Solar Energy in Contra Costa County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Contra Costa County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Panel Permits

Unincorporated Contra Costa County issues residential solar permits through the SolarAPP+ online platform in compliance with AB 2188 (3-day expedited processing). Permits are required for photovoltaic and solar-thermal installations under Title 7 of the County Ordinance Code.

Solar: Solar Permits

Some Restrictions

California Government Code § 65850.5(b)-(c)

(b) A city or county shall administratively approve applications to install solar energy systems through the issuance of a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. Review of the application to install a solar energy system shall be limited to the building official's review of whether it meets all health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law. The requirements of loc...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

HOA Restrictions

Homeowner association restrictions on rooftop solar in unincorporated Contra Costa County are governed by California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act). HOAs cannot effectively prohibit or significantly limit residential solar installations.

Solar: Hoa Solar Rights

Few Restrictions

California Civil Code § 714(a)-(b)

(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 secti...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Expedited Solar Permitting

Contra Costa County must process small residential rooftop solar permits through the state-mandated expedited, streamlined review created by Section 718-12.004. The county building official posts a standard application, plan form, and checklist online, deems applications complete or incomplete in writing, and reviews complete submittals on the timeline set in the California Solar Permitting Guidebook before issuing the permit.

Contra Costa County Expedited Solar Permits

Some Restrictions

Contra Costa County Ordinance Code § 718-12.004(a)-(c), (e)(1)

The following expedited, streamlined permitting process applies to applications for a building permit to install a small residential rooftop solar energy system: (a)Application... An application to install a small residential rooftop solar energy system may be submitted electronically.(b)Application Review. An application will be deemed complete if the building official determines that the appl...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗