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City of Dallas (TX)

Texas Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2023
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusTesting
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural,Digital Electrical
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version
2023
Fire Code Version
2018 Building Code
Code List

2021 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FUEL AND GAS CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL GREEN CONSTRUCTION CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE

ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Testing
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
3
Revision Required
1
Rough Inspection
None
New Planset Required For Module Swap
0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD
Yes
Wet Stamps Required
Digital Structural,Digital Electrical
Structural Calculations Required
Yes
Ee Stamp Notes

Plans must be sealed by a State of Texas engineer.

Stamp Location On Plans
Center
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes


Structural & loads

Wind Speed
115
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
5
Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
96
Structural Notes

Engineer stamp cannot be located in top right corner, reserve blank for AHJ stamp.

Plans must be sealed by a State of Texas engineer.

Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

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

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

We are currently unable to submit City of Dallas through TPI. We will need to follow the 702.4 requirement outlined below.

Battery jobs require:

  • Load calcs for the backup panel
  • Load calcs for the service panel
  • AHJ requires Batteries to be included in Load Calculations
  • Individual ESS units shall have a maximum rating of 20kWh and the aggregate inside an attached or detached garage shall be not more than 80kWh and 40kW inside utility closets.
  • Rooms and areas within dwelling units, sleeping units and attach garages in which ESS are installed shall be protected by smoke alarms in accordance with Section 907.2.11 of the IFC-2021 edition. Where smoke alarms are unable to be installed due to ambient conditions heat detectors may be installed.

*702.4 Guidance*

  • AHJ Enforcing NEC 702.4 (Optional Standby Systems) for ESS Will require us to only backup essential loads whose total demand does not exceed what the # of Batteries can provide "E.G.: 1x Enphase 5P Continuous Output is 16A and if the system is designed with 3 units = 48A Continuous Load. The Backup Loads must have a Load Calc Less than or Equal to 48A. Load Calc shown on plans."
  • Option 1: 702.4(B) EMS or Load Management Hardware Exception can be used in NEC 2020/2023 as to allow maximum capable backup loads (I.E.-SPAN). 
  • Option 2: 220.87(1) Exception: Load Calculation based on Utility Meter Demand Data (Green Button - 15 min Interval over a 30 day period.). 
  • Option 3: Load Calculations via Emporia Energy Monitoring (30 Day Period). 
  • Option 4: Downsize loads. 

We are unable to use any type of High Output mode for backup load compliance.

  • All calcs are based off the battery.
  • SEEB is 20.8A
  • TPW3 is 47.9A

See Dallas Branch 702.4 Design Memo in Files Section for Guidance!

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
Yes

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

ALL JOBS:

  • Single Line Diagram Required
  • 24"x36" paper format required (To be completed by Designer)
  • Open Plans in Adobe PDF: Go to File, select Print, Click Page Setup and change the following; Size: ARCH D, Orientation: Landscape. Print as Adobe PDF.
  • Make sure "fit to page" is selected.
  • Please flatten plans

BATTERY JOBS:

  • Provide an elevation drawing showing distance between ESS and all openings (doors, windows).
  • If battery is wall mounted, provide manufacturer's specs for the wall mounting bracket as well as detail on how the ESS will be attached to the wall.

NON-BACKUP:

  • ADD NOTE TO TLD AND SLD " NO LOAD TO BE BACKED UP "


#NFZ_ALL

Electrical Diagram
  •  Correct size grounding electrode per T250.66.
  • Add DC calcs to plans "additional 125% correction factors required in for PV output circuit conductors".
  • Show calculation on ELD - (15 x 1.25 = 18.75A)
  • Add note to calculations: "MAX DC OPTIMIZER OUTPUT CURRENT PER STRING CIRCUIT"
  • Show 125% overcurrent device calc (see 125% example in file section)
  • FPE/Zinsco/Stablok panels are not allowed

TAPS

  • EGC #8 MIN
  • When calling out a line side tap one of the two following builds should be designed, based on the as-built conditions.
  • Meter can ONLY outside (readily accessible): (N) non fusible disconnect outside next to meter to serve as the emergency disconnect (NEC 2023: 230.85). Tap in the new MBE.
  • Meter can AND disconnect located outside (readily accessible): Tap in the existing MBE.
  • Indicate on single line that the tap connecters used are Polaris IT-350
  • Include the confirmation letter linked here in the permit set
  • Include all subsequent parts in the BOM

TESLA ESS - Add the following note

  • ESS is Listed to UL916 to utilize "Source-side" EMS per 750.30 in accordance with 750.30 (C)(1) - (C)(4) and Labeling in Accordance with 750.50. 
Label Page

2017 Placards required despite AHJ adoption of the 2023 NEC

ALL ESS

  • Ensure proper ESS Labels are present
  • Ensure Placard is clearly labeled
Custom Placards Required
0
Non Standard Planset Requirements
Single Line Diagram
Non Standard Revision Requirements

All projects MUST be reviewed by staff (EPM) post design task completion. Please message him directly on Teams once Design or Design Revision is complete.

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
No
Ground Mount Notes

Setbacks are zoning dependent, use to check zoning for property Zoning Setbacks Chart found here: Provide the total square footage and Panel square footage for this project on the site plan

Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the City of Dallas (TX) 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.