Denver requires a combination building/electrical permit for rooftop solar via the SolarAPP+ expedited portal. Permit fees start around $250. Denver adopted 2020 NEC and 2018 IRC with Denver amendments.
Denver Community Planning & Development (CPD) requires permits for all photovoltaic installations on residential and commercial buildings. Denver was an early adopter of SolarAPP+ (automated solar permitting platform by NREL and DOE), offering same-day approval for standard rooftop PV systems on single-family and duplex homes. Non-SolarAPP+ submittals go through Denver's online EPIC portal with typical 5-10 business day turnaround. Plans must show structural assessment (roof load), module layout, string/microinverter configuration, disconnect locations, and fire setbacks per 2018 IFC §1204 (3 feet from ridge, 18 inches from edges, pathways on both slopes for most roofs). Xcel Energy handles interconnection and net metering (Colorado PUC regulated). Permit fee is typically $250-$400 for residential PV under 15 kW. Final electrical inspection required before PTO (permission to operate).
Unpermitted installation: stop-work order, retroactive permit at 2x fee, potential removal. Code violations: correction order before PTO. Uninspected interconnection: Xcel refuses activation.
See how Denver County's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
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