Panel Permits: Bostonia vs El Cajon
How do panel permits rules compare between Bostonia, CA and El Cajon, CA?
Bostonia and El Cajon have similar restriction levels.
Bostonia, CA
San Diego County
Solar PV installation in unincorporated San Diego County requires a building permit from County PDS. California AB 1236 mandates streamlined permitting. The County waives plan check and permit fees for residential solar PV. Online permitting available through Citizen Access portal.
View full Bostonia rules →El Cajon, CA
San Diego County
El Cajon offers a streamlined, ministerial solar photovoltaic permit process as required by California AB 2188 and SB 1222. Residential rooftop solar systems meeting standard criteria are processed over-the-counter. The city cannot impose unreasonable conditions that increase costs.
View full El Cajon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bostonia | El Cajon |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes — building permit | - |
| Fees | Plan check and permit fees waived | - |
| Online Submission | Available via Citizen Access portal | - |
| State Law | AB 1236 — streamlined process | - |
| Fire Code | Roof access pathways required | - |
| Process | - | Streamlined — ministerial review |
| Residential Rooftop | - | Over-the-counter eligible |
| State Laws | - | AB 2188 and SB 1222 |
| Max Size (OTC) | - | Up to 15 kW standard |
| Contact | - | Building Division — 619-441-1726 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bostonia FAQ
How do I get a solar panel permit in San Diego County?
Apply through the County's online Citizen Access portal. Plan check and permit fees are waived for residential solar PV. The process is streamlined per state law AB 1236.
How much does the solar permit cost?
The County waives plan check and permit fees for residential solar PV installations, making the permit essentially free.
How long does the permitting process take?
Streamlined permitting under AB 1236 is designed for quick turnaround. Simple residential rooftop systems may be approved within days. More complex installations may take longer.
El Cajon FAQ
How do I get a solar permit in El Cajon?
Submit a standard application with site plan and equipment specs to the Building Division. Qualifying residential rooftop systems are processed over-the-counter under the streamlined process.
How long does the solar permit process take?
California law requires cities to process residential solar permits within 3 business days. Most qualifying systems are approved over-the-counter at the Building Division.
Do I need a permit for a small solar system?
Yes. All solar photovoltaic installations require a building and electrical permit. The process is streamlined for residential rooftop systems per state law.
Compare other topics
See how Bostonia and El Cajon compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool