Solar Photovoltaic PV Permit

PERMITS

Solar Photovoltaic permits are Structural permit that will ALSO require a separate Electrical permit.

All Scappoose Building permits can be created/applied via Oregon ePermitting;  https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/epermitting/howto/Pages/index.aspx

• Be sure to apply for the correct type, either Commercial (OSSC) or Residential (ORSC). 
• All Electrical Permits are issued by Columbia County (they also use Oregon ePermitting)
• A Plumbing Permit could also be require if doing Solar Water Heating.

PLANS

• PLANS ARE REQUIRED FOR NON-PRESCRIPTIVE ENGINEERED SYSTEM;

  • If you do NOT follow the prescriptive path, then PLANS ARE REQUIRED.   Upload your engineered plans when you apply for the ePermit AND mail 1-hard set to the Scappoose Building Dept., 33568 E. Columbia Ave., Scappoose OR 97056
  • Engineered Systems must be designed and stamped by and Oregon registered design professional.
• NO PLANS REQUIRED IF USING PRESCRIPTIVE PATH;
  • If you follow the prescriptive path rooftop-mounted install, NO PLANS REQUIRED. Be sure to use the correct application below (Residential or Commercial) then upload the completed form when you apply for the ePermit.  If homeowner install, you can email the completed form.

All Oregon Building codes are online;   https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/codes-stand/Pages/adopted-codes.aspx

Review the documents below for;

• BCD Technical Bulletin below for designed PV pathways for firefighter safety.
• Plans and Code Compliance Checklist need to uploaded into the ePermit program and hard copy mailed/delivered to the Building Dept. for plan review.  Standard turn around for plan review is <2 weeks.

INSPECTIONS

Each permit (structural, electrical, plumbing) will require their own separate inspections.  You can schedule multiple inspections for the same day (preferred).

Use Oregon ePermitting phone number, app or website to schedule your inspection(s).  For how-to/tips;   https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/epermitting/howto/Pages/index.aspx

HOMEOWNERS

Avoid scams and hire only licensed contractors.  You can verify their license anytime;   https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/homeowner/Pages/consumer.aspx

Helpful public guides/forms and sample contracts are provided by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) to assist consumers with their construction project; https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/publications.aspx

SOLAR INCENTIVES ARE AVAILABLE

Link to the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program;  https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Incentives/Pages/Solar-Storage-Rebate-Program.aspx

More info about Solar Energy can by found on the Columbia River PUD website;  https://www.crpud.net/clean-energy/solar-energy/

Questions, contact Elizabeth Happala 503-543-7184 or via email;  ehappala@scappoose.gov