SB 1202
Effective September 1, 2025
With the implementation of Senate Bill 1202 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" - 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 are provided, your permit(s) will not be processed for review. Once you have acknowledged and confirmed that all indicated items have been provided during your application process, plan review will begin.
Please reference the Permits page for applications and submittal information, effective July 15, 2025: Master Fee Schedule.
Please apply for a permit online through our permitting portal at www.seabrooktx.gov/permitting
- Permit Type: Building Permit
- Type of Work: Addition
- Description: 3rd Party Residential Backup Generator
Site
- A survey of the property showing property boundaries, setbacks, and utility easements. Equipment may not be installed ahead of the front of the primary structure or building line. Equipment may not be installed or encroach on any utility easement.
- Plot plan or copy of survey showing the proposed location of the generator as well as the transfer switch/electrical meter and gas meter. Show the distance of the generator from the house, property lines, and any operable openings (openings into the building).
Electric
- Electrical one-line drawing for the transfer switch and meter. Showing the wire size, generator output rating in KW, and including sizing calculation or report. Must be prepared and signed by a TDRL licensed Master Electrician (include name and license number with signature), or a Texas-licensed PE (include seal, signature, and Texas firm number).
- Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) approval letter from CenterPoint.
Fuel
- Identify fuel type: natural gas, propane, or diesel.*
- If the fuel type is natural gas or propane, provide a gas riser diagram showing the pipe section size/length, fixture demand in CFH, developed length, total system demand in CFH, system operation pressure, and location of the MP regulator. Must be prepared and signed by a TSBPE licensed Master Plumber (include name and license number with signature), or a Texas-licensed PE (Include seal, signature, and Texas firm number).**
Equipment
- Complete manufacturers' specifications for the specific type of generator and ATS to be installed.
- Construction detail for site-built pad or manufacturer's information for pre-fab equipment pad. All generators must be installed at the same elevation as the existing structures finished floor or higher. All elevated pads greater than 10’ in height require an engineered design to meet the city's adopted design wind speed of 150 MPH.
Inspection
- Refer to the Home Generator SOP for minimum Inspection Requirements.
*If a fuel source is provided as a separate storage tank (above-ground or underground), a separate fire permit will be required.
**If a fuel source is Natural Gas or Propane, a separate plumbing permit will be required for inspection.
Please apply for a permit online through our permitting portal at www.seabrooktx.gov/permitting
- Permit Type: Building Permit
- Type of Work: Addition
- Description: 3rd Party Residential Solar (and Battery) if applicable.
SITE
- A survey of the property showing the property boundaries, setbacks, and utility easements. Equipment may not be installed ahead of the front of the primary structure or building line. Equipment may not be installed or encroach on any utility easement.
- Plot plan or copy of survey showing proposed location of solar panels, electrical meter, electrical service, transfer switch, and battery storage (if applicable). Required pathways and setbacks at the ridge, per Section R324.6 of the 2021 IRC and Section 3111 of the 2021 IBC, must be labeled and dimensioned on the plans.
- A site assessment letter provided by the engineer.
BUILDING
- Complete engineering plans for the solar panels and equipment install (must meet city adopted design wind speed of 150 MPH ultimate). Must be prepared and sealed by a Texas-licensed PE (include seal, signature, and Texas firm number).
ELECTRIC
- Electrical plans including roof layout, wiring information, service diagram, calculations, and safety marking information. Must be prepared and signed by: a TDRL licensed Master Electrician (include name and license number with signature), or a Texas-licensed PE (include seal, signature, and Texas firm number).
- Manufacturer specification sheets for all equipment to be utilized.
- An approval letter from CenterPoint must also be submitted if installing a transfer switch and battery backup (address and model-specific).
INSPECTIONS
- See the Solar Panel SOP for minimum inspection requirements