Solar PV Permit in Aurora, Colorado
Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems in Aurora. Solar and wind systems are permitted in all zone districts subject to underlying zone restrictions (Aurora Unified Development Ordinance Section 3.3.5/3.3.6, Table 3.2-1). Eligible residential systems can use SolarAPP+, the DORA-administered statewide instant electrical plan review tool. Residential and commercial solar are both flat-rate permits.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Rooftop or ground-mounted solar PV installation — residential and commercial
- Solar and wind systems permitted in all Aurora zone districts, subject to underlying zone restrictions (UDO Section 3.3.5/3.3.6)
- SolarAPP+ eligible for one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes under 3 stories, main service ≤400A, service disconnects/busbars ≤225A — provides instant compliance feedback against the 2023 NEC
- Licensed electrical contractor (State of Colorado DORA-licensed) required for the electrical connection
- Structural adequacy for roof-mounted systems must account for Aurora's 40 psf ground snow load and Seismic Design Category B
Required documents
- Req
Solar Permit Application (Aurora4Biz.org)
Flat-rate permit type; apply via the online portal or through SolarAPP+ if eligible
- Req
Solar Photovoltaic Permits Checklist
City of Aurora's submittal checklist for solar PV permit applications
- Opt
Solar Installation Inspection Fact Sheet (Residential)
Aurora's inspection-readiness guidance for residential solar installs
- Req
Equipment Specifications
Manufacturer spec sheets for panels, inverter, racking, and battery storage if applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Solar PV System (flat rate) | $500.00 | City of Aurora 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026) |
| Commercial Solar PV System (flat rate) | $1,000.00 | Form #A175 |
| Energy Storage System (flat rate, if filed separately) | $191.00 | Form #A175 |
Review timeline
~5–20 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Aurora building department
Inspection process
- 1
Rough Electrical
Conduit runs, wire sizing, disconnect placement before cover
- 2
Final — Structural / Racking and Electrical
Panel mounting, racking attachment, roof penetration sealing, and electrical connections/interconnection verified
Tips
- Colorado (via DORA) has adopted SolarAPP+ statewide for eligible residential/energy-storage solar systems, including in Aurora — this gives licensed electricians instant code-compliance feedback against the 2023 NEC rather than the standard queue.
- A residential solar PV system is a flat $500.00 permit in Aurora regardless of system size, versus Denver's valuation-based $50 flat fee — confirm current pricing since this differs materially from neighboring Denver's solar fee structure.
- Structural calculations for roof-mounted panels must account for Aurora's 40 psf ground snow load and Seismic Design Category B.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a solar permit cost in Aurora?
- Aurora charges a flat $500.00 fee for a residential solar PV system permit, and $1,000.00 for commercial, per the City of Aurora's 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits schedule (Form #A175). This differs from Denver's flat $50 solar PV fee — always confirm current pricing directly with the Aurora Building Division.
- Does Aurora use SolarAPP+?
- Yes. Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) has adopted SolarAPP+ statewide for eligible residential solar and energy storage systems, which includes installations within Aurora. Eligible systems: one- and two-family dwellings/townhomes under 3 stories, main service ≤400A.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- City of Aurora Development Services Department — Building Division — official building department
- Solar Installations — City of Aurora
- 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits — City of Aurora (Form #A175, Revised 01/2026)
- Automated Permit Processing for Solar (SolarAPP+) — Colorado Energy Office
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 Aurora building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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