Do I Need a Permit for Solar Panels in Spokane, WA?
Spokane waived solar permit fees for six years to boost renewable energy adoption, then reinstated them in June 2024 — at an 80% discount from pre-waiver levels — as the city's permit volume grew from 73 solar installations in 2019 to 605 by 2022. The result is a dual-permit process (a city Solar Energy permit plus a Washington State L&I electrical permit) with notably low fees and a streamlined SolarApp+ review path for standard residential installations.
Spokane solar permit rules — the basics
The City of Spokane DSC issues Solar Energy permits separately from the general building permit process. The permit type is "Electrical Solar Energy" in the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) online portal. The submittal requires a site plan showing the property address, property lines, main driveway, north arrow, all buildings, existing service equipment, and the proposed solar panel layout. The solar panel layout must show the PV system configuration, dimensions of required fire access pathways, and setbacks from the ridge. Manufacturer's installation instructions, UL listings for panels and inverters, fire classification documentation, dead load calculations, and point load calculations are all required as part of the submittal package.
A Washington State L&I electrical permit is required separately for the interconnection wiring — the circuits running from the panels through the inverter to the main service panel. This is the standard L&I residential electrical permit process, pulled by the solar contractor under their electrical contractor license (or by a homeowner under a property owner electrical permit for DIY installations). The L&I inspection verifies the electrical connections, rapid-shutdown compliance per NEC Article 690, and grounding/bonding. Both the city Solar Energy permit and the L&I electrical permit must be finaled before the utility (Avista Utilities for most of Spokane) will allow interconnection and net metering to activate.
A key local note: homes built before 1960 require a licensed structural engineer's assessment before the city will issue a solar permit. Spokane's large inventory of pre-war Craftsman bungalows and early mid-century construction may have roof framing that was not designed to handle modern snow loads plus the added dead load of PV panels (typically 2.5–4 psf for module and racking combined). If a pre-1960 home is also post-frame construction, engineering is similarly required. For post-1960 homes with standard stick-frame construction meeting typical dead and live load requirements, the engineering letter is not needed and the permit proceeds on the standard review timeline. Your solar contractor's site assessment should flag any structural concerns before the permit application is submitted.
The city's SolarApp+ integration, described during the 2024 fee reinstatement debate, enables a $25 plan review for qualifying residential systems — those that meet specific standardized parameters — bypassing the standard full review timeline. Installers submit through SolarApp+ and the results are imported into Spokane's permit system, allowing a faster path to inspection. For non-standard systems (battery storage, ground-mount arrays, systems on pre-1960 homes, or systems requiring structural engineering), the standard EDR submittal path applies with the normal review timeline. The DSC permit hotline (509-625-6999) can confirm which path your system qualifies for before you begin the application.
Why the same solar installation in three Spokane neighborhoods gets three different outcomes
| Variable | How It Affects Your Spokane Solar Permit |
|---|---|
| Home built before 1960 | Structural engineer's assessment required before permit issuance; engineering cost $500–$1,200; may trigger rafter reinforcement if framing is insufficient for combined snow + panel dead load |
| SolarApp+ eligibility | Standard residential rooftop systems on post-1960 homes can use SolarApp+ for $25 streamlined review; non-standard systems (battery storage, ground-mount, pre-1960 homes) use the full EDR submittal path |
| Historic district visibility | Panels visible from the street on HPO-designated historic district properties may require Certificate of Appropriateness; rear-slope installations typically receive administrative approval without a hearing |
| Battery storage system | Energy Storage Systems (ESS) add a floor plan showing ESS location to the permit submittal; ESS requires a separate UL listing and may have fire separation requirements if located in the home |
| L&I electrical permit | Always required — separate from the city Solar Energy permit. The solar contractor's electrical license covers this permit. NEC Article 690 rapid-shutdown compliance is verified at L&I inspection |
| Avista interconnection | Avista Utilities is Spokane's primary electric provider and must approve net metering and grid interconnection after both permits are finaled. Processing time: typically 30–60 days after permit final |
Spokane's snow load and what it means for solar panel installations
Spokane's 39 PSF ground snow load — discussed throughout this guide series — has a direct bearing on solar panel installations that many homeowners in sunnier climates don't need to consider. When a solar contractor designs a rooftop PV system, they must account for the combined dead load (the weight of the panels, racking, and wiring — typically 3–5 psf) plus the live and snow loads the roof must already support. In Spokane, the roof design snow load derived from the 39 PSF ground snow load is substantial: inspectors and plan reviewers verify that the existing roof structure can carry both the existing design loads and the new PV dead load simultaneously.
For most homes built after 1970 with standard 2×6 rafters and modern framing, the additional panel dead load is within the structural capacity without modification. But for pre-war Craftsman bungalows and ranch homes with lighter original framing, the combination of Spokane's snow load and added panel weight can exceed what the original structure can handle — which is why the pre-1960 engineering requirement exists. Roof pitch also matters: steeper south-facing roofs shed snow more efficiently, both reducing the accumulated snow load on the panels and on the roof structure, and improving solar production by reducing self-shading from snow coverage. Spokane installers often recommend ground-mount systems for homes with very shallow pitches where snow accumulation on panels is a performance concern.
The fire code also imposes panel placement requirements that affect Spokane solar designs. The International Fire Code (adopted by Spokane) requires specific pathway widths across and along the roof to allow firefighters access for ventilation operations. On standard gable roofs, a 36-inch clear pathway from the ridge is required, and a 36-inch pathway must be maintained at both sides. This is verified in the permit submittal's panel layout drawing and is checked at inspection. Some roof configurations — L-shaped or complex multi-hip roofs — require more elaborate pathway planning that a solar installer must design around. Inspectors specifically verify pathway compliance, and a permit can be flagged if the submitted layout doesn't show adequate pathways.
What the Spokane inspector checks on solar installations
The Spokane DSC conducts the fire code/structural inspection for solar permits, while L&I handles the electrical inspection. The DSC inspector verifies that the installed panel layout matches the approved permit drawings — specifically that fire access pathways are maintained and that the racking system is attached to structural members (rafters or purlins), not just sheathing. The inspector checks that roof penetrations for the racking hardware are properly flashed to prevent water infiltration — a critical detail in Spokane's climate where snow and ice at the eave can back up under improperly sealed racking penetrations. The inspector may also review the structural assessment letter if required for pre-1960 homes, confirming it was provided.
The L&I electrical inspector checks the DC wiring from panels to combiner boxes (if present), the inverter installation and disconnects, the AC wiring from inverter to the main service panel, grounding and bonding of all metallic components, and rapid-shutdown compliance. NEC Article 690 requires module-level rapid shutdown — the ability to de-energize DC wiring within 30 seconds of activating the rapid shutdown system — which protects firefighters. Most modern micro-inverter and power optimizer systems comply automatically; older string inverter systems may require additional rapid-shutdown equipment. The inspector verifies that the appropriate equipment is installed and that the rapid-shutdown initiation device (typically a switch near the main service panel) is correctly labeled and accessible.
After both inspections pass, the contractor submits the stamped permit to Avista for interconnection activation. Avista's review verifies the system size and confirms that the inverter meets Avista's interconnection standards, then activates net metering. This final step — Avista interconnection — is outside the city's or L&I's control, but it is the step that allows your solar system to export excess power to the grid and receive bill credits. Systems that are energized without Avista interconnection approval are technically operating outside the utility agreement and are not protected under net metering rules.
What solar panels cost in Spokane
Solar installation costs in Spokane track with the state and national market. As of late 2025, a typical 5 kW residential system costs approximately $14,849 before incentives, or about $2.97 per watt, according to EnergySage marketplace data for Spokane. A 6 kW system runs approximately $17,100–$19,000; a larger 9 kW system (needed for full energy offset for a typical Spokane home) runs approximately $23,000–$27,000. These prices are for full-service installation — panels, inverter, racking, electrical, permitting, and Avista interconnection coordination. The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) applies to installed system costs, bringing a $17,100 system to approximately $11,970 net after credit. Washington State does not have a state income tax, so a federal tax credit is the primary incentive mechanism.
Permit costs are absorbed into most solar installation contracts and rarely show up as a separate line item — but they're there. The city Solar Energy permit (approximately $45–$75 with the 80% discount) plus the L&I electrical permit ($75–$150) brings total government permit fees to $120–$225 for a standard residential system. Engineering (when required for pre-1960 homes) adds $500–$1,200. These permit costs are a small fraction of the $14,000–$27,000 system cost, and a legitimate solar installer includes them in their project price. An installer who quotes an unusually low price by omitting permits should be asked specifically about their permitting process — unpermitted solar installations void warranty claims in some cases and create grid interconnection problems that are expensive to resolve after the fact.
What happens if solar panels are installed without a permit in Spokane
Unpermitted solar installations in Spokane create three distinct problems. First, Avista Utilities requires all residential solar systems to be permitted and inspected before interconnection approval. A system without a passed city permit and L&I electrical permit cannot legally interconnect with the Avista grid — which means it must operate as an off-grid isolated system, unable to export power or receive net metering credits. Without net metering, the economic case for solar in Spokane weakens considerably, as payback periods extend significantly.
Second, homeowners insurance typically excludes coverage for damage caused by unpermitted electrical installations. A fire or electrical fault traced to improperly installed solar wiring — missing grounding, incorrect rapid-shutdown wiring, or an undersized inverter-to-panel feed — is grounds for an insurer to deny the related claim. Solar installations involve DC electrical systems operating at high voltages (panels wired in series can produce 400–600V DC), and improper wiring is a genuine fire hazard that the L&I inspection is designed to catch.
Third, unpermitted solar creates real estate disclosure obligations under Washington's seller disclosure law. A solar system without permits is an unpermitted improvement that must be disclosed, and buyers' lenders increasingly require documentation of solar permits and Avista interconnection agreements before closing on homes with PV systems. The retroactive permit process for a completed solar installation is more complex than for simpler projects because the L&I inspection must access wiring that may now be concealed in conduit or inside the home — requiring the installer to be available for the retroactive inspection, which some installers charge additional fees to facilitate after the project is closed.
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 625-6999 (Permit hotline) | Email: PermitTeam@spokanecity.org
Walk-in Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Wed 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Solar Submittal Guide: Solar Energy EDR Submittal Guidelines
Online Permits (ACA): aca.spokanepermits.org (select: Electrical Solar Energy)
Washington State L&I (electrical permit for solar interconnection):
Phone: 1-800-647-0982 | lni.wa.gov
Avista Utilities (net metering & interconnection):
Phone: 1-800-227-9187 | myavista.com
Common questions about Spokane solar panel permits
What permits do I need for solar panels in Spokane?
Two permits are required: a City of Spokane Solar Energy permit from the DSC, applied for through the Accela Citizen Access portal as permit type "Electrical Solar Energy"; and a Washington State L&I electrical permit for the solar interconnection wiring. Both must be obtained before installation begins and finaled before Avista Utilities will activate net metering. Your solar installer should handle both permit applications as part of their service. If they offer to skip permits, find a different installer.
How much do Spokane solar permits cost in 2025–2026?
The City of Spokane reinstated solar permit fees in June 2024 at an 80% reduction from pre-waiver levels. Pre-waiver fees were approximately $75 for plan review and $150 for fire department inspection on a single-family residence; with the 80% discount, total city fees run approximately $45–$75 for a standard residential rooftop system. Standard systems that qualify for the SolarApp+ streamlined review pay approximately $25 for the automated plan review. The L&I electrical permit adds $75–$150. Total permit cost for most standard residential solar installations in Spokane: $120–$225 plus any engineering costs for pre-1960 homes.
My Spokane home was built in 1950 — do I need a structural engineer for solar?
Yes. The City of Spokane's Solar Energy permit process requires a structural engineer's assessment for any residential structure built prior to 1960. The engineer evaluates whether the existing roof framing can support the combined weight of the PV system (panels plus racking, typically 3–5 psf dead load) in addition to Spokane's substantial design snow loads. Pre-war homes commonly have 2×4 or 2×6 rafter framing at 24-inch spacing that may be insufficient for the combined loads. The engineer's report either confirms the existing structure is adequate, or recommends rafter sistering or limits the panel installation area to structurally adequate roof sections. Budget $500–$1,200 for the structural assessment.
Does solar affect my Avista electric bill and how does net metering work?
Washington State requires investor-owned utilities like Avista to offer net metering to residential solar customers. Under net metering, surplus electricity your panels generate and export to the Avista grid earns you a credit on your monthly bill at the retail electricity rate (approximately 10.4 cents per kWh based on 2025 Spokane data). When your system produces less than you consume — at night or during cloudy periods — you draw power from the grid normally. The net effect is a significantly reduced monthly electric bill. Avista's interconnection process must be completed after both permits are finaled; Avista then installs a bidirectional meter to measure both import and export. The typical interconnection timeline after permit finaling is 30–60 business days.
Can I install solar panels myself in Spokane?
Homeowners can apply for both the city Solar Energy permit and the L&I property owner electrical permit to DIY a solar installation on their own primary residence. The mechanical/structural work (mounting panels and racking) is within the scope of owner work on a building permit. The electrical work — wiring from panels through the inverter to the main panel — can be covered under an L&I homeowner electrical permit if the owner will personally perform the work. However, solar installations involve high-voltage DC wiring, NEC Article 690 compliance requirements, and Avista interconnection standards that require technical expertise. The majority of Spokane homeowners hire licensed solar installation companies, and DIY solar installations tend to have higher failure rates at inspection due to the technical complexity.
What is the fire department inspection for solar panels in Spokane?
Spokane's fire department conducts an inspection as part of the Solar Energy permit process, in addition to the building inspector's structural and racking review. The fire inspection focuses on fire code compliance: required access pathways (minimum 36-inch clear pathway along the ridge and at sides on standard gable roofs), panel layout compliance with the IFC requirements for roof ventilation access, and rapid-shutdown initiation device location and labeling. The fire department plays a role because solar panels affect a fire crew's ability to ventilate a structure during a fire — inadequate pathways can force crews into alternative tactics that are more dangerous. The fire inspection fee was part of the pre-2018 $150 charge that was reinstated at 80% discount in June 2024.
This page provides general guidance based on publicly available municipal sources as of April 2026, including the City of Spokane Solar Energy EDR Submittal Guidelines, The Spokesman-Review reporting on fee reinstatement (February 2024), and Washington State L&I permit requirements. Permit rules change. For a personalized report based on your exact address, use our permit research tool.