Solar Energy in Santa Monica, CA

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In Santa Monica, California, there are 3 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.

Expedited Solar Permitting

Santa Monica provides expedited permit processing for solar energy systems that qualify under California Government Code Section 65850.5, handled through the City's Solar Energy System Permit Expediting Ordinance.

Key details: State law basis: California Government Code § 65850.5. Process: Administrative (expedited) permitting procedures per City's Solar Energy System Permit Expediting Ordinance. EV charger parallel: Expedited EV charging station permits also available under Gov. Code § 65850.7.

Installation of a solar energy system without the required permit remains a violation of Article 8 of the Municipal Code, punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Santa Monica gives residents more flexibility on expedited solar permitting.

Panel Permits

Solar panel installations on existing buildings follow a ministerial (by-right) standard and are exempt from Architectural Review Board approval as long as they meet the code's visibility, height, and setback requirements.

Key details: Review type (existing buildings): Ministerial: exempt from ARB if standards met. PV height allowance: Up to 5 feet above the district height limit or roof surface. Solar water/pool heating height allowance: Up to 7 feet above the height limit or roof surface. Equipment setback from property line: Minimum 2 feet. Historic landmarks: Certificate of Appropriateness required from Landmarks Commission.

Installations not meeting the ministerial standards require ARB approval before a building permit may issue. Installations on historic properties without a Certificate of Appropriateness are subject to enforcement.

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

HOA Restrictions

CA Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels in Santa Monica. HOAs may only impose reasonable restrictions that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency of solar installations.

Key details: HOA Bans: Prohibited by state law. State Law: CA Civil Code §714. Restrictions: Only reasonable ones allowed. Cost Impact: Cannot significantly increase cost.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Santa Monica gives residents more room on solar energy. 3 of the 3 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 Santa Monica's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.