To qualify for an Instant Solar Permit, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Eligible Property Types: One- and two-family dwelling units that are not designated as historic.
2. Construction Code Compliance: Must meet or exceed all 2017 District of Columbia Construction Codes.
3. Zoning Regulations Compliance: Must meet or exceed all 11 DCMR  Zoning Regulations of 2016.
4. Neighbor Notification (Row Houses/Townhouses Only): must follow Neighbor Notification requirements
5. Inspection Deadline:  Final approved inspections must be completed within one year of permit issuance.
6. Third-Party Inspections: All inspections must be conducted by a DOB-approved third-party inspection agency:
   • View approved agencies
   • Schedule your inspection
7. On-Site Documentation: Construction drawings and equipment technical documents must remain on-site at all times until final inspection is approved. The applicant is responsible for placing these documents at the site for inspector review.
8. Inspection Upload: The third-party inspector must complete the inspection and upload the Residential Solar Inspection Checklist to Tertius.

1. Site Plan
2. Roof Plan
3. Electrical Line Drawing / Riser Diagram
4. Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions
5. System Summary
6. Schedule of Components
7. Mounting System Details
8. Wiring Schedule
9. Grounding and Bonding Details
10. Disconnect Installation Details
11. Electrical Panel Interconnection Details
12. Completed neighbor notification forms, Row Houses/Townhouses Only

Plans and documentation for the Instant Solar Permit must maintained on the worksite until the final inspection is approved. These documents are not reviewed by DOB, but are needed for the inspections.

Begin your permit application depending on your property type.

1. For One and Two Family Dwellings Eligible to Use Solar Instant Permits, go to the Citizen Access Portal and choose  “Building Instant Permits.”
2. For One and Two Family Dwellings Ineligible to Use Solar Instant Permits, (e.g., historic), use the DOB Permit Wizard.
3. For Commercial Properties, apply through the Citizen Access Portal, choose “Solar Panel Permit.”
4. Complete all required questions/fields (i.e., number of modules, system size, module rated output and dimensions of roof).
5. Solar instant permits will be issued once the application is completed and the appropriate fees are paid. 
6. Non-instant solar permits will be reviewed in DOB’s electronic plan review system. You will receive an email notification to upload your plans and supporting documents to begin the plan review process.