Generator, Solar, and ESS Permits
Generator, Solar, and ESS Update:
Contractors can continue to submit applications for city provided review and inspections with the applicable fees. However, State Senate Bills 1202 and 1252 provide contractors with the option to submit no-fee applications for projects that are less than 50kW (or 600 volts) or 100 kWh and have been reviewed and approved by a licensed Master Electrician or a Texas-licensed Professional Engineer. Plans that are reviewed and approved by a third party require third party inspections, which must be performed by a third-party professional (Master Electrician or Electrical Inspector as described by the Texas Occupational Code or a Texas-licensed Professional Engineer) independent of the contractor performing the work. As such, there are now two pathways for submitting applications.
For both pathways (traditional or third-party), an application must be submitted with the required project details and plans as outlined in the Generator and Solar-ESS permit application checklist; third-party reviewed plans are not required at the time of application. For systems utilizing natural gas, a plumbing permit is required. The plumbing permit can be separate or added to the Generator and Solar/ESS permit. Regardless of pathway chosen, a natural gas system requires plumbing inspections and applicable plumbing permit fee. Systems utilizing propane do not require a plumbing permit; propane systems are regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission. The inspection reports from the Texas Railroad Commission inspector must be uploaded to the permit. A certificate of completion will not be uploaded until work is complete and all inspections have passed.
For those choosing the third-party pathway, an application must be submitted before work can begin and must include the project details and Third-Party Declaration of Compliance and Liability forms for the plan reviewer and inspector; fees will not be added to the permit. When submitting the application, note “Third-Party plan review and inspections” in the project name. The permit will be issued within two days of receipt of the application. Third-party approved plans must be uploaded to the permit within (15) business days of the plan review being completed. Third-party inspection reports must be uploaded to the permit within (15) business days of the final inspection.
General & Solar/ESS Permit Application Checklist
Third-Party Review Declaration of Compliance and Liability
Third-Party Inspection Declaration of Compliance and Liability