Solar Panels

A step-by-step guide for making a building permit application

To install solar panels in Norfolk County, you must ensure compliance with local regulations and safety standards.

Building permits help protect you, your home, and the interests of your community by making sure the project is structurally sound and follows the Ontario Building Code, municipal zoning and other applicable laws.

Do I need a permit for solar panels?

Section 1.3.1.1 (f) Div A of the Ontario Building Code requires a Building Permit to be issued before installing any solar collector mounted on a building with a face area equal to or greater than 5 sq m (50 sq ft). For clarity, the “face area” includes the aggregate area of all panels or modules.

A building permit is NOT required for solar collector systems installations where:

The panel is less than 5 dq m (50 sq ft) in area
The panel is not installed on a building
is not connected to a plumbing system
is not connected to a mechanical heating system

Electrical permits and/or inspections available from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) may also be required where the system has electrical connections. If you have a grid-connected PV system, the ESA must inspect it before it is turned on in most cases.

Building Permit process

Step 1: Preparing your application

A building permit application consists of many documents. The attached forms must be completed, signed, and dated.

Drawings and Documents

Drawings are to be legible and to scale. Use a ruler or computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to complete your drawings. Provide enough information and detail to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code.

The Ontario Building Code is available online under the Regulations tab under this act.

Building Department staff are not permitted by law to provide design advice. It is the responsibility of the property owner or authorized agent to complete a design that meets the requirements of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and the Building Code Act (BCA).

Building Permit - Application Checklist

Completed Forms

Building Permit Application
Commitment to General Review from a professional engineer.
Applicant Authorization Form: if the property owner does not complete the application,

Required Documents

Construction Drawings
- Panel layout
- Drawing of the building structure, the panel rails will be mounted to,
- Mounting detail

Fees

Solar Panel Permit Fee

Step 2: Applying

Online

Visit the Norfolk CityView Permits Portal and make your application online

In Person

Visit our service counter located at 12 Gilbertson Dr., Simcoe, Ontario.

Please call or email ahead and make an appointment. Our Permit Coordinators will review your application and provide in writing any missing items and a cost breakdown for the permit fees and payment options.

Step 3: Plans Review

A Building Inspector will contact you in writing if your application lacks information or has building code concerns.

A building permit is issued once all documentation has been received, fees have been paid in full, and your plans have been checked for compliance with the zoning by-law and the building code.

Step 4: Inspections

Once you have obtained a building permit, a building inspector must attend your site at several milestones in the construction process. For more information, please check the inspections page.

Once all inspections are complete and passed, your permit is closed.

Need help?

If you have any questions on the building permit process or plans required, please contact permits@norfolkcounty.ca or call 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 6016.

ServiceNorfolk

50 Colborne Street South
Simcoe, Ontario
N3Y 4H3

Phone: 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0

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