Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Billings, Montana
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems on properties in Billings. Governed by the City's Solar-Photovoltaic System Plan Requirements (rev. 02/23), the 2020 NEC (Article 705 interconnection requirements), and Design Criteria structural loads. Apply through the CityView Portal.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Detailed site plan required showing home/structure location, electrical service meter, main service panel, interconnected sub-panels, and all PV components; must show structure square footage, total panel square footage, and confirm IRC-required fire access pathways and ridge setbacks
- Mounting system evaluation by a Montana-licensed professional engineer confirming the structure supports additional loads, using minimum 30 psf (non-reducible) roof snow load, 110 mph ultimate wind speed, and Exposure Category C
- One-line diagram specifying PV system type, module count/layout, array circuit type, power output, conductor/conduit sizing, equipment grounding conductor, and fuse/breaker ratings
- Interconnected components diagram showing which electrical panels the PV system backfeeds, bus ratings, and code reference from NEC Article 705 for each interconnection type, plus photos of the meter main and service/sub panels
- Site-specific labeling diagram (not generic/typical) including the NEC 705.10 directory
- Module specification sheets (UL 1703 listed) and inverter specification sheets (utility-interactive inverters must meet UL 1741 with ground fault protection and rapid shutdown compliance)
Required documents
- Required
Solar-Photovoltaic System Plan Requirements Submittal
Site plan, mounting system engineering evaluation, one-line diagram, interconnection diagram, labeling diagram, and module/inverter spec sheets per City of Billings requirements (rev. 02/23)
- Required
Building/Electrical Permit Application
Submitted online through the CityView Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same schedule as new construction; project bid value used as valuation) | $30.00 minimum ($1-$1,000 valuation), scaling per the Residential and Commercial Building Permit Fees table | City of Billings Building Permit Fees schedule; no dedicated solar fee waiver was found on the City's fee schedule |
Review timeline
~4–7 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Billings building department
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, inverter, and interconnection point verified
Tips
- Mounting system calculations must use a minimum 30 psf non-reducible roof snow load, 110 mph ultimate wind speed, and Exposure Category C per the City's Solar-Photovoltaic System Plan Requirements.
- "Typical" or "generic" labeling diagrams are explicitly not permitted — labeling diagrams must be site-specific and include the NEC 705.10 directory.
- Utility-tied inverters must be listed as 'utility interactive' meeting UL 1741 with ground fault protection, and must demonstrate rapid shutdown compliance.
Frequently asked questions
- What design loads does Billings require for solar panel mounting calculations?
- The City of Billings requires mounting-system engineering calculations to use a minimum 30 psf (non-reducible) roof snow load, an ultimate wind speed of 110 mph, and Exposure Category C. Source: City of Billings Solar-Photovoltaic System Plan Requirements (rev. 02/23).
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Billings Building Division — official building department
- Solar-Photovoltaic System Plan Requirements (PDF) | City of Billings
- Design Criteria | City of Billings
- Applications and Forms | City of Billings
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 Billings building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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