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Solar (PV) & Battery Permits

You are here: Home Unified Permit Center Building Permits & Safety Apply for a Building Permit Solar (PV) System & Battery Permits

Two Ways to Apply

For standalone battery projects, please visit our Battery Permits webpage.

(1) SolarAPP+:  If you are a licensed B-General, C-10 Electrical, or C-46 Solar Photovoltaic contractor who is registered and certified by SolarAPP+, you qualify for expedited processing through SolarAPP+. Go to the SolarAPP+ webpage. Batteries may be a part of a SolarAPP+ applications.

(2) All Other Solar Applications: Apply through ePlan Review, using the information below. Batteries may be a part of a solar application submitted through ePlan Review.

For off-grid systems, please visit the Off-grid Solar Design webpage. If your project is a reinstallation, such as when a solar (PV) system is reinstalled as a part of a reroof permit, please visit the Solar (PV) Reinstallation webpage.

Are Plans Required? Yes
Submitted Through ePlan Review 
Prepare Your Application Package
ePlan User Guide 
How to Submit a Project in ePlan Overview
Required Forms See forms available under the "Building" section on the ePlan Review webpage.
Fees Fees vary depending upon whether your project is roof- or ground-mounted, and includes batteries, and electrical panel upgade.
Required Information Comprehensive Residential Application Requirements for Solar Photovoltaic (5-10 day review)
Minimum Plan Size 11 x 17 inch landscape format
If you need help or have questions Contact Building staff by email: Planning.BuildingInfo@santacruzcountyca.gov, or by Scheduling an appointment using the Appointment Scheduler.
Licensing Requirements See here for licensing information.
IMPORTANT NOTES
  • If you are proposing a ground-mounted solar system, check with Zoning, Environmental Planning, and if the parcel is served by an OWTS (septic system), Environmental Health staff to confirm your project's feasibility, development standards, and any additional considerations.
  • If your solar project is associated with a new home, new accessory dwelling unit, or other new construction project, it shall be processed as a deferred submittal utilizing the ePlan portal (not available through SolarAPP+). More information is available on the Deferred Submittal webpage.
Additional Information & Resources

Application Requirements

Fire Code & Classification Information
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