Solar Installation Permit

A photovoltaic (PV) system needs unobstructed access to the sun for most or all of the day throughout the year. PV panels are relatively unaffected by changing weather and the modules are angled to catch the sun, not snow, so any snow that does collect melts quickly.

1. Search Address

Worker on a roof installing solar panels

Before you apply for a permit, make sure the address for your project is in the ‘unincorporated’ Johnson County area. Enter an address or KUPN number in the location search box provided. If the address returns with ‘Unincorporated Area’ then you can proceed with the permit application process. If your search returns with a ‘City’ name, then use the contact information provide to contact your city planning department.

2. Permit Process

Before you apply

  1. For any regulations/restrictions or floodplain information pertaining to your property contact Johnson County Planning and Zoning at 913-715-2200.
  2. For Private Sewage Disposal (Septic Systems), if the solar system will be ground mounted on a property with a septic system, a septic location verification will be required. Contact Johnson County Environmental department at 913-715-6900.

Applying for a permit

Johnson County Building Codes uses MyGovernmentOnline to apply and generate building permits. With MyGovernmentOnline, anything you can do in-person at your local office you can do online. Examples include applying for permits, payments online, request for inspection, submitting files, download inspection reports, approved plans, check status of a permit, download permit data, and search for permits.

  1. Don’t have a MyGovernmentOnline account? You can view the instructional guide here and create one here.
     
  2. If you already have an account, then login here to start the permit process.

Required documents

If the solar system will be ground mounted:

  1. Residential Building Permit Application
  2. Site Plan - A site plan must be uploaded, to scale the size and location of new construction, existing structures, existing septic tank and laterals on the site, distances from lot lines, the established street grades and the proposed finished grades; and it shall be drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary line survey.
  3. Land Disturbance Certification

If applicable:
If any of the following applies to your project, you are required to provide the necessary paperwork to complete the permit application process.

Roof mounted solar system requirements: 

  1. Residential Building Permit Application
  2. Roof type and material
  3. Roof structural elements
  4. Weight of solar panel arrays
  5. Type of solar panel mounting hardware

If applicable:
If any of the following applies to your project, you are required to provide the necessary paperwork to complete the permit application process.

It may also require electrical information from the applicant, such as: 

  1. Line diagram of electrical system (array configuration and wiring, grounding, points of interconnection, etc.)
  2. Array information (number of modules in series, voltage, current, etc.)

Plans required, such as: 

  1. Structural plans demonstrating sufficient support and uplift of photovoltaic panels 
  2. Professional engineer’s stamps are required from electrical engineers and/or structural engineers for electrical and structural integrity of the project. 

Other required information may include:

  1. Manufacturer’s cut sheets for all components
  2. Signage requirements
  3. List of all equipment and components

Additional instructions:
All plans must be uploaded at the time of application in the Customer Portal. A complete set of construction plans showing front, side, and rear elevations, framing details, floor plans, footing & foundation plans.

Required inspections (if applicable)

An inspection will not be done without approved plans on the job site.

These notice times are minimums for scheduling inspections.

  1. Concrete (inspections are for the same day pour) 2 hour minimum notice required
    1. Footing
    2. Foundation Wall – Masonry Wall 
    3. Pier Holes  
    4. Structural Slab (suspended and on over 24” fill over dig)

      All other inspections require a minimum of ½ day notice
       
  2. Underground Electrical Rough-In
  3. Electrical rough-in
  4. Electrical Service (temporary/permanent) 
  5. Final Inspection