Downey's Relaxed Approach to Solar Energy: What's Allowed

If you live in Downey or are thinking about moving there, solar energy are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Downey has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of solar energy, and some of them might surprise you.

Panel Permits

Downey provides expedited permitting for small residential rooftop solar per AB 2188 and the Solar Rights Act. Systems up to 10 kW AC qualify for streamlined review. Panels cannot exceed the maximum building height.

Key details: Streamlined: Yes, per AB 2188. Max Size: 10 kW AC for expedited review. Height: Cannot exceed building max. New Construction: Solar required per CA Energy Code.

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.

The rules around panel permits in Downey lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

HOA Restrictions

California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) prohibits HOAs from effectively banning solar installations. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions but cannot increase cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10%.

Key details: State Law: Civil Code 714 Solar Rights Act. HOA Limits: Cannot ban solar. Cost Impact: Cannot add >$1,000. Efficiency: Cannot reduce >10%.

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.

Downey is more permissive than most cities when it comes to hoa restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Downey 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.

These rules come from Downey's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.