Solar Energy Permitting
The DC Department of Buildings (DOB) is dedicated to completing Solar Plan Reviews within 10 business days.
Solar Code Compliance
- One and Two Family Residential Permits must meet or exceed the DC Residential Code, 2017 and the 11 DCMR Zoning Regulations of 2016.
- Multi-family and Commercial Permits must meet or exceed the DC Building Code, 2017 and 11 DCMR Zoning Regulations of 2016.
How to Apply for Solar Permits
- One and Two Family Residential Permits: Use Building Instant Permits category in the Citizen Access Portal.
- One and Two Family Residential Properties (for example, they are historic) that do not qualify for the Solar Instant Permit: Apply through the DOB Permit Wizard.
- Multi-family and Commercial Permits: Use the Citizen Access Portal.
Solar Plan Review Resources
Use our Solar Self-Certification Process for:
- One- and two-family residential buildings that cannot use the instant permit, for expedited zoning plan review.
- Roof mounted systems not more than two feet above the roof or parapet-mounted panels not more than one foot above the top of the side wall parapet.
Solar Inspections
- Solar Instant Permits must be inspected by a Third Party Inspection Agency authorized by DOB. The inspection agency must upload the Residential Solar Inspection Checklist.
- Go to Tertius, our one-stop shop that serves as a marketplace for District inspections.
Additional Resources
- DOB Permitting Overview page
- Neighbor Notification page for information on laws that protect neighboring properties from damage
- DC Department of Energy and Environment Solar Initiatives
- Helpful Solar Planning Tools from the U.S. Department of Energy
- PV WATTS Calculator offered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory that allows you to estimate the potential of your photovoltaic (PV) installations
- Pepco's My Green Power Connection
