City and County of Denver - Solar Panel Permitting

The City and County of Denver was designated the first "Solar Friendly Community" in the nation based upon its streamlined permitting process.

Denver provides same-day permit review for most solar panel projects. Electrical, Plumbing, and Zoning Permits* are required for photovoltaic (PV) systems installed in the city of Denver, although more complex engineering projects may still be required to go through the Plan Review process.

Permitting Process

Zoning Permits are required if the panels will be installed at an angle to the slope of the roof and are not "flush mounted," or if a generator or energy storage system is a part of the project. Plumbing Permits are required for solar hot water systems. Technical requirements and necessary documents can be found on the city website.

SolarAPP+ (residential only)

In April 2023, Denver began using SolarAPP+, a plan review software program developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for residential rooftop solar systems. SolarAPP+ uses the city's online e-permits system to provide "quick permits" to eligible systems, running compliance checks and processing building permit approvals. Along with rooftop solar, SolarAPP+ can also process permits for projects with energy storage systems, main electrical panel upgrades, and main electrical panel deratings related to solar installation. Solar systems must be rooftop systems on single-family or duplex homes, with a utility service of 200 amps or less, and a nameplate rating of 10 kW-DC or less. Applications through SolarAPP+ must be submitted by a licensed electrician.

Fees

Zoning and Building Permit fees are based on valuation of the work to be completed, including the labor and materials. Although fees for solar panels are capped at $50 for all permits, total construction fee schedules should be verified with the city of Denver on a case-by-case basis. When Same Day Review is required for the #1R permit, a "walk through" fee may be charged in addition to the building permit fees, depending on the valuation of the project; the fee is 20% of the Permit fee, with a minumum charge of $100 for all projects valued over $2,000.

*A Landmark Certificate of Appropriateness is also required if the PV system is being installed in a Landmark District or on a designated landmark structure. The approval typically takes one to three weeks. More complex projects or projects requiring Landmark Preservation Commission or Lower Downtown Design Review Board approval will take longer.