Solar Energy in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
3 verified solar energy rules for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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.
Solar Energy: Panel Permits
Light RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 9.21.150
A. This Section establishes ministerial development standards for solar energy systems applicable to all solar energy system installations. Solar energy systems proposed on existing buildings shall be exempt from review and approval by the Architectural Review Board, provided that the installations meet the standards in this Section. Solar energy systems proposed as part of a larger constructio...
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.
Santa Monica Solar Panel HOA Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 714 (Solar Rights Act - HOA Solar Restrictions Void)
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 ... that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable. (b) This section does not apply to provisi...
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.
Solar Energy: Expedited Permits
Few RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code § 8.08.220
§ 8.08.220. Expedited solar system permitting. Solar energy systems which qualify for expedited permit processing, pursuant to Government Code Section 65850.5, shall be subject to the administrative permitting procedures set forth in the City's Solar Energy System Permit Expediting Ordinance.
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
Solar Energy in Los Angeles County →