Getting Started

Applying For My Permit
DeKalb County is pleased to introduce the new residential and small commercial solar express permit process.  The streamlined process allows for expedited processing without sacrificing best standards and practices.
A standard commercial solar building permits process is now available for all solar installations exceeding 25kW.
These new processes require that certified contractors perform the installation of the solar panels and it establishes an inspection checklist.
Both residential and commercial solar permits allow for three types of installations:
• Small Scale PV Micro-Inverter
• Small Scale PV Supply Side Connection     
• Small Scale PV Standard String System

Express Permit Process

EXPRESS PERMITS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL COMMERCIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ARRAYS UNDER 25 kW

1. Complete one of three applications below using the methodology described in the Residential and Small Commercial Rooftop Solar Express Building Permit Application Supplement.  The application must be complete.

2. Submit the application, supporting manufacturer’s data, Photovoltaic Tree Affidavit and NABCEP certification via an email to Loraine Bell at lbell@dekalbcountyga.gov or in person at 330 West Ponce De Leon Avenue, 2nd floor, Decatur, GA 30030.
 
3. The review process will be completed within three days.  Projects in a Historic District or Overlay District are expected to take longer.  Once approved, DeKalb County will email the applicant with the Approved Application.  The approval will include a notice to proceed with securing an electrical permit online.

4. To access online permitting for an electrical trade permit, log onto http://63.170.23.47/DP1/Metroplex/DekalbCounty/permit/WIZ_APWELCOME.asp

5. The minimum fee is $120.00.  Exceeding the minimum allowable devices will increase the fee slightly.  Pay fees online and print the Electrical Permit card.  Keep the approved application and permit at the jobsite.  There will be no final inspection without the approved application and permit present at the jobsite.

 

Standard Solar Permit Process

STANDARD PERMITS FOR COMMERCIAL SOLAR ARRAYS EXCEEDING 25KW

1. Complete one of three applications below using the methodology described in the Solar Building Permit Application Supplement.  The application must be complete.

2. Submit the application, supporting manufacturer’s data and NABSEP certification in person at 330 West Ponce De Leon Avenue, 2nd floor, Decatur, GA 30030.  A Photovoltaic Tree Affidavit is required if trees are removed in commercial installations.

3. Projects in a Historic District are expected to take longer.  Once approved, DeKalb County will notify the applicant to pick up the permit and approved application. Requirements for Installing Rooftop Solar Energy Systems in Historic Districts.

4. The fee will be approximately $445.00.  Pay fees at the Permit Office on the second floor.  Keep the approved application and permit at the jobsite.  There will be no final inspection without the approved application and permit present at the jobsite.

5. There will be and electrical and building inspections at the 80% and 100% phases of the installation.  The inspection will be inspected to the following Plan Review and Inspection Checklist for Photovoltaic Systems.

 

Plan Review Process

EXPRESS PERMITS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL COMMERCIAL SOLAR BUILDING PERMITS UNDER 25 KW     

Residential and Small Commercial Rooftop Solar  

PERMITS FOR COMMERCIAL SOLAR ARRAYS EXCEEDING 25KW

Commercial Solar Building Permit Application Supplement

Express Building Permit Application Supplement                  
• Small Scale PV Micro-Inverter
• Small Scale PV Supply Side Connection     
• Small Scale PV Standard String System

Detailed Instructions and Explaination and WSK-1

Inspections
There will be one electrical inspection at the completion of the installation.  The inspection will be inspected to the following Plan Review and Inspection Checklist for Photovoltaic Systems. The Inspection checklist offers a guide to installers. Not all items in this document may be applicable to your project. When in doubt, please contact the local inspector.