Install Residential Rooftop-Mounted Solar Panels

Ever thought about installing solar panels on your roof?

Concerned about the complexity of the permit process?

Wondering where to go for help?

As part of a federal Department of Energy grant, Kirkland and other grant partners (Seattle, Bellevue) have developed a streamlined process for the permitting of small-scale rooftop-mounted solar installations for single-family residential customers.

All solar photovoltaic (PV) systems require an Electrical Permit and, in some rare cases*, a Building Permit.

*Note: If you do not qualify for the Building Permit Exemption (Section 3 of the checklist linked to below) you will need to apply for both a Building Permit and a separate Electrical Permit.

Online Process

Step 1.Preparation

Refer to the following to see if the proposal is exempt from a building permit:

Building Permit Exemption Checklist for Residential Solar Photovoltaic Systems(PDF, 762KB)

Complete the following paperwork:

Rooftop layout of solar panels with firefighter access pathways
One-line diagram prepared by an electrician
Manufacturer installation instructions

Step 2.Submittal

Go to MyBuildingPermit.com and apply for an Electrical Permit online. Complete the MBP exemption questionnaire to confirm that the proposal is exempt from a building permit. Upload all required paperwork listed above and pay the application fee.

Step 3.Review

Applications will be reviewed by the Electrical plan reviewer for code compliance.

Step 4.Permit Issuance

Upon permit approval, the applicant is issued an Electrical Permit.

Step 5.Inspection

A pre-construction meeting is required on all PV panels prior to installation, and can be scheduled as a pre-con inspection through MyBuildingPermit.com.
After the PV system installation is completed, schedule a final inspection through MyBuildingPermit.com

If the project is completed per plan, there are no further requirements.
If the project is not completed per plan, corrections, additional inspections or further plan review may be required.

Contact Us

Phone

Building Services:

425-587-3600

David Barnes, Land Use Planner:

425-587-3250

Email

Laszlo Farkas, Building & Electrical Inspector

David Barnes, Land Use Planner