Solar Energy in Glendale, CA

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

Panel Permits

Municipal Code § 30.30.050 exempts solar energy equipment from Glendale's development plan review under § 30.15.040(F) and loosens the standards that would otherwise block panels: setbacks shrink, detached arrays can rise 15 feet, and lot coverage gets a 30 percent bonus reserved solely for the equipment. Adopted by Ordinance 5712 in 2010 specifically to speed installations.

Key details: Review exemption: No development plan review under § 30.15.040(F). Detached height cap: 15 ft, measured to top of panels. Attached systems: +15 ft above building/deck/pool height. Lot coverage bonus: +30% allowable coverage for equipment. Interior setback: Reduced by 30%.

Solar installations aren't on the Municipal Code's list of fixed-fine infractions, so an installation that exceeds the modified setback, height, or lot-coverage allowances in § 30.30.050, or that skips the still-required building and electrical permits, defaults to the general misdemeanor penalty in § 1.20.010(A): up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail, with continuing noncompliance chargeable day by day under § 1.20.010(E).

HOA Restrictions

California Civil Code Section 714 voids any Glendale HOA rule, CC&R or deed restriction that effectively prohibits or restricts installing a solar energy system. Boards may impose only "reasonable restrictions" that do not raise the system's cost by more than $1,000 or cut its efficiency by more than 10 percent, and a silent board is deemed to approve.

Key details: Governing law: Cal. Civil Code § 714. HOA response deadline: 45 days or deemed approved. Cost restriction limit: No more than $1,000 extra cost. Efficiency restriction limit: No more than 10% output loss. Civil penalty for violation: Up to $1,000 plus actual damages.

An association (other than a public entity) that willfully violates Section 714 is liable to the applicant for actual damages and owes a civil penalty of up to $1,000 payable to the applicant, per subdivision (f). Subdivision (g) awards reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party in any action to enforce the section, so a homeowner who sues over an unlawful denial can recover legal costs on top of damages and the statutory penalty.

The Bottom Line

Glendale's solar energy rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Glendale is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Glendale's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.