Santa Maria's Relaxed Approach to Solar Energy: What's Allowed

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

Expedited Solar Permitting

Santa Maria's Chapter 9-52 implements the state Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 with a nondiscretionary, expedited process for small residential rooftop solar. Once an application matches the City's standard checklist, Community Development must issue the building permit within three business days, and only a single inspection is required unless the applicant agrees to more.

Key details: System size cap: 10 kW AC / 30 kW thermal, single or duplex home. Permit issuance: Within 3 business days of complete application. Inspections required: One, scheduled within 2 business days. Use permit trigger: Only for specific, adverse safety impact. Governing law: Solar Rights Act, AB 2188 (2014).

If an application is incomplete, the City must send a written correction notice detailing every deficiency for resubmission (Section 9-52.060(7)). If a use permit is required and denied, the Zoning Administrator must issue written findings, based on substantial evidence, that the installation would have a specific adverse impact with no feasible mitigation, and the applicant may appeal that denial to the Planning Commission under Section 12-35.104. The City is barred from conditioning approval on approval by a homeowners' association (Section 9-52.060(6), citing Civil Code § 4080).

The rules around expedited solar permitting in Santa Maria lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Panel Permits

Beyond the fast-track review timeline, Santa Maria requires every rooftop solar system to meet applicable state and City health and safety standards. Electricity-producing systems must satisfy California Electrical Code, IEEE, and UL-listing standards, while solar water heaters need certification from an accredited listing agency, and all documents and fees are handled online under state fee-cap statutes.

Key details: System size cap: 10 kW AC / 30 kW thermal, single or duplex home. Electrical standards: California Electrical Code, IEEE, UL-listed equipment. Water heating systems: Certification by accredited listing agency required. Application method: Online submittal with electronic signature accepted. Fee caps: Gov't Code §§ 65850.55, 66015, 66016; H&S §17951.

An application that doesn't meet the CEC/IEEE/UL or listing-agency standards in Section 9-52.040, or that is otherwise incomplete, triggers a written correction notice detailing the deficiencies under Section 9-52.060(7) rather than automatic denial. A fee charged in excess of the statutory caps referenced in Section 9-52.050(6) is not authorized under this Chapter.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Santa Maria 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.

All of the above reflects Santa Maria'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.