Centerville City has detailed specific structural and safety requirements for residents seeking to install solar arrays, according to a June 23, 2026, document from the city's Building and Safety Department. The requirements mandate that all solar installations must be able to withstand wind loads of 140 mph and undergo a rigorous review process involving both city officials and the South Davis Metro Fire Agency.
Permit Fees and Application Details
The permit application process for solar technology in Centerville includes various fee structures depending on the scope of the project. According to city documentation, a permit for solar panels carries a fee of $379.76. Additional components such as battery backups for solar systems and meter-mounted transfer switches each require a separate fee of $70.70.
Contractor and Owner Responsibilities
When applying, applicants must provide the dollar valuation for the project and specify the number of panels being attached. The city accepts payments via credit card, debit card, check, or cash. The application requires comprehensive information, including the project address, assessor’s parcel number, lot number, and subdivision name, as well as contact information for both the property owner and the electrical contractor.
Structural and Engineering Standards
Centerville City allows for two distinct types of applicants: licensed contractors or owner-builders. Under the Licensed Contractor Declaration, applicants must affirm that all work will be performed by contractors holding active licenses under the Construction Trades Licensing Act. If a contractor has not yet been selected at the time of application, the permit is issued on the condition that the applicant provides the names and license numbers to the city before work begins.
Alternatively, property owners may utilize an Owner-Builder Declaration to claim an exemption from licensing requirements for private, non-commercial, and non-public use. However, even in these cases, any portion of the work not performed by the owner must be completed by a contractor licensed under the Construction Trades Licensing Act, with all relevant license numbers submitted to the city before construction commences.
Required Technical Specifications
The technical standards for solar installations are stringent regarding structural integrity. A primary requirement is the submission of a structural engineer’s letter confirming that existing roof trusses can support the specific loads from the solar panels. This engineering letter must explicitly indicate that the system is designed to handle wind loads of 140 mph.
Furthermore, applicants must provide a complete set of construction drawings and one-line electrical diagrams. The layout of the solar panels on the roof must adhere to current International Fire Code (IFC) standards regarding clearance from the roof peak, hips, valleys, and designated pathways.
Fire Agency Review Process
The city requires detailed manufacturer specifications for several critical system components. This includes documentation for micro-inverters, modules (panels), disconnect switches, any new AC panelboards, and the supporting racking system. Additionally, if solar modules are to be installed on any detached structure on the property, those structures must be clearly identified in the application.
To facilitate the review, Centerville City requests an aerial site plan, preferably using a satellite image such as Google Maps. This plan must show the location of the panels, setback distances from the roof ridge and sides, and any roof projections like chimneys or skylights. The application must also identify the location of the main shut-off for the array and include signage descriptions.
Final Approval Steps
Before submitting plans to Centerville City, applicants are instructed to submit their plans to the South Davis Metro Fire Agency for review. This agency charges a fee of $100 for the first hour of review, and payment must be received before the review begins.
Once the city completes its review—which typically occurs within three business days of submittal, provided no revisions are needed—the solar installation company will receive a project clearance letter. To finalize the process, applicants must email both the Centerville City Solar Permit Application and the stamped, dated, fire-approved plans and specifications to the city's designated contact, Donna Wilkinson.
