Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Permitting Checklist
The pre-submittal checklist below contains the minimum information and project plan details required to be submitted to Washoe County when applying for a permit to install a small residential rooftop or ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) system. The intent of using the checklist is to provide transparent and well-defined information to minimize the number of required revisions, improve permit application quality, and accelerate the application and review process.Codes and Design Criteria
Washoe County has adopted the following codes applicable to new Solar PV installations:
- 2024 International Building Code
- 2024 International Residential Code
- 2023 National Electrical Code
The following local design criteria should be used:
- Max wind speed 120mph, special wind region
- Snow load varies by elevation; applicants should review revised IBC Table 1608.2.1 of the 2024 Northern Nevada Amendments. Frost depth twenty-four (24) inches.
- Seismic Design Category D-2. Given the various topography, geography and terrain within Washoe County, maximum assumable soil bearing capacity, minimum assumable lateral earth pressures vary and must be ascertained, when required, by a geotechnical evaluation.
Required Permits
A building permit must be obtained prior to the start of any work. Complete the following permit application form(s) and submit any additional required documents. Building permits for PV systems require review by multiple agencies. Once a complete building permit application has been routed, reviewing agencies aim to complete the first review within 10 business days.- Residential Solar PV System: Building Permit (routed to building and fire prevention).
- Commercial/non-residential Solar PV System: Building Permit (routed to building, fire prevention, planning).
- Primary Use Ground-mounted Solar PV System: Building Permit (routed to building, fire prevention, planning, engineering, and health department if there is septic, utilities (ex. general improvement districts) as applicable).
Required Documents
- Written Application:
- View the residential application
- View the commercial application (select Commercial Permit Application or view a sample cover sheet)
- Site Plan:
- Site plans must show the location of major components on the property (sheds, barns, septic, driveway, slopes and grades, floodplains, setbacks, easements, etc., The site plan drawing needs to be accurately scaled, and it should represent relative location of components at site. View a site plan example.
- PV arrays and energy storage systems in compliance will be reviewed by the local fire protection district for International Fire Code fire setback requirements.
- Electrical Diagram: Electrical diagram/worksheets should show PV and energy storage system configuration, wiring system, overcurrent protection, inverter, disconnects, required signs, and AC connection to the building.
- Attachment Detail: Attachment detail to include but not limited to rail spacing and embedment depth
- Specification Sheets and Installation Manuals
- Provide spec sheets and manuals for all manufactured components including, but not limited to, PV modules, inverter(s), combiner box, disconnects, and mounting system.
- Placard/Signage page as per NEC 705/690.
Contractor / Owner-builder / NV Licensed Design Professional Requirements
All Plan sheets, calculations and specifications submitted for review must be drawn by a NV licensed design professional, NV licensed contractor or as owner-builder and requiring the owner-builder affidavit. Contractors of each trade specialty need to sign and assume design responsibility within the scope of their license for drawings they prepare. Where more than one sheet is submitted, pages must be numbered, titled and each page should be identified on the front cover sheet under Sheet Index or similar list. Plans must meet the standards set forth in the Nevada Blue Book.Permit Fees
Permit fees vary based upon the contract price (valuation). View information on fees.Submit Permit Application
All submittals shall be applied for online at www.onenv.us. Use the “Alternative Energy” application type. View instructions for submitting for a permit online.Review Process Timeline
Washoe County is committed to providing a timely review of solar PV permit applications. Best efforts are made to review complete applications within 10 business days. This turnaround time is typical but not guaranteed.Certain circumstances can prolong the permit turnaround time including:
- Application is missing required information
- Contractor applying for permit is not a licensed contractor
- Equipment is not listed
Permit Status
Check the status and review comments of a permit online at: www.OneNV.us.Permit Expiration
All Solar PV building permits expire eighteen (18) months after date of issue. Failure to start and complete work authorized by a permit within this eighteen-month period renders the permit invalid and a new permit must be obtained. Renewals may be granted within the grace period from permit expiration date and all additional fees paid.Scheduling an Inspection and the Inspection Process
Building Inspections are scheduled via your Accela account, email or voicemail. More details about these three options are provided below.- Schedule online via your Accela account at www.onenv.us (complete the afternoon prior to request the next available business day). When logged into your account and the permit is open, this is located under the "record info" drop-down menu.
- Send an email to inspections@washoecounty.gov (must be received prior to 4:00 p.m. to be scheduled for the next available business day).
- Leave a voicemail at 775-325-8000 (must be done prior to 4:00 p.m. to be scheduled for the next available business day)
Requirements for Scheduling Inspections via Phone or Email
When scheduling inspections via email or voicemail please include the following information:- Permit number
- Address of job
- Type of inspection(s)
- Date inspection requested
- Contact name and phone number
Checking Inspection Times
To request a specific time range for your inspection when scheduling by phone or email, please call 775-328-2020 the day of the inspection between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.Required Inspections
A small residential rooftop solar PV system requires:- One building inspection (B1820 Final)
- Required Fire Final - scheduled per information on the permit card AND prior to the Building Final.
- To avoid delays and/or reinspection fees, a “Qualified Person” as defined in the National Electrical Code shall be present at the final inspection. They must have the knowledge and tools to safely open service panels and junction boxes etc., for the building inspector. It is also helpful (but not required) that they are able to make small repairs of correctable code items to avoid reinspection.
Contact Information and Hours of Operation
If you have any questions, please contact us at building@washoecounty.gov or (775) 328-2020.Community Services Department
Washoe County Planning & Building Division
1001 East 9th Street, Building A, Second Floor
Reno, NV 89512
The permit counter is open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.