Solar Application

SolarApp+ for Residential Solar Installers

Before applying for an automated solar plan review and solar permit, projects must follow certain requirements. At this time, SolarAPP+ is designed to provide a code-compliance check for the majority of residential, roof-mounted, and retrofit photovoltaic systems. To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the Eligibility Checklist. Only projects that conform to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting.

Approval Requirements:

A City of Capitola Building Permit is required to install a rooftop solar PV system with a maximum power output of 10 kW or less. These permits do not require a separate planning or fire services review and approval. All roof-mounted solar installations must meet California State Fire Marshall requirements; this information is verified through building plan checks and building inspections.

Submittal Requirements:

a. Manufacturer label and listing specifications should be provided for all array components (e.g. PV Panel Module, Inverter, Rack, Mounting, Power Optimizer, Rapid Shutdown, Battery, etc.).

b. Demonstrate compliance with the Eligibility Checklist for Expedited Solar Photovoltaic Permitting (PDF: 140 kb)

c. A completed electrical plan and single line electrical diagram must be provided. Standard Electrical Plan templates (see PV Toolkit Document #3 Central Inverter, page 26 or PV Toolkit Document #4 for Microinverter, page 38 as applicable) may be used for proposed solar installations 10 kW in size or smaller.

If standard electrical plans are not provided for use, an electrical plan must be submitted that includes the following:
- Locations of main service or utility disconnect.
- Total number of modules, number of modules per string, and the total number of strings.
- Make and model of the inverter(s) and/or combiner box if used.
- One‐line diagram of the system.
Specify grounding/bonding, conductor type and size, conduit type and size, and the number of conductors in each section of conduit.
If batteries are to be installed, include them in the diagram and show their locations and venting. Include elevations.
Location and wording for permanent labeling of equipment as required by CA Electrical Code, Sections 690 and 705.
Site diagram showing the arrangement of panels on the roof or ground, north arrow, lot dimensions, and the distance from property lines to adjacent buildings/structures (existing and proposed).

d. A roof plan showing roof layout, PV panels, and the following fire safety items: approximate location of the roof access point, location of code-compliant access pathways, PV system fire classification, and the locations of all required labels and markings. Examples of clear path access pathways are available in the State Fire Marshal Solar PV Installation Guide (PDF).

e. A completed Structural Criteria for Expedited Solar PV Permitting form (Toolkit Document #5) along with required documentation.

f. For non-qualifying systems, provide structural drawings and calculations stamped and signed by a California licensed Civil or Structural Engineer, along with the following information.

The type of roof covering, and the number of roof coverings installed.
Type of roof framing, size of members, spacing, and maximum rafter spans.
Weight of panels, support locations, and method of attachment.
Framing plan and details for any work necessary to strengthen the existing roof structure.
Site‐specific structural calculations.
Where an approved racking system is used, provide documentation showing the manufacture of the rack system, the maximum allowable weight the system can support, attachment method to the roof or ground, and product evaluation information or structural design for the rack system.

g. A completed Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Self-Certification Form (PDF). The California Residential Code requires that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms be provided in all residential buildings where a building permit is issued for additions, alterations, or repairs with a valuation exceeding $1,000.

Submit for automated review through SolarAPP+

To start using SolarAPP+, register and submit your design through the SolarAPP+ Website.
A processing fee will be charged by SolarAPP+. Download the approved plans.

City of Capitola Fees

Solar Photovoltaic Fees - No fees

Outside scope of solar project - Fees are based on valuation

Solar Photovoltaic Energy Storage System (ESS) Permitting Fees - Fees are based on valuation

Solar Photovoltaic Energy STorage System (ESS) Permitting Fees for Fire - Fees are based on valuation

Schedule an Inspection

The Capitola Building Department performs building inspections Monday through Friday from 1PM to 4PM. Inspections must be scheduled 48 hours in advance. Inspection requests are not guaranteed and may be subject to change depending on the inspectors' workload and routes for that day.

To schedule building inspections, please use the following link.

https://www.cityofcapitola.org/building/webform/building-inspection-request-form

Please remember to include the below information when using any of the above request options:

Building permit number
Site address
Contact person
Contact phone
Type of inspection
Preferred inspection date
Contact email

Revisions

Submit revised plans to SolarAPP+ and obtain the required approval report.