Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook Version 1 - Flipbook - Page 14
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Energy Storage Guidebook
The process begins with an applicant or project proponent researching project requirements and developing
a design for ESS installation. They then submit the permit application to the relevant AHJ with the plans.
The AHJ’s approval steps flow from this point to the step of confirming proper installation during site
inspection and providing a final approval post inspection.
For most AHJs, the permit review varies according to the type of project to be permitted. This variation is
important because the requirements for permitting EES installations in residential structures are different
from the requirements for permitting ESS in commercial buildings. Some AHJs offer an expedited channel
that may apply to both residential and commercial projects. Larger and/or more complex projects require
more detailed review and take a different path through an AHJ’s process. The review is typically split
into residential and commercial lanes so that building officials with specialized knowledge of either the
residential or commercial code can focus on those specific projects. In some cases, permit applications also
may be reviewed by building department staff with detailed knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing,
or other systems. In addition, AHJs may require additional permits, such as coastal development permits
or California Coastal Commission review, which may affect storage installations. The commission’s review
requirements are available at https://www.coastal.ca.gov/laws/.
Depending on AHJ rules and the type of project under review, building officials may be required to obtain
approval for permits from other agencies, such as the fire department and electric utility. A set of reviews
often required for large or complex projects is shown in Figure 4. Aside from building safety, some projects
may require review by the fire department, zoning and planning department (which may be integrated
with building safety in some locations), and a public works or transportation department if the project
affects public infrastructure or roadways. If a municipality also runs a public utility, the utility will also
typically require review of the project. For projects served by investor-owned utilities, the creation of an
interconnection agreement typically happens outside the municipal permit review process.
FIG U R E 4
Municipal Agency Reviews Often Required by Large Projects
Requirements Research and Project Design
Submit Permit
Fire Department Review
Building Safety, Zoning and Planning Review
Fire Department Inspection
Building Department Inspection
Utility*
*Some AHJs and utilities require permit applicants to secure
interconnection agreement prior to submitting permit application
Summery: Figure is a flow chart describing typical approval process from fire department and building department review to utility
with parallel review from building safety, zoning, and planning department review.
Source: Center for Sustainable Energy (https://energycenter.org/)