Solar PV Permit in Santa Fe, New Mexico
VerifiedRequired for roof-mounted or ground-/awning-mounted photovoltaic system installation in Santa Fe. The City publishes two distinct checklists (roof-mounted; ground- or awning-mounted) governed by the 2021 New Mexico Residential/Commercial Building Code, 2020 New Mexico Electrical Code, 2012 New Mexico Electrical Safety Code, and 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Pre-requisite approvals required if applicable: Historic Preservation District approval (contact HPD) and/or Escarpment Overlay District approval (contact Technical Review Division)
- Roof-mounted: site plan (min. scale 1"=20') showing PV array configuration, north arrow, official property address, zone district, street names, and existing/proposed improvements
- Roof-mounted: framing plan showing the PV installation layout on existing roof-framing members, existing roof information (type and number of coverings), and proposed weatherproofing method for roof penetrations
- Manufacturer's cut-sheets and installation instructions required for all PV modules, inverter(s), combiner box, disconnects, and mounting system(s)
- Engineering calculations certified by a New Mexico-licensed engineer or architect are required when: the array exceeds 5 lbs/sq ft of roof construction load, the existing roof construction pre-dates 1986, attachments exceed 45 lbs dead load per attachment, mounting systems are of unique design, or rafters/trusses/joists are over-spanned
- Electrical one-line AND three-line diagrams required (both)
- PV systems exceeding 15 kilowatts must have electrical plans prepared and stamped by a New Mexico-licensed electrical engineer
- City aims to complete review within 3 business days of receiving two complete sets of proposed construction plans, pre-requisite compliance documents, and required information
Required documents
- Required
Building Permit Checklist — Photovoltaic Systems (Roof Mounted Systems, with or without Ballast)
City of Santa Fe's dedicated roof-mount solar PV submittal checklist
- Required
Building Permit Checklist — Photovoltaic Systems (Ground Mounted/Awning Mounted Systems)
City of Santa Fe's dedicated ground-/awning-mount solar PV submittal checklist
- Optional
Solar Escarpment Acknowledgement Letter
Required if the property is within the Escarpment Overlay District
- Required
Manufacturer's Cut-Sheets and Installation Instructions
For all PV modules, inverters, combiner box, disconnects, and mounting systems
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based | Assessed on construction valuation using the primary building permit fee table | City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees, effective 01/01/2021; solar PV permits are processed as standard building permits with the same valuation-based Building Permit Activities fee table |
| Solar System (Commercial or Residential) — Extension | $100.00 per extension | Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Building Permit Activities section |
| Solar Space Heating System (mechanical scope) | $20.00 per permit | Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Mechanical Permit Fees section |
| Domestic Hot Water Solar Heating System (plumbing scope) | $10.00 per permit | Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Plumbing Permit Fees section |
| Hot Water Solar Potable System (plumbing scope) | $10.00 per permit | Fee Schedule effective 01/01/2021, Plumbing Permit Fees section |
Review timeline
3–3 business days
Santa Fe’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Rough Electrical
Wiring, disconnects, and combiner box installation verified before cover, consistent with NMAC 14.5.3.9.C electrical rough-in requirements
- 2
Final — Structural/Racking and Electrical
Panel mounting, racking attachment, roof penetration sealing, and electrical connections/interconnection verified
Tips
- The City publishes separate checklists for roof-mounted vs. ground-/awning-mounted PV systems — use the correct one for your installation type.
- If your array is heavy (over 5 lbs/sq ft), your roof pre-dates 1986, or you have a unique mounting design, budget for NM-licensed engineer/architect-stamped calculations up front.
- Systems over 15kW need electrical plans stamped by a New Mexico-licensed electrical engineer, not just a standard installer diagram.
- For specifics, the checklist directs applicants to a Building Plan Reviewer at (505) 955-6491 or an Electrical Plan Reviewer at (505) 955-6649.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does solar PV permit review take in Santa Fe?
- The City's Building Permit Checklist for roof-mounted photovoltaic systems states the Land Use Building Permit Division will strive to complete review within 3 business days of receiving two complete sets of proposed construction plans, pre-requisite compliance documents, and required information.
- Do I need an engineer's stamp for a solar installation in Santa Fe?
- Only in specific circumstances: if the array exceeds 5 lbs/sq ft of roof load, the existing roof pre-dates 1986, attachments exceed 45 lbs dead load each, the mounting system is of unique design, or the roof framing is over-spanned. Systems over 15kW also require electrical plans stamped by a NM-licensed electrical engineer.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Santa Fe Planning, Land Use and Housing Department — Building Division (Permitting) — official building department
- City of Santa Fe — Construction Permit Submittal Checklists
- Building Permit Checklist — Photovoltaic Systems, Roof Mounted (PDF)
- Building Permit Checklist — Photovoltaic Systems, Ground/Awning Mounted (PDF)
- City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Schedule of Fees (PDF, effective 01/01/2021)
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 Santa Fe building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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