Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Twin Falls, Idaho
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in Twin Falls. The City publishes a dedicated Solar Installation Permitting Instructions guide with a fast-tracked 'Expedited' pathway for qualifying small systems, plus a standard pathway for larger/non-qualifying installations. Applied for via the MEP Permit Application (Residential Solar Install or Commercial Solar Installation category).
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- 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
Required documents
- Required
Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP) Permit Application
Checked for Residential Solar Install or Commercial Solar Installation category; submit via bsdpermits@tfid.org or CityWorks portal
- Optional
Expedited Permit Form (SolarABCs)
Steps 1 & 2 completed, required for the Expedited Permit Process only
- Required
Site Plan
Location of all equipment including measurements to ridge and roof edges
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Solar Install (Other Residential Installation category) | $50.00 | City of Twin Falls MEP Permit Application |
| Commercial Solar Installation — $500 or less | $10.00 | City of Twin Falls MEP Permit Application |
| Commercial Solar Installation — $501 to $10,000 | (project value x $0.02) + $60.00 | City of Twin Falls MEP Permit Application |
| Commercial Solar Installation — $10,001 to $100,000 | ((project value - $10,000) x $0.01) + $260.00 | City of Twin Falls MEP Permit Application |
| Commercial Solar Installation — $100,001 or more | ((project value - $100,000) x $0.005) + $1,160.00 | City of Twin Falls MEP Permit Application |
Review timeline
10–10 business days
Twin Falls’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Rough Electrical
Conduit runs, wire sizing, and disconnect placement before energizing
- 2
Final
Panel mounting, racking attachment, roof penetration sealing, electrical connections, and interconnection point verified; for Expedited permits, plans must be onsite and a short review occurs at this inspection
Tips
- Ballasted mounting systems are explicitly excluded from the Expedited Permit Process and must go through the standard/non-expedited plan review pathway.
- If roof structural changes are needed to support panel loads over 5 lbs/sq ft, a separate building permit is required in addition to the MEP solar permit.
- Contact the City's Plans Examiner at (208) 735-7291 with questions about required plans or alternate installation proposals.
Frequently asked questions
- What qualifies a solar installation for expedited permitting in Twin Falls?
- 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.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Twin Falls Building Safety Department — official building department
- Solar Installation Permitting Instructions (PDF) | City of Twin Falls
- MEP Permit Application (PDF) | City of Twin Falls
- Building Permit Portal | City of Twin Falls
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 Twin Falls building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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