Salt Lake County, UT Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Salt Lake County Building Services processes solar photovoltaic permits under the state-adopted International Residential Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, and Utah amendments. Standard residential rooftop solar requires a combined building and electrical permit. Submittal requirements include a site plan showing panel layout, a single-line electrical diagram, structural analysis (often a letter from a Utah-licensed engineer for older or complex roofs), inverter and panel specification sheets, and Rocky Mountain Power (the utility) interconnection paperwork. The County has adopted streamlined review processes aligned with SolarAPP+ or the Utah Solar Permit Package, allowing over-the-counter or expedited approval for standard 1 to 3 story residential systems up to specified kilowatt sizes. Inspections include a rough electrical and a final inspection. Net metering interconnection is administered by Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp) under Utah Public Service Commission tariffs. Ground-mounted solar systems require site plan review and must comply with accessory structure setback and height limits. HOA restrictions on solar are limited by Utah Code 57-8a-801, which prevents HOAs from absolutely banning solar but allows reasonable aesthetic and placement rules that do not substantially increase cost or decrease efficiency more than 10 percent.