Broomfield, CO Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Broomfield's fire code amendments confirm that solar photovoltaic power systems fall under the International Fire Code's construction-permit list. Subsection 106.1 names Section 105.6.21 among the sections whose construction permit applications must include documents prepared by a registered design professional, so a rooftop or ground-mount solar array on a habitable building in the City and County of Broomfield needs a fire code construction permit before installation. Subsection 105.6.21 itself, as amended by the city, then carves out a specific exception: photovoltaic power systems installed on detached, non-habitable Group U structures, including but not limited to parking shade structures, carports, and solar trellises, do not require a construction permit from North Metro Fire Rescue District.

That exception lets a homeowner or business add solar panels to a freestanding carport or trellis without going through the fire code's permit and design-professional review that applies to panels mounted on an occupied building, though the building division's separate electrical and structural permit requirements under Title 15 still apply to that same installation. The exception is limited to structures classified Group U, meaning detached and unoccupied, so panels on a house, a garage attached to a house, or any occupied accessory dwelling unit still trigger the Section 105.6.21 construction permit and the qualification-statement requirement in Section 106.1. North Metro Fire Rescue District administers the permit and reviews the qualification statements for the registered design professional when one is required.