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Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System — Permit Exemption in Gilbert, Arizona

Solar photovoltaic systems installed by an Arizona licensed contractor are EXEMPT from permit in the Town of Gilbert per local amendment IBC §105.2 Building item 16 (cross-referenced in IBC Appendix K §K103.2 Exception 7 for electrical). This exemption is explicitly stated in the Town of Gilbert Technical Codes 2020 Edition. If a permit IS required (e.g., for work performed without a licensed contractor or for battery storage systems that may require separate review), the permit fee is calculated from the standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee table; verify with Development Services.

Verified 2026-07-16 · Source

When you need this permit

  • If installed by an Arizona licensed contractor: NO PERMIT REQUIRED per IBC §105.2 Building item 16 as locally amended Contractor
  • Installer must hold a current Arizona ROC license Contractor
  • All electrical work must comply with 2017 NEC as amended by Town of Gilbert Code Chapter 10-32
  • If a battery storage system is included, verify with Development Services whether separate review is required

Required documents

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Fee schedule

Solar Permit Fee (when a permit is required)Source: Town of Gilbert Development Services Fee Schedules (doc 5883), Building Permit and Plan Review Fees Table, effective July 1, 2025, Resolution 4563. The current adopted fee schedule (doc 5883) does not list a separate solar flat fee — solar permits when required are assessed under the standard valuation-based table. Contact Development Services at (480) 503-6700 to confirm fee for a specific solar project.
Calculated from the standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee table; $50.00 minimum for work valued $1.00–$1,100.00

Review timeline

Plan reviewTypical estimate — confirm current times with the Gilbert building department
~1–3 business days

How long did your Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System — Permit Exemption permit actually take in Gilbert?

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Inspection process

  1. 1

    Electrical Inspection (if permit required)

    Inspection of solar PV electrical connections if a permit is issued

See the full Gilbert inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

Tips

  • Solar PV systems installed by an Arizona licensed contractor are permit-EXEMPT in Gilbert per IBC §105.2 item 16. This is a significant local departure from the base IBC. Contractor
  • The exemption also covers like-for-like replacements of solar water heating systems by AZ licensed contractors. Contractor
  • Verify with Development Services at (480) 503-6700 if your system includes battery storage, as this may require separate review.
  • Apply for any required permits through OneStopShop at onestopshop.gilbertaz.gov.

Frequently asked questions

No — solar PV systems installed by an Arizona licensed contractor are exempt from permit per Gilbert's local amendment to IBC §105.2 (Building item 16). The same exemption applies to solar water heating system replacements. If the installer does not hold an AZ ROC license, a permit is required and fees are calculated from the standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee table.

In Gilbert, the published Solar Permit Fee (when a permit is required) is: Calculated from the standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee table; $50.00 minimum for work valued $1.00–$1,100.00. These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

Plan review for a solar photovoltaic (pv) system — permit exemption in Gilbert typically runs 1–3 business days. This is an estimate, not a published figure — confirm current review times with Town of Gilbert Development Services Department — Plan Review and Inspection Division at (480) 503-6700.

Depending on your project, Gilbert may also ask for: Solar Permit Application (if permit required). See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Gilbert requires 1 inspection(s) for a solar photovoltaic (pv) system — permit exemption, in order: Electrical Inspection (if permit required). Schedule each through Town of Gilbert Development Services Department — Plan Review and Inspection Division ((480) 503-6700).

Apply through Town of Gilbert Development Services Department — Plan Review and Inspection Division at 90 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85296. Phone: (480) 503-6700, email: onestopshop@gilbertaz.gov. Office hours: Monday–Thursday: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; Friday: Closed (Town Hall operates a 4-day/10-hour week; confirmed live on the Development Services department page 2026-07-16). Official information: https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/development-services.

Gilbert, Arizona has adopted: 2018 International Building Code (IBC), with Appendices C, I, and K, and Town of Gilbert amendments — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739, Town of Gilbert Technical Codes 2020 Edition); 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), with Appendices H, P, and Q, and Town of Gilbert amendments — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739); 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), with Town of Gilbert amendments — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739); 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), with Town of Gilbert amendments — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739); 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with Town of Gilbert amendments — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739); 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), with Town of Gilbert amendments — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739); 2018 International Fire Code (IFC), with Town of Gilbert amendments — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739); 2018 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) — voluntary adoption only — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739); 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), with Town of Gilbert amendments — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739); 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design — effective January 1, 2020 (Ordinance 2739); Town of Gilbert Technical Codes 2020 Edition — local amendment overlay (Code of Gilbert Chapter 10, Sections 10-31 and 10-32) incorporating December 2023 amendments per gilbertaz.gov Document 35111. Local amendments apply — see the Gilbert overview page for the full list.

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Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System — Permit Exemption in other cities

Ak-Chin Indian Community, ArizonaApache Junction, ArizonaAvondale, ArizonaBenson, ArizonaBisbee, ArizonaBuckeye, ArizonaBullhead City, ArizonaCamp Verde, Arizona

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