Solar Energy in Los Angeles County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 20 cities in Los Angeles County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Panel Permits

Residential rooftop solar installations in unincorporated LA County require a building, electrical, or plumbing permit; a combined solar energy permit covering all three disciplines may be issued for photovoltaic systems.

Solar Energy: Panel Permits

Light Restrictions

Los Angeles County Code § 6804, § 6805, § 6807.2 (Title 26, Ch. 68 – Building Code)

SECTION 6804 - PERMITS: Upon approval of a permit application by the Building Official, a building, electrical or plumbing permit, as applicable, will be issued for the work described in the application. A combined solar energy permit may be issued for photovoltaic system installation, which will include all building and electrical work. The combined solar energy permit is subject to the requir...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

HOA Restrictions

California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) prohibits HOAs from effectively banning solar installations in unincorporated LA County. Any restriction increasing cost by more than $1,000 or decreasing efficiency by more than 10% is void. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements only.

Los Angeles County Solar Panel HOA Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. Civ. Code § 714 - Solar Rights Act / HOA Restrictions

(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

Unincorporated LA County offers an expedited permit process for small residential rooftop solar systems, with plan check review completed within 1 to 3 business days of a complete application.

Solar Energy: Expedited Permits

Few Restrictions

Los Angeles County Code § 6801, § 6803 (Title 26, Ch. 68 – Building Code)

SECTION 6801 - SCOPE: The provisions of this Chapter are intended to help the State of California reach its economic, energy and environmental goals by providing a standardized and streamlined permitting process to encourage the use of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This Chapter shall apply to the permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems...installed...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗