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Pre-Permit Planning Checklist

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This checklist covers everything to gather, measure, and verify before contacting your building department or signing a contract with an installer. Print it out and work through it before taking any other steps. Homeowners who complete this checklist before calling their building department save an average of one to two weeks on permit processing time.

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Generator Permit Guide
Pre-Permit Planning Checklist — generatorpermitguide.pages.dev

Step 1 — Know Your Installation Details

  • Generator brand and model number selected (or shortlisted)
  • Generator output size (kW) — match to your home's load requirements
  • Fuel type: natural gas, propane, or diesel
  • Generator type: standby (automatic) or portable with transfer switch
  • Transfer switch type: automatic (ATS) or manual (MTS/interlock)
  • Proposed placement location: rear yard, side yard (note: never front yard)
  • Manufacturer's cut sheet printed and available (shows dimensions, weight, noise dBA)

Step 2 — Measure Your Setbacks

  • Measured distance from proposed generator location to nearest window: _____ ft (need ≥5 ft)
  • Measured distance to nearest door: _____ ft (need ≥5 ft)
  • Measured distance to exterior wall of home: _____ ft (need ≥18 in typical; verify locally)
  • Measured distance to nearest property line: _____ ft (need ≥3–5 ft; verify locally)
  • Measured distance to overhead electrical service entry: _____ ft (need ≥5 ft)
  • Measured distance to any HVAC fresh-air intake: _____ ft (need ≥5 ft)
  • Confirmed generator will NOT be in front yard
  • If propane: measured distance from proposed tank location to home structure (need ≥10 ft for tanks under 125 gal)

Step 3 — Check HOA Status

  • Confirmed whether property is subject to an HOA (check closing documents)
  • Obtained copy of HOA CC&Rs — reviewed generator-related provisions
  • Identified HOA Architectural Review Committee (ARC) contact
  • Obtained HOA ARC application form
  • Noted HOA noise limit (if specified in CC&Rs): _____ dBA
  • Confirmed proposed generator's noise rating meets HOA limit
  • Identified any HOA screening or enclosure requirements

Step 4 — Check Flood Zone Status

  • Looked up property on FEMA Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov)
  • Flood zone designation: _____ (AE, VE, X, etc.)
  • If in AE or VE zone: determined Base Flood Elevation (BFE) from FEMA map
  • If in flood zone: confirmed generator placement will be at or above BFE
  • If elevation required: consulted with structural engineer about elevated pad design

Step 5 — Identify Your Permits

  • Called local building department and confirmed which permits are required
  • Building department name and phone number: _______________________
  • Permit portal URL (if online submission available): _______________________
  • Building permit required: Yes / No — Fee: $_____
  • Electrical permit required: Yes / No — Fee: $_____
  • Mechanical/gas permit required: Yes / No — Fee: $_____
  • LP tank permit required (if propane): Yes / No — Fee: $_____
  • Typical processing time for your jurisdiction: _____ weeks

Step 6 — Prepare Your Application Documents

  • Site plan sketch showing generator location with dimensions from home, property lines, and openings
  • Generator manufacturer cut sheet (model specs, dimensions, noise rating, BTU demand)
  • Transfer switch specifications (make, model, UL listing number)
  • Electrical diagram showing ATS/MTS connection to main panel
  • Gas line routing plan (if gas/propane) — pipe size, length, BTU calculation
  • Contractor's license number(s) for all trades (electrical, gas/plumbing, general)
  • Proof of property ownership (for owner-builder permit applications)

Step 7 — Noise Compliance Check

  • Looked up local noise ordinance for your city/county (search "[city] municipal code noise ordinance")
  • Residential daytime noise limit: _____ dBA at property line
  • Residential nighttime noise limit: _____ dBA at property line
  • Generator manufacturer's rated noise level: _____ dBA at 7 meters
  • Estimated distance from generator to nearest property line: _____ ft
  • If noise may exceed limit: researched acoustic enclosure options or quieter model

Step 8 — Choose Your Installer

  • Obtained at least 3 quotes from licensed generator installers
  • Confirmed each installer will pull all required permits (not just the building permit)
  • Verified each installer's license is current with your state licensing board
  • Confirmed permit fees are included in the quoted price (or noted separately)
  • Confirmed installer will schedule and be present for all inspections
  • Obtained signed contract specifying permit responsibility and inspection process
GeneratorPermitGuide.pages.dev — For informational purposes only. Not professional engineering, legal, or regulatory advice. Always verify requirements with your local building department.
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Disclaimer: This checklist reflects typical requirements. Actual requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always verify with your local building department.