Solar PV Permit in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs requires a solar pv permit for: 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. If your project isn't listed, confirm with Pikes Peak Regional Building Department at (719) 327-2880 before starting work.

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.

Plan review for a solar pv permit in Colorado Springs typically runs 0–0 business days. This is an estimate, not a published figure — confirm current review times with Pikes Peak Regional Building Department at (719) 327-2880.

You'll need: Solar / Electrical Permit Application (PPRBD web account); Alternative Energy Plan Requirements (PV and Solar-Thermal); Utility Approval Letter; Manufacturer Specifications. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Colorado Springs requires 2 inspection(s) for a solar pv permit, in order: Rough Electrical, Final — Structural / Racking and Electrical. Schedule each through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department ((719) 327-2880).

Apply through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department at 2880 International Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 (Main Office); North Office: 3939 Cordera Crest Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80924. Phone: (719) 327-2880, email: Contact via Email Specific Departments form at pprbd.org/Information/Email. Office hours: Permits & Contractor Licensing: 7:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m.; Plan Review, Floodplain, and Enumeration: by appointment only; Inspectors office hours: 7:30–8:30 a.m.. Official information: https://www.pprbd.org/.

Colorado Springs, Colorado has adopted: 2023 Pikes Peak Regional Building Code (PPRBC), 2nd Printing — the regional code framework adopted by reference by all member jurisdictions including Colorado Springs (City Ordinance 23-16); effective June 30, 2023; 2021 International Building Code (IBC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC (NOTE: unlike Denver, the Pikes Peak region uses the IPC, not UPC); 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code (CMERSRC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — adopted by reference via the 2023 PPRBC; ASME A17.1-2019 Safety Code for Elevators & Escalators, ASME A17.3-2005 (existing elevators/escalators), ASME A18.1-2017 (vertical platform lifts/stairway chairlifts) — conveyance codes adopted via the 2023 PPRBC; 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Standard — adopted via the 2023 PPRBC; The International Fire Code and its amendments are adopted separately by the applicable fire authority (not PPRBD) — contact the local fire district directly for fire code / fire plan submittal requirements. Local amendments apply — see the Colorado Springs overview page for the full list.

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.