Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Surprise, Arizona
A building permit is required for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Surprise. Surprise publishes a distinct three-part fee structure for solar PV permits: a Solar Admin Fee, Solar Plan Review Fee, and Solar Permit Fee. Applications are submitted through the Permits & Applications Portal (Clariti/Oncamino) with plans uploaded via ProjectDox. Plan review for residential solar takes approximately 4 working days for the first review. Surprise's local amendment to IRC R105.2 exempts solar attic fans from permits, but PV panel systems require a permit.
Verified 2026-06-29 · Source
When you need this permit
- Submit permit through Permits & Applications Portal at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az with plans uploaded via ProjectDox
- All work must comply with the 2023 NEC (electrical) and 2024 IRC/IBC (structural) and Surprise local amendments
- Solar attic fans are permit-exempt; rooftop PV panel systems are not exempt and require a permit
Required documents
- Req
Permits & Applications Portal submission (Clariti/Oncamino)
Initial permit request at app.oncamino.com/surprise-az
- Req
PV system plans via ProjectDox
Single-line diagram, site plan, panel layout, structural calculations (if required) uploaded via ProjectDox
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Admin Fee (1 of 3) | $109.00 per permit | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Solar Plan Review Fee (2 of 3) | $128.00 per permit | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
| Solar Permit Fee (3 of 3) | $63.00 per permit | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. Total solar permit cost = $109 + $128 + $63 = $300 per permit. |
| Re-inspection | $100 per hour ($200.00 minimum) | Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026. |
Review timeline
4–6 business days
Surprise’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Rough / Electrical Inspection
Wiring, conduit, and electrical connections inspected before system is energized.
- 2
Final / PV Inspection
Complete PV installation inspected per approved plans; system must not be energized before passing final inspection.
Tips
- Surprise's solar PV permit uses a fixed three-part fee ($109 admin + $128 plan review + $63 permit = $300 total) rather than a valuation-based fee — this is distinct from other permit types.
- Solar attic fans are permit-exempt; rooftop solar PV panel systems are not exempt.
- The first plan review for residential solar PV takes approximately 4 working days per the Standard Development Review Timelines.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a solar permit cost in Surprise?
- Surprise charges a fixed three-part fee for residential solar PV permits: $109 Solar Admin Fee + $128 Solar Plan Review Fee + $63 Solar Permit Fee = $300 total per permit. Source: City of Surprise Citywide Fee Schedule, Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-29.
- City of Surprise Community Development Department — Building Safety Division — official building department
- Permits & Applications | City of Surprise
- Citywide Fee Schedule (Resolution #2026-16, effective 5/19/2026) — PDF
- Standard Development Review Timelines — PDF
- Local Amendments to the 2024 International Codes and 2023 NEC (Ordinance 2025-14, effective 1/1/2026) — PDF
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Surprise building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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