Residential Back-Up Power Systems

Senate Bills 1202 and 1252 took effect on September 1, 2025. The City of Richardson Building Inspection has updated its permit process, checklists and guides to comply with these new requirements.  Below highlights the procedures in the home back-up power system installer chooses to engage a third-party provider for plan review and inspection services.

The city will not inspect the generator, invertor, or batteries themselves. Inspections still required for electric and gas service releases. If the system is located in a floodplain, contact Building Inspection prior to review or installation.

Senate Bill 1202

Home Backup Power Installations – Third-Party Review and Inspections

Third-Party Checklist & Guidelines form 

• What’s allowed: Qualified third-party professionals may perform plan review and inspections for home backup power installations up to 600 volts for one- and two-family dwellings.
• Who qualifies:
• Master Electrician
• Electrical Inspector certified by Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry (IAEI) or International Code Council (ICC)
• Texas-licensed Professional Engineer.
• Residential Backup Power Permit Application: Must include
• Third-party declaration forms (Plan Review and Inspection)
• Third-party report documentation
• Trade Voucher
• Permit fee - $200 - See item #24 in fee schedule.
• Inspections: Inspections for electric and gas service releases. If the system is located in a floodplain, contact Building Inspection prior to review or installation.

Senate Bill 1252

State Preemption of Residential Energy Backup System Regulations

Guideline For Residential Energy Backup Systems Utility Service Connections

• Bill summary: Cities may not regulate the installation or inspection of a residential energy backup system that is 50 kW or less or has a storage capacity of 100 kWh or less.
• Permit Requirements:
  • Miscellaneous Trade Permit - Electrical
  • Miscellaneous Trade Permit - Plumbing
  • Permit Fee - $100 - per trade - see item #20 in fee schedule.
• What the City will inspect: Only service connections -
  • Electrical Service Equipment
  • Fuel gas piping

• Email it to permits@cor.gov
• Mail or hand deliver to:
Building Inspection Dept.
2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Suite 550
Richardson, TX 75082

For questions or concerns please contact:  Building Inspection.