What law governs this? I'm familiar with a lot of restrictions on grid-tie systems, but I've never heard of it being this strict for something that could (presumably) be done without a back feed.

I mean, are you saying that someone sticking up a few panels+batteries to run an electric fence, gate, and camera system has to have permits?

This all seems strange.

For example, here is the one that to install certain PV you need permit with roof and building plan, which is impossible on my house because I have none (literally built my roof off the cuff after thumbing IRC).

https://www.azleg.gov/ars/11/00323.htm