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County of Prince William (VA)

Virginia Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements
NEC Code Version2020
Fire Code Version2018 Building Code
SolarAPP+ StatusPiloting
Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural,Digital Electrical
Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

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

2021 VIRGINIA UNIFORM STATEWIDE BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE

2020 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ASCE Code Specification
ASCE 7-22

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status
Piloting
Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions
1
SolarAPP+ Restrictions
Storage Systems,Existing Systems,Trenching,MPU,Derate
How Many Plansets Required
Other (See Submission Notes)
Revision Required
1
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
Stamp Location On Plans
N/A
Date On Stamps
Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced
1
Setback Notes

Townhouses are to be treated as separate buildings for fire setbacks Escape window clearances are strictly enforced

Structural & loads

Wind Speed
115
Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

Snow Load
62
Snow Load Notes

ASCE 7-22 which has a snow load of 30lbs


Updated to 45psf on prjct ID 563556. FN

Reducible Snow Load Allowed
1
Max Attachment Spacing
24
Structural Notes

Do Not place Stamps in the Top Right Corner. -AHJ correction


Prince William County (PWC) Requirements

  • AHJ requires a Structural Letter for every project, even if it is SolarAPP eligible.
  • Full point load analysis required - model the roof cross-section in analysis software (e.g., RISA) and place point loads accurately.
  • PWC does not accept typical calculations that rely on engineering judgment to streamline analysis.
  • PWC requires modifications to certain analysis parameters.
  • Requirements are similar to City of Orange, CA.

PE Instructions

  • Every signature and seal on the plans must include the date it was signed.
  • All stamped documents and PV plans must be signed and sealed by the same engineer.
  • Revised versions must be sent to the original engineer.

Structural Requirements

  • PE letter must confirm that the thermal factor Ct complies with current ASCE Table: Ct = 1.2 for elevated rooftop-mounted PV systems.

Lumber species verification

  • Ensure the design lumber species matches the existing roof trusses.
  • Verify truss chord lumber species in the field (e.g., Spruce Pine Fir (SPF) and Hem Fir (HF)).
  • If a different species is used, provide test results verifying the lumber species. (Ref VCC 109.3)

Stamping & Documentation

  • Mounting System Engineering Report (from design software) must be stamped and signed by a Virginia-licensed Engineer.
  • Mounting System Spec Sheets & Letters must also be stamped and signed.

2021 Code Transition (Effective Jan 2025)

  • 2021 codes, follow ASCE 7-22 with a snow load of 62 lbs.
Minimum Ground On Roof
#10

Electrical

Electrical Load Calcs Required
Derates
Allowed POI
Line Side Taps,Load Side Taps,PV Breaker,Meter Adapter
Panel Schedule Required
Partial Home Backup
Supply Tap Neutral Ground Bond Required
1
Temperature Rating
75
De Rating Ampacity
1.2

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed
0
ESS Notes

Standard

Separate ESS Disconnect Required
ESS Disconnect
ESS Elevation Detail Required
No

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements
  • ATTACH TO PLANS AND FILL OUT DATE AND PROJECT ADDRESS -----> CHECKLIST
  • Module spec sheets must show UL 1703 and UL 2703 certification. Inverters must show UL 1741 certification.
  • Provide specs for all equipment, including j-box and combiner panel (as applicable)
  • Bookmarks need to only list sheet number and title

#NFZ_ALL#

Cover Page

Plans must be flattened with no layers

PRE SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST(REVIEW BEFORE YOU SUBMIT PLANS)------->CHECKLIST

Cover Page Notes


Site Notes

All Jobs [THIS SYSTEM IS DESIGNED WITH // WINDSPEED: 115 // SNOW LOAD: 62]

Roof Plan


Instead of Chem Curb, use Unirac Flashloc RM. Currently we do not have the compatibility certs for Chem Curb + Unirac that they are asking for. (2/20/24)

Add clear notes stating that we will be using wood screw at our attachment, not a self tapper as ecofasten called it on the specs

Roof Plan Notes

All Jobs [THIS SYSTEM IS DESIGNED WITH // WINDSPEED: 115 // SNOW LOAD: 62]

Attachment Detail

Max attachment spacing has to be 24.

Electrical Diagram

All Jobs

  • Grounding electrode conductor installation must comply with Section 250.64(D)(2). Three Line Diagram to show GEC tap off of existing GEC conductor, labeled as a GEC (not EGC), and brought to PV AC Service Disconnect. (ANY EGC WIRE AFTER DISCONNECT MUST BE LABELED AS "GEC")
  • Plans need to comply section 250.24(A), showing the tapped GEC bonded to the neutral of the PV AC Service Disconnect.
  • Plans need to comply with Sec. 250.24(B) showing a main bonding jumper bonding the neutral to the EGC and the enclosure of the PV AC Service Disconnect.
  • Plans need to comply with Section 200.6 for identification of all grounded (neutral) conductors by color. Three Line Diagram. Tags for feeder between inverter and PV AC Service Disconnect and service entrance conductors extending from supply side tap to PV AC Service Disconnect.
  • For concrete-encased electrodes: NEC2020 250.52(A)(3)(2) - A bare copper conductor not smaller than 4 AWG and 20 ft or greater length can serve as a grounding electrode.

TAPS

  • On line side taps the disco must be service rated, with bonding at the ground and neutral bars, (indicate bonding at the switch) and must be grounded in accordance with Article 250 per 705.50
  • See file section for LST example with gounding

BATTERY JOBS

  • Indicate largest single load we are proposing to back up
Custom Placards Required
0
Non Standard Planset Requirements
Single Line Diagram
Non Standard Revision Requirements
  1. AHJ requires a response letter. The letter must have the direct rejection notes from the AHJ and a response from CE acknowledging how we addressed it.
  2. Please remove REV letter from the plans and save it separately.

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required
Mesh/Scrim
Ground Mount Notes

Ground Mounts will require Zoning approval.


Submit a 100% to scale copy of your house location survey plat stamped by a certified surveyor or engineer.

  • You must show location
  • Setback distances from property lines
  • Size of structure or feature
  • Height of structure on the survey plat. 
Compiled from public records, 2026. Requirements change with code cycles and local amendments. Verify with the County of Prince William (VA) 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.