Solar PV Permit in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) and solar-thermal systems in Colorado Springs. PPRBD requires both a building permit and an electrical permit for PV systems (mechanical/plumbing permit as well for solar-thermal systems altering interior piping). Billed at standard valuation-based rates — PPRBD does not publish a solar-specific flat fee.
Verified 2026-06-30 · Source
When you need this permit
- Electrical requirements: written utility approval for the system (including disconnect locations); site plan with north arrow, equipment locations, raceway routing, module layout, and access pathways
- Roof-mount PV: configurator printout/charts or Colorado-licensed design professional letter confirming design criteria — snow load Pf=30 psf/Pg=43 psf below 7,000 ft (Pf=40/Pg=57 above 7,000 ft), wind load 130 mph Vult Exposure C; roof connection spacing and fastener specifications
- Ground-mount PV: only arrays exceeding 7 feet in height require a building permit (an electrical permit is still required regardless of height); site plan showing tallest point of array; foundation depth/diameter/spacing per a Colorado-licensed design professional
- Energy Storage Systems (ESS) must comply with NEC 706.15 and include a DC disconnect between ESS output and inverter, plus a floor plan showing ESS location
- Solar-thermal systems: mechanical/plumbing submittal showing floor layout, isometric of the system, backflow devices, IPC 504.5 relief valve approval, and IRC combination pressure/temperature relief valves on water heaters and storage tanks
- All site-fabricated elements (e.g., ground-mount racking) require a design stamped by a Colorado-licensed design professional
- For solar removed/reinstalled during a reroof: both a building permit and electrical permit are required (plus mechanical/plumbing if solar-thermal piping is altered), in addition to the roofing permit; a pre-inspection may be required if no permit history exists for the original system
Required documents
- Req
Solar / Electrical Permit Application (PPRBD web account)
Apply via PPRBD web account for both a building permit and an electrical permit
- Req
Alternative Energy Plan Requirements (PV and Solar-Thermal)
PPRBD's official plan submittal checklist for photovoltaic and solar-thermal systems, updated 10/28/2025
- Req
Utility Approval Letter
Written approval from the utility company including disconnect locations
- Req
Manufacturer Specifications
Module, inverter, and optimizer spec sheets; module grounding method listed by an NRTL
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (Table A) | Varies by system valuation — see Residential Building Permit fee tiers ($50 minimum up to $4,064 + $3.00/$1,000 over $1M) | PPRBD does not publish a separate flat solar fee; PV/solar-thermal systems are billed as standard Table A valuation-based building permits plus a Table B/B.1 electrical trade attachment fee or standalone Table C electrical fee |
| Electrical Trade Attachment Fee (Table B.1) — residential | $50.00 | PPRBD Appendix B, Table B.1, if the electrical permit is attached to the building permit |
| Plan Examination Fee | 28% of the Building Permit Fee | PPRBD Appendix B, Table E item G |
Review timeline
~0–0 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Colorado Springs 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 all electrical connections verified
Tips
- PPRBD requires BOTH a building permit and an electrical permit for rooftop PV — budget for both fee lines, not just one.
- Ground-mount arrays 7 feet tall or less skip the building permit requirement but still need the electrical permit.
- The same snow/wind design criteria used for general construction (Pf 30/40 psf, Pg 43/57 psf by elevation; 130 mph Vult wind) must be explicitly confirmed on your racking configurator report or via a Colorado-licensed design professional letter.
- Removing and reinstalling solar panels for a reroof requires a Detach-and-Reset permit by a licensed contractor — do not have a general roofing contractor remove panels without this permit.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a ground-mounted solar array need a permit in Colorado Springs?
- An electrical permit is always required. A building permit is only required if the array's tallest point exceeds 7 feet, per PPRBD's Alternative Energy Plan Requirements.
- How much does a solar permit cost in Colorado Springs?
- PPRBD does not publish a flat solar fee — solar PV is billed as a standard valuation-based building permit (Table A) plus an electrical trade fee (Table B.1, $50 residential, if attached) or a standalone Table C electrical fee. Use the PPRBD Fee Calculator for a project-specific estimate.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-06-30.
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Department — official building department
- PPRBD Alternative Energy Plan Requirements (PV and Solar-Thermal, updated 10/28/2025)
- PPRBD Solar Detach-and-Reset (Reroof) Guidance (Rev. 10/22/2025)
- PPRBD Basic Design Information (snow/wind/seismic criteria)
- PPRBD Fee Schedule (Appendix B)
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 Colorado Springs building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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