Lancaster vs West Covina
How do panel permits rules compare between Lancaster, CA and West Covina, CA?
West Covina has fewer restrictions than Lancaster.
Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles County
Lancaster was the first U.S. city to require solar on new homes. Its Zero Net Energy Home Ordinance (effective Jan 1, 2018) mandates a solar system equivalent to 2 watts per square foot for new residential construction.
View full Lancaster rules →West Covina, CA
Los Angeles County
West Covina requires building permits for solar installations. Flush-mounted roof panels preferred. Non-flush or street-facing panels require engineer analysis showing redesign would cost $1,000+ more or reduce efficiency by 10%+. Ground-mounted systems need Planning approval.
View full West Covina rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lancaster | West Covina |
|---|---|---|
| Effective | January 1, 2018 | - |
| Requirement | 2 watts per sq ft | - |
| Compliance Paths | Solar / fee / combo | - |
| First in US | Yes (2017 adoption) | - |
| Permit | - | Building permit required |
| Preferred | - | Flush-mounted, not street-facing |
| Exception Threshold | - | $1,000 cost or 10% efficiency |
| Ground Mount | - | Planning approval required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lancaster FAQ
Do new homes in Lancaster need solar panels?
Yes. The Zero Net Energy Home Ordinance (effective Jan 1, 2018) requires new single-family homes to have a solar system equivalent to 2 watts per square foot of conditioned floor area, or pay a mitigation fee in lieu.
Can I pay a fee instead of installing solar?
Yes. Builders can fully pay an in-lieu mitigation fee, or combine partial solar with a partial fee. The combined value must equal the 2 W/sq ft requirement; details set by the city's permit process.
West Covina FAQ
Do I need a permit for solar panels?
Yes, a building and electrical permit is required. Many jurisdictions offer expedited or over-the-counter permits for standard residential rooftop solar systems.
Can my neighbor build something that shades my solar panels?
Many states have solar access laws that protect existing solar installations. Check state law and West Covina zoning code for solar easement protections.
Compare other topics
See how Lancaster and West Covina 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