How Redding Handles Solar Energy: A Practical Guide
Redding maintains 137 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with solar energy. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Redding falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Panel Permits
Redding administratively approves a permit for a small residential rooftop solar system, capped at ten kilowatts AC or thirty kilowatts thermal on a single or duplex home, once the building official confirms the application meets the city's published checklist. A separate approval from Redding Electric Utility is required before connecting to the grid.
Key details: System size cap: 10 kW AC or 30 kW thermal. Eligible buildings: Single or duplex family dwellings only. Approval method: Administrative approval by building official. Grid connection: Separate REU approval required. Denial ground: Adverse impact under Gov. Code § 65850.5.
An incomplete application does not get denied outright; instead, the building official must issue a written correction notice detailing every deficiency and what is needed to become eligible for permit issuance. Connecting a permitted system to the electric grid without separate Redding Electric Utility approval is not authorized by the building permit alone. Beyond that, unpermitted solar installation work falls under the citywide general penalty: a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both.
Expedited Solar Permitting
Redding's building official must maintain a published checklist letting small residential rooftop solar systems qualify for expedited review, and once eligible, the project gets only one required inspection, done in a timely manner and sometimes combined with a fire chief inspection. A failed inspection triggers a follow-up visit outside that one-inspection rule.
Key details: Inspections required: One, done in a timely manner. Consolidated review: Building official and fire chief together. Application methods: In person, mail, or electronic submittal. Failed inspection: Follow-up inspection outside expedited rule.
Failing to meet the published checklist doesn't result in a citation; it produces a written correction notice from the building official identifying the deficiencies that must be fixed before the project is eligible for expedited permit issuance. A system that fails its consolidated inspection requires a second inspection visit that falls outside the guaranteed one-inspection, timely-review standard. Installing or operating an unpermitted solar system otherwise falls under the citywide general penalty of up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
The Bottom Line
Redding'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 Redding is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on Redding's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.