Solar Checklist

Residential and Commercial Permit Checklist for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

A PDF Copy of this page's content can be found here: 

Step 1 – Determine if Installation Meets Zoning Requirements.

If Roof-mounted:

• Does the installation comply with height limits?  Height limits vary by location.  
• Does the installation extend more than 15 feet above the roof level?  If so, a Conditional Use Permit may be required. 

Check with the Planning Division to confirm height limits and if a Conditional Use Permit is required at (952) 563-8920.

If Ground-mounted:

• Does the installation comply with setback requirements? Setback requirements vary by zoning district. 
• Does the installation comply with height limits?  Height limits vary by location. 
• Does the installation extend more than 15 feet above ground level?  If so, a Conditional Use Permit may be required. 

Check with the Planning Division to confirm setback requirements, height limits, and if a Conditional Use Permit is required at (952) 563-8920.

Step 2 – Hire a State Licensed Contractor

Before hiring a contractor, use the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to verify their license. Questions regarding contractor licenses should be directed to the Minnesota DOLI at (651) 284-5069 or 1-800-657-3944.

Step 3 – Apply for Appropriate Permits.

Applicants may register online via the Permit Portal. Once registered, applicants may apply for permits through the portal, attach related plans and document submittals, pay fees, view or print documents, and see inspection results via the portal. Please don’t hesitate to contact Bloomington Building and Inspections at 952-563-8930 to have our staff walk you through the portal registration and permit submittal process.

Both Building and Electrical permits must be submitted through the Permit Portal. Note that when beginning a permit application, uploading necessary documents is optional and may be uploaded at a later time.

Completed and signed permit applications (both Electrical, and Commercial or Residential Building) may be emailed to inspections@BloomingtonMN.gov (please allow 48 hours for non-building related permits to be issued).Turn around for permit review for PV Systems is less than three days.

If applying electronically, you must be able to continue and finish the project electronically. No paper documents will be accepted once the initial application has been accepted online.

Document Submittal

As part of the electrical permit application please be prepared to provide the following information:

• Site plan showing location of the array and relative location of major components
• 1-line electrical diagram that shows PV array configuration, conductors and conduit, over current protection, inverter(s), disconnects, point of utility interconnection
• Specification sheets showing listing: modules, inverter, racking system
• Installation manuals as needed

Associated Fees

Building Permit Applications received without a named contractor require payment of the plan review portion of fees prior to being accepted. For construction work, these can be found

• on the Building Permit Fee schedule or on the back of the Electrical Permit Application OR
• on the Permit Portal under Estimate Fees

Step 4 – Inspection

Once permits and plans are approved and a contractor is hired, an inspection can be scheduled through the Portal Home page. The City of Bloomington Building Inspection team has a goal of completing accurate and complete inspection requests, within 3 business days.There are separate inspections for Building Permits and Electrical Permits. There are two electrical inspections (rough-in and final inspection) and one building inspection (final for roof top solar panel installation only).