Solar Energy in Burbank, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In Burbank, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Panel Permits

Burbank offers automated instant solar permits for residential roof-mounted systems up to 38.4 kW through a partnership with Symbium Corp. Larger or commercial systems require traditional plan review. BWP handles interconnection. Building permit required for all installations.

Key details: Instant Permit: Available for residential up to 38.4 kW. Platform: Symbium online portal. Commercial: Traditional plan review required. Interconnection: BWP Service Planning. Location: 150 N. Third Street.

Installation without permit: retroactive permit required plus fines $200 to $1,000. Electrical code violations: correction order. Failure to obtain utility interconnection: system must be disconnected.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Burbank gives residents more flexibility on panel permits.

HOA Restrictions

CA Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar panel installation. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements but cannot effectively prohibit solar. Any restriction reducing system efficiency by more than 10% is void.

Key details: State Law: CA Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act). HOA Power: Cannot unreasonably restrict. Efficiency: Cannot reduce by >10%. Aesthetic Rules: Reasonable requirements allowed.

HOA fines for non-compliance with aesthetic guidelines: varies by CC&Rs. Installing without HOA approval where required: typically $50 to $200 fines until resolved. HOA illegally blocking solar: homeowner may recover legal costs.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Burbank gives residents more flexibility on hoa restrictions.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Burbank gives residents more room on solar energy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Burbank's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.