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- SB 1202 (effective September 1, 2025)
SB 1202 (effective September 1, 2025)
With the implementation of Senate Bill 1202, from the 89th Legislative Session, Regular Session, on September 1, 2025, related to home backup power installations, including solar panels, battery storage systems, and standby generators, we are outlining our permitting requirements to ensure compliance and maintain effective permitting operations related to the newly effective shot-clock.
"Home backup power installations" are defined as electric generating facilities, energy storage facilities, standby systems, and associated infrastructure for one- or two-family dwellings connected at 600 volts or less.
Please note that until the following minimum submittal criteria is provided, your permit(s) will not be processed in for review. Once you have acknowledged and confirmed that all indicated items have been provided during your application process, plan review will commence.
ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SHALL BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL TO: solargentpo@pasadenatx.gov AND SHALL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFO IN THE SUBJECT LINE:
Subject: TPO – Solar or Generator – Address of project
SOLAR/GENERATOR FEE SCHEDULE
| Building Application Fee | $10.00 |
| Miscellaneous Building Permit Fee | $40.00 |
| Plumbing Application Fee | $10.00 |
| Gas Openings (1-5) | $10.00 |
| Gas Turn On (GTO) | $25.00 |
| Gas Line 0’-100’
Additional 100’ or portion thereof |
$75.00 $35.00 |
| Electrical Application Fee | $10.00 |
| Residential Generator (permanent) | $75.00 |
| Reconnection Fee | $60.00 |
| Temporary Cut-In (TCI) Application Fee | $10.00 |
| Temporary Cut-In (TCI) Application Fee | $50.00 |
| Meter Loop and Service Permit | $25.00 |
| Minimum Permit Fee – Solar | $40.00 |
All generator installations shall meet the requirements of the International Residential Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, The National Electrical Code, International Fire Code and the City of Pasadena Code of Ordinances as adopted under Chapters 9, 12, 13 and 29.
- Residential Building Permit Application
- Electrical Permit Application
- Plumbing Permit Application
- Credit card payment authorization form
- Notarized deed declaration form
- Third- Party Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement
- Site Plan showing property lines, easements, footprint of structure(s), driveways/paving, North arrow, and location of generator shown.
• Generator must be 5 feet off the property line, measured from the generator to the property line
• If less than 5 feet, submit drawing showing the generator elevated to allow drainage from back to front of the property
• All generators must be installed at the same elevation as the existing structures' finished floor or higher unless If the property is located within an A, AE, V or X shaded zone the generator is required to be installed 1 foot above the crown of the road -OR- 500 year flood elevation; whichever is greater. (Refer to Sec 9-189 of the City of Pasadena Code of Ordinances for more specific details)
• Show location of electrical service and gas meter - Complete manufacturer specifications on the specific type and size of generator to be installed.
- Electrical line diagram showing how wiring is to be done for the proposed generator, and details on any additional equipment required such as increased panel, automatic transfer switch, conductor sizes, etc. Must be prepared by a Master Electrician licensed by TDLR; name and license number must be included on the plans or signed and sealed by a PE licensed in the State of Texas.
- Electrical Load Analysis. Must be prepared by a Master Electrician licensed by TDLR; name and license number must be included on the plans or signed and sealed by a PE licensed in the State of Texas.
- Gas riser diagram showing all piping, valves and regulators on detail drawing. Must be prepared by a Master Plumber licensed by TSPBE; name and license number must be included on the plans or signed and sealed by a PE licensed in the State of Texas.
- Provide the type of fuel source to include one of the following: Propane, Natural Gas, or Diesel.
- Pad details to support the proposed generator.
- Plan Review Compliance Form.
- Flatwork Inspection
15.1 All generators must be installed at the same elevation as the existing structures' finished floor or higher (verified through the inspection prior to generator installation)
15.2 If the property is located within an A, AE, V or X shaded zone the generator is required to be installed 1 foot above the crown of the road -OR- 500 year flood elevation; whichever is greater. (Refer to Sec 9-189 of the City of Pasadena Code of Ordinances for more specific details)
15.3 Generators must be a minimum of 5 feet from any operable opening into the home, and at least 18 inches off the structure; Generators must also be at least 5 feet from the property line or raised to allow for drainage. - Plumbing Ground/Cover inspection
16.1 Gas test must be a minimum of 30 psi holding for 30 minutes on a Spring Gauge.
16.2 Gas line must be a minimum of 18 inches deep and may be in the same trench as the electrical.
16.3 Gas line must be bonded; if using CSST, material must be bonded on both ends of the line
16.4 Gas test cannot be performed if connected to a live meter (Do not connect new line to meter prior to test approval). - Plumbing gas final inspection. Submit Utility Authorization Release Form
*Once Plumbing Gas Final inspection is approved and Utility Authorization Release Form is submitted, the homeowner or gas account holder must request a Meter Upgrade from CenterPoint, prior to final inspection (If applicable). - Electrical Cover Inspection
18.1 A whole-house surge protector on service panel(s) served by a backup generator, 2 points of grounding at a minimum of 6 feet apart, and an inter-bonding terminal will be required when a transfer switch is installed.
18.2 Since the transfer switch will be the main point of disconnect, the neutral and ground wires in the panel must be isolated.
18.3 Underground must be a minimum of 12 inches deep, with 6 inches of cover, then RED warning tape installed. - Temporary Cut-In Inspection. Submit Utility Authorization Release Form
- Final inspections
20.1 Contractor will verify that all previous inspections have been completed and ensure that all breakers are properly labeled and identified in the main service panel.
20.2 The gas meter must be upgraded and in service for the final inspection.
20.3 Verify that the generator, gas line, and electric conduit are properly anchored and or supported.
20.4 Proper final gas connection of generator, including: flex connector, MP regulator, and Sediment Trap per IFG 410.3. - Submit Final Inspection Compliance Form – Building
- Submit Final Inspection Compliance Form – Electrical
- Submit Final Inspection Compliance Form - Plumbing
*If fuel source is provided as a separate storage tank (above-ground or underground), a separate fire permit will be required.
All solar panel installations shall meet the requirements of the International Residential Code, The National Electrical Code, International Fire Code and the City of Pasadena Code of Ordinances as adopted under Chapter 9, 12 and 13.
- Residential Building Permit Application
- Electrical Permit Application
- Credit card payment authorization form
- Notarized deed declaration form
- Third- Party Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement
- Scaled & dimensioned plan view of all roof mounted PVs that includes:
• Percentage of PV panels to plan view of total roof area
• Required Pathways and setbacks at ridge per the International Residential Code and International Building Code, must be labeled and dimensioned on plans
• Include the slope of roof on plans, if less than 2:12 and exempt from roof access and setback requirements
• Details of the means of attachment of the roof mounted PVs with typical side view detail
• Letter from an Engineer certifying the structural integrity of the roof and the wind load design of a minimum 130 mph - Battery storage cut sheet info and site location (if used)
- Data cut sheets for inverters and collectors that provides listing by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
- Engineered stamped three-line, PV equipment manufacturer's engineered three-line; or, three-line prepared by master electrician licensed by TDLR that includes:
• PV array with listed UL 1703 modules
• Size combiner j-box
• PV power source disconnect and overcurrent protection size
• Service panel main circuit breaker/fuse ampere rating and the PV source C.B./fuse ampere rating
• Storage batteries, if used
• DC/AC inverter listed UL Std. 1741, with ground fault detection and interruption
• Inverter output AC disconnect and overcurrent protection size
• Utility disconnect with overcurrent protection required at the electric service location
• Circuit diagram with conduit, wire type and sizes and/or cable type and wire sizes listed and labeled for use in PV applications
• Equipment grounding conductors
• PV output readout at DC/AC inverter - Plan Review Compliance Form.
- Electrical Reconnect Inspection If a battery back-up and or transfer switch is installed, then a reconnect inspection must be performed to restore electrical utility service.
11.1 Since the transfer switch will be the main point of disconnect, the neutral and ground wires in the panel must be isolated.
11.2 A whole-house surge protector and 2 points of grounding at a minimum 6 feet apart is required.
11.3 An inter-bonding terminal is required when a transfer switch is installed. - Temporary Cut-In Inspection (If applicable). Submit Utility Authorization Release Form
- Final Inspections All solar systems will require a final inspection. (The approved plans and technician must be on site) The following items will be inspected, and the Installation must match the plans on site:
13.1 Number and locations of panels and enclosures
13.2 Disconnects, circuits, and wire size.
13.3 Type and number of mounting brackets and rails per plans.
13.4 Safety labeling must be in place.
13.5 Battery enclosures installed at or above the finished floor of the existing structure.
13.6 System fully functional per approved plans. - Submit Final Inspection Compliance Form – Building
- Submit Final Inspection Compliance Form – Electrical