Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Twin Falls, Idaho

Twin Falls requires a solar photovoltaic (pv) permit for: Expedited Permit Process (qualifying small systems): inverter rated output 13.44 kW or less; engineered mounting system on a code-compliant roof with rooftop distributed weight under 5 lbs/sq ft and under 40 lbs per attachment; only listed PV/inverter components used; roof pitch greater than 2/12; completed Expedited Permit Form (SolarABCs, Steps 1 & 2) plus a site plan showing equipment location and measurements to ridge/edges submitted through the online CityWorks portal; no in-office plan review (a short on-site review occurs instead); plans must be onsite for all inspections; ballasted systems are NOT eligible for the expedited process; Large/Non-Expedited installations: full site plans showing roof location, roof access, loads, and connection details (commercial buildings must also demonstrate International Fire Code compliance); manufacturer installation instructions; if roof load exceeds 5 lbs/sq ft, engineering/installation instructions showing the roof will support the load (a separate building permit is needed if roof structural changes are required); electrical plans; Apply via the MEP Permit Application, checking Residential Solar Install/Hood Systems/Sump or Commercial Solar Installation/Hood Systems/Grease Trap or Sump. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department at (208) 735-7238 before starting work.

In Twin Falls, the published Residential Solar Install (Other Residential Installation category) is: $50.00. Additional published fees: Commercial Solar Installation — $500 or less — $10.00; Commercial Solar Installation — $501 to $10,000 — (project value x $0.02) + $60.00; Commercial Solar Installation — $10,001 to $100,000 — ((project value - $10,000) x $0.01) + $260.00; Commercial Solar Installation — $100,001 or more — ((project value - $100,000) x $0.005) + $1,160.00. These are the jurisdiction's own published figures — see the fee schedule table and source citations on this page.

Twin Falls's published plan-review target for a solar photovoltaic (pv) permit is 10–10 business days.

You'll need: Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) Permit Application; Site Plan. Depending on your project, Twin Falls may also ask for: Expedited Permit Form (SolarABCs). See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Twin Falls requires 2 inspection(s) for a solar photovoltaic (pv) permit, in order: Rough Electrical, Final. Schedule each through City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department ((208) 735-7238).

Apply through City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department at 203 Main Avenue East, 2nd Floor of City Hall, Twin Falls, ID 83301 (P.O. Box 1907, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1907). Phone: (208) 735-7238, email: bsdpermits@tfid.org. Office hours: Building Safety Department, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 203 Main Avenue East, Twin Falls, ID 83301. Dedicated inspection request lines: Building Inspection (208) 735-7333, Plumbing Inspection (208) 735-7299, Mechanical Inspection (208) 735-7289, Electrical Inspection (208) 735-7235.. Official information: https://www.tfid.org/141/Building-Safety-Department.

Twin Falls, Idaho has adopted: Idaho Building Code Act (Idaho Code Title 39, Chapter 41) makes building code standards a matter of statewide concern; local governments that issue building permits and perform code enforcement must adopt the International Building Code and Idaho Residential Code (Parts I-III and IX) and the Idaho Energy Conservation Code as amended by the Idaho Building Code Board through negotiated rulemaking, and may not adopt subsequent IRC/IECC residential provisions not yet adopted by the Board. Source: Idaho Legislature, Idaho Code Title 39 Chapter 41 (39-4116, Local Government Adoption and Enforcement of Building Codes), https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title39/t39ch41/; 2018 International Building Code (IBC), including accessibility appendices, adopted and incorporated by reference statewide with Idaho amendments; locally administered and enforced by the City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department for commercial construction within city limits. Source: City of Twin Falls Design Criteria: Commercial page and Idaho Building Code Act (Title 39 Ch. 41); 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), Parts I-VI and IX, Appendices A, B and G, with Idaho State amendments, adopted and locally administered by the City of Twin Falls for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses within city limits. Source: City of Twin Falls Design Criteria: Residential page; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with Idaho State amendments, locally administered by the City of Twin Falls for residential construction. Source: City of Twin Falls Design Criteria: Residential page; 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), per Idaho Rules and Amendments, locally administered and inspected by the City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department (dedicated Electrical Inspection line). Source: City of Twin Falls Design Criteria: Residential page and Inspections page; 2017 Idaho State Plumbing Code, locally administered and inspected by the City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department (dedicated Plumbing Inspection line). Source: City of Twin Falls Design Criteria: Residential page; City of Twin Falls has assumed local jurisdiction for issuing and inspecting building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits within city limits (dedicated Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical inspection phone lines are all City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department lines). The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) separately registers/licenses electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors statewide (a distinct function from the City's permit issuance and inspection authority); DOPL's own Permits and Inspections program applies only in jurisdictions that have NOT assumed local authority, and DOPL confirms permit/inspection jurisdiction 'varies widely' by city/county assumption of authority. Source: DOPL Permits and Inspections page, https://dopl.idaho.gov/plb/plb-permits-and-inspections/, cross-checked against City of Twin Falls Inspections page listing City-run Building/Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical inspection lines. Local amendments apply — see the Twin Falls overview page for the full list.

An inverter rated at 13.44 kW or less, an engineered mounting system on a code-compliant roof with distributed weight under 5 lbs/sq ft (and under 40 lbs per attachment), listed PV/inverter components, roof pitch greater than 2/12, and a completed SolarABCs Expedited Permit Form with site plan submitted via the CityWorks portal. Ballasted systems do not qualify. Source: City of Twin Falls Solar Installation Permitting Instructions.