Solar Energy in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
3 verified solar energy rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Panel Permits
Costa Mesa requires a building permit for every small residential rooftop solar energy system up to 10 kilowatts AC or 30 kilowatts thermal. Under Municipal Code § 5-142 the building department must post application documents online, accept email or fax submittal and electronic signatures, and follow an adopted standard checklist so homeowners qualify for expedited review.
Costa Mesa Solar Panel Permit Process
Some RestrictionsCosta Mesa, CA, Municipal Code § 5-142
§ 5-142. Duties of building department and building official. A. All documents required for the submission of an expedited small residential rooftop solar energy system application shall be made available on the city's publicly accessible website. B. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents via email, the city's website, or facsimile shall be made available to all s...
HOA Restrictions
California's Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 protect Costa Mesa homeowners from unreasonable HOA restrictions on solar panel installations. HOAs may impose only reasonable restrictions that do not increase system cost by more than $1,000 or decrease efficiency by more than 10%, and must review applications within 45 days.
Costa Mesa HOA Solar Panel Rights Under California Law
Some RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code § 714 (Solar Rights Act)
714. (a) Any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale of, or any interest in, real property, and any provision of a governing document, as defined in Section 4150 or 6552, that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable. (b) This ...
Expedited Solar Permitting
Costa Mesa must issue a small residential rooftop solar permit within three business days once an application matches the city's approved checklist and standard plan, under Municipal Code § 5-143. Only one inspection is required, and it must be scheduled within two business days of the homeowner's request.
Costa Mesa Expedited Solar Permit Review
Some RestrictionsCosta Mesa, CA, Municipal Code § 5-143
§ 5-143. Expedited permit review and inspection requirements. A. The building department shall adopt an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite the approval of small residential rooftop solar energy system applications within 30 days of adoption of this chapter. For an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system that meets the requirements of the approved...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Solar Energy in Orange County →