Solar Permit in Clark County, Washington
By Mario Bailey Last checked 2026-07-19 · 2 official sources
Verified against official sources Confirmed on official pagePermit required
Quick answer
Solar installations in unincorporated Clark County use the SOL permit type covering roof mount, ground mounted or freestanding solar panels. Separate SOL permits are required for ground mounted units or panels mounted on existing buildings, while in new construction the panels are included in the NHC or ADS permit and fee. Electrical permits, review and inspections must be obtained from Washington State Labor and Industries. Rooftop systems meeting the county prescriptive checklist qualify for express permitting.
Typical threshold: Separate SOL permits are required for ground mounted units or panels mounted on existing buildings; in new construction the solar panels are included in the NHC or ADS permit.
Who is pulling this permit?
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- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
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When a permit is usually needed
PV panels on existing buildings and ground mounted systems
What solar permit costs in Clark County
Fees for separate SOL permits are based on construction value; in new construction solar is included in the NHC or ADS permit fee.
How Clark County compares in Washington
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | It depends | electrical permit required for all solar systems; building permit not required for rooftop single-family systems with dead load under 3.5 lbs per sq ft and panels no more than 18 inches above roof surface |
| Clark Countythis page | Permit required | Separate SOL permits are required for ground mounted units or panels mounted on existing buildings; in new construction the solar panels are included in the NHC or ADS permit. |
| King County | It depends | roof-mounted solar PV panels weighing less than 4 pounds per square foot on residences do not require a building permit; heavier installations require a permit |
| Pierce County | Permit required | Not specified |
| Seattle | Permit required | Not specified |
| Snohomish County | It depends | ground-mounted residential solar PV systems never need a building or mechanical permit; roof-mounted residential PV on a detached single-family house is exempt from a building/mechanical permit only if total dead load is 3.5 lbs per sq ft or less (up to 4.5 lbs per sq ft for frameless panels on a 3:12 or steeper slope, or 5 lbs per sq ft for frameless panels on a 5:12 or steeper slope), panels are mounted 18 inches or less above the roof surface, and an electrical permit has already been issued; a separate electrical permit through WA L&I is always required regardless |
| Tacoma | Permit required | Not specified |
How to apply in Clark County
A rooftop solar PV permit application is a combined structural and electrical plan set: a site plan and roof framing details proving the array's mounting can carry its added loads, plus a one line electrical diagram covering listed modules and inverters, disconnects, and the rapid shutdown design. Utility interconnection is a separate approval that runs in parallel with the permit.
What most solar permit applications include:
- Both a building permit and a separate electrical permit are required, since the array must be designed and installed to the residential code's solar provisions and to the National Electrical Code (IRC R324.3).
- The plan set identifies listed equipment: PV modules listed to UL 1703 (or both UL 61730-1 and UL 61730-2), and inverters listed to UL 1741, with grid-tied inverters listed for utility interaction (IRC R324.3.1).
- Structural drawings show that the roof framing is designed to structurally support the array and withstand the gravity loads it adds (IRC R324.4.1).
- The site plan lays out roof access pathways at least 36 inches wide, plus a ridge setback sized to how much of the roof the array covers, so firefighters retain pathways and ventilation access (IRC R324.6.1, IRC R324.6.2).
- The one line electrical diagram shows the rapid shutdown method and the location of its single initiation device, since one control point must bring all system conductors down to safe levels (NEC 690.12, NEC 690.56(C)).
- Interconnecting the array to the utility grid at a defined point of connection is a separate application process from the local building or electrical permit and must be approved before the system can operate (NEC 705.12).
- Some permitting offices route applications through SolarAPP+, an automated review platform that checks the plan set against code requirements and issues eligible permits instantly (DOE SolarAPP+).
General submittal guidance from IRC 2021 R324 (Solar Energy Systems) and NEC 2020 Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) and Article 705 (Interconnected Power Production Sources). Source. Clark County Community Development, Building Safety sets the exact checklist for Clark County.
Where to apply in Clark County:
Clark County Community Development, Building Safety
- Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA 98660
- Phone: 564.397.2375
- Email: permitservices@clark.wa.gov
Inspections and closing out your permit
Inspectors verify the installed array against the approved plans, and some agencies run a rough check of roof attachments and penetrations while they are still exposed before the wiring and roofing close them in. The final inspection confirms rapid shutdown, disconnects, grounding, and required labels are installed correctly, and the system cannot be energized until the utility separately approves interconnection.
- Where an agency runs a rough or pre-inspection, it checks the array's roof penetrations while they are still exposed, confirming they are flashed and sealed (IRC R324.4.3).
- The inspector confirms whether rapid shutdown is required, how it is accomplished, and that it is properly identified (NEC 690.12, NEC 690.56(C)).
- PV disconnecting means must be permanently marked and installed where they are readily accessible, which the inspector confirms in the field (NEC 690.13).
- Bonding and grounding of the array, including every exposed non current carrying metal part and the grounding electrode system, is checked before sign off (NEC 690.43, NEC 690.47).
- At the service equipment, the inspector looks for the required rapid shutdown placard, a labeled diagram showing the initiation device's location in the specified colors and letter sizes (NEC 690.56(C)).
- Utility interconnection is inspected and approved separately from the local building department's sign off, and the system cannot be energized until both approvals are in hand (NEC 705.12).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Clark County permit portal or by phone at 564.397.2375.
Inspection sequence from NEC 2020 Article 690 (690.12 rapid shutdown, 690.13 disconnects, 690.43/690.47 grounding, 690.56 labeling) and IRC 2021 R324.4.3 (roof penetrations). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Solar Permit checklist for Clark County
- Confirm the requirement. Yes, a permit is required. Typical threshold: Separate SOL permits are required for ground mounted units or panels mounted on existing buildings; in new construction the solar panels are included in the NHC or ADS permit. Usually needed: PV panels on existing buildings and ground mounted systems.
- Budget the fee. Fees for separate SOL permits are based on construction value; in new construction solar is included in the NHC or ADS permit fee. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. A rooftop solar PV permit application is a combined structural and electrical plan set: a site plan and roof framing details proving the array's mounting can carry its added loads, plus a one line electrical diagram covering listed modules and inverters, disconnects, and the rapid shutdown design. Utility interconnection is a separate approval that runs in parallel with the permit. Start at the Clark County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Clark County Community Development, Building Safety. Phone: 564.397.2375. Address: Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver, WA 98660.
- Plan for inspections. Inspectors verify the installed array against the approved plans, and some agencies run a rough check of roof attachments and penetrations while they are still exposed before the wiring and roofing close them in. The final inspection confirms rapid shutdown, disconnects, grounding, and required labels are installed correctly, and the system cannot be energized until the utility separately approves interconnection.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked 2026-07-19.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a solar permit in Clark County?
- Solar installations in unincorporated Clark County use the SOL permit type covering roof mount, ground mounted or freestanding solar panels. Separate SOL permits are required for ground mounted units or panels mounted on existing buildings, while in new construction the panels are included in the NHC or ADS permit and fee. Electrical permits, review and inspections must be obtained from Washington State Labor and Industries. Rooftop systems meeting the county prescriptive checklist qualify for express permitting. Always confirm with the Clark County Community Development, Building Safety before starting.
- How much does a solar permit cost in Clark County?
- Fees for separate SOL permits are based on construction value; in new construction solar is included in the NHC or ADS permit fee. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does a solar permit take in Clark County?
- Express permitting with 7 to 10 day review for rooftop PV projects meeting the county checklist; otherwise not stated. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.
- Where do you apply for a solar permit in Clark County?
- You can apply through the Clark County permit portal or contact the Clark County Community Development, Building Safety directly. The links are listed on this page.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Clark County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | It depends | Exempt only if the deck does not exceed 200 square feet, is not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, is not attached to a dwelling, does not serve a required exit door, and is not used for a hot tub or pool; all other decks require a permit. | Fees are established by county ordinance and calculated automatically during the applic... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Electrical work in Washington requires a permit and inspection, with a few exceptions listed in chapter 296-46B-901 WAC; in unincorporated Clark County electrical permits are issued by state Labor and Industries, not the county. | No county fee; |
| Fence Permit | It depends | Fences seven feet or less in height do not require a permit; fences over 7 feet in height require a Fence/Retaining Wall (FRT) permit. | Fees are established by county ordinance and calculated automatically during the applic... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Mechanical permits cover installation of heating and cooling equipment such as furnaces, heat pumps, A/C units, ductless mini splits and gas piping; for additions and new construction this work is included in the ADS or NHC permit. | Application rev 1.30.23: $94 issuance plus per-appliance fees including furnace or heat... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | Patio and concrete slabs on the ground grade are exempt from permit but may not be built on easements; adding a patio cover or enclosing a covered patio requires a building permit under the ADS permit type. | Fees are established by county ordinance and calculated automatically during the applic... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | A plumbing permit is required for installation of any plumbing fixtures, including water heaters, toilets and sinks. | Application rev 9.2.25: $94 issuance plus per-item fees including plumbing fixture/trap... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | A permit is required for any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches deep, including in-ground, aboveground and on-ground pools, hot tubs and spas. | Fees are established by county ordinance and calculated automatically during the applic... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | Permit required | Re-roofing permits are required for all buildings in Clark County; a separate permit may be required if structural work such as replacing roof sheathing is necessary. | County handout rev 7.16.18: residential re-roofing permit $220 plus $94 issuance and $6... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | Sheds over 200 square feet require a building permit; sheds of 200 square feet or less are exempt if they meet setbacks and easements, but any size shed in a mobile home park or multi-family zone requires a permit. | Fees are established by county ordinance and calculated automatically during the applic... |
Solar Permit in other Washington localities
Official sources
Verified by a person against the sources above on 2026-07-19, not confirmed with Clark County Community Development, Building Safety. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: 2026-07-19Report an error on this page
Compare Solar Permit requirements across Washington localities
Washington rule changes
- Bellevue, WA sets a flat $290 re-roof permit fee (Ordinance 6879)
Ord. 6879 · 2026-07-25