Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Centennial, Colorado
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in Centennial. Governed by the City's Photovoltaic (Solar) Panels and Modules checklist, structural design criteria (115 mph wind / 30 psf snow load), and the currently adopted NEC. Commercial solar installations require a SEPARATE South Metro Fire Rescue submittal and permit in addition to the City Building permit.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- A licensed electrical contractor must be provided at time of online application
- Structural engineering letter (stamped and sealed by a licensed structural engineer) required for both commercial and residential installations, demonstrating the existing structure supports lateral and gravity loads with solar panels installed, using minimum 115 mph wind speed (Exposure Category C) and 30 psf roof snow load
- Engineered drawings depicting roof framing member size/spacing, sheathing type/thickness, roofing material layers, and mount type (flush vs. tilt)
- Aerial and vicinity map of the structure
- Site plan showing combiner/junction box, disconnect, inverter, meter, and service panel/tie-in locations; general footprint and proximity to property lines; roof plan showing panel locations relative to b-vents, attic vents, and plumbing vents; 2 ft setback from eaves and 3 ft setback from the ridgeline
- Mounting detail from manufacturer showing uplift capacity for 115 mph wind loads, 30 psf snow loads, and fastener type/size/spacing; custom racking requires a site-specific engineered design
- Manufacturer specification sheets for PV panels and inverter, plus a complete electrical 3-line diagram (system size, module/array specs, string count, conductor sizing, grounding, overcurrent protection, and grid interconnection details)
- Required signage/labels per NEC (rapid shutdown switch, PV system meter, AC/DC disconnect labeling, etc.)
- Must upload a CORE/IREA electric cooperative interconnection application where applicable
- All AC electrical work must be completed by a current Colorado-licensed electrician; all DC electrical work must be completed by a current NABCEP-certified contractor (unless the installer already holds a Colorado electrical license)
- SEPARATE fire department submittal and permit required for commercial solar installations (South Metro Fire Rescue, not the City Building Division)
Required documents
- Required
Photovoltaic (Solar) Installation Guide submittal package
Structural engineering letter, engineered drawings, aerial/vicinity map, site plan, mounting details, manufacturer spec sheets, and electrical 3-line diagram per the City's Photovoltaic (Solar) Panels and Modules checklist
- Required
Building/Electrical Permit Application
Submitted online through the Centennial Self-Service Portal
- Optional
CORE/IREA Interconnection Application
Required upload for CORE Electric Cooperative / IREA service-territory projects; approved application is a Final Inspection prerequisite for those projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (project cost used as valuation) | $23.50 minimum ($1-$500 valuation), scaling per the Building Permit Fee Schedule table | City of Centennial Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF); no dedicated solar fee waiver found on the City's published fee schedule |
| All Other Electrical Fees (PV falls under non-living-area electrical work) — value of installation not more than $2,000 / $2,001 and above | $100.00 minimum, or $5.00 per thousand (or fraction) plus $100.00 for installations over $2,000 | City of Centennial Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF), Electrical Fee Table Section B, which explicitly lists 'photovoltaic' as an example of a non-living-area installation |
Review timeline
5–5 business days
Centennial’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Final Electrical and Final Building (combined)
One final electrical and one final building inspection required once all work is complete; no rough inspections. A Colorado-licensed electrician must be present; ladders must be installed and secured; attic access required if applicable. For CORE/IREA projects, an approved interconnection application must be uploaded before the final inspection can be requested
Tips
- Renewable energy permits (solar) are reviewed in 5 business days after the plan review fee is paid for residential, commercial, and multi-family projects alike, per the Building Permit Review Schedule — the fastest plan-review track alongside reroofs and stand-alone demolition.
- Commercial solar needs a SEPARATE South Metro Fire Rescue submittal and permit — budget extra time and a separate fee outside the City Building Division process.
- The City's Photovoltaic Installation Guide (2024 edition, PDF) still references the 2020 NEC and 2015 International Codes in some sections; the Building Division's live Codes page (current as of this review) instead lists 2023 NEC and 2021 IBC/IRC as currently adopted — confirm the operative code edition with the Building Division at application time given this discrepancy between the City's own documents.
- No rough electrical inspection is performed for PV systems — only one combined final electrical and final building inspection once all work is done.
Frequently asked questions
- What design loads does Centennial require for solar panel mounting calculations?
- A structural engineering letter must use a minimum wind speed of 115 mph (Exposure Category C) and a roof snow load of 30 psf. Source: City of Centennial Photovoltaic (Solar) Panels and Modules guide.
- Do I need a separate fire department permit for a home solar installation in Centennial?
- A separate South Metro Fire Rescue submittal and permit is required only for COMMERCIAL solar installations, not residential, per the City's Photovoltaic (Solar) Panels and Modules guide.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Centennial Building Division (Community Development Department) — official building department
- Photovoltaic (Solar) Installation Guide (PDF) | City of Centennial
- Building Permit Review Schedule | City of Centennial
- Building Permit Fee Schedule (PDF) | City of Centennial
- Building Division | City of Centennial
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 Centennial building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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