • 15ft setback from septic tanks

Stormwater management required for GM see example project ------> EXAMPLE

Setback Front Yard
40
Setback Back Yard
40
Setback Side Yard
40
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Charles (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.