Troutdale, OR Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Step 1: Research rules that apply to a site Watch in English. Ver en Español. Find out what rules apply to the property using PortlandMaps. Special rules may apply if the property is located in a plan district, historic, or conservation district. Visit how to research the zoning that applies to your project . Meet with City staff to answer your permit-related questions. Schedule a free 15-minute question appointment with a: City planner Permit technician Building code and engineering reviewer Fire safety expert Step 2: Determine which solar permit path to take There are two different review processes for solar permits: the prescriptive process and the engineered systems process. To determine if a structure meets prescriptive standards, you will need to assess the roof construction and be prepared to answer a series of questions when you apply for your solar permit. You can preview and prepare for the application questions using the solar worksheet. Solar installations utilizing solar roof tiles should follow the engineered systems process. PDF file Solar Worksheet 750.34 KB Solar energy systems that meet the prescriptive installation path described in the state building code are not required to be designed by an Oregon-registered design professional. Solar energy systems not meeting the prescriptive path will follow the engineered systems process . Engineered systems must be designed by an Oregon-registered design professional. Solar installations utilizing solar roof tiles are not required to be designed by an Oregon Registered Design professional provided (1) the net installed weight of the system, including all components above the roof sheathing, is less than or equal to 4 psf., (2) solar tiles are installed directly over existing sheathing by removing all existing roofing material above the existing sheathing, and (3) all solar tiles (both active and inactive tiles) shall be uniformly supported over the existing sheathing. Learn more about the engineered systems process in these Guidelines for Residential Solar Permits using Engineered Systems . S tructural Design Requirements for Solar Installations apply only to projects following the engineered systems process. It does not apply to uniformly supported solar tile installations. Please note that projects that follow the engineered systems process may have a longer permit review timeline.