Solar Energy in Los Angeles County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 19 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

Solar panel installation in unincorporated LA County requires permits from Building & Safety. Applications submitted via EPIC-LA. Expedited permitting for small residential rooftop PV systems 10 kW or smaller with combined fee not exceeding $500. Plan check required for all PV systems.

Los Angeles County Solar Panel Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

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

Few 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

California Government Code §65850.5 and LA County Code Title 22.140.500 require expedited solar permitting for residential rooftop systems under 38.4 kilowatts. LA County uses SolarAPP+ instant online plan review through Building and Safety, typically issuing permits within three business days.

Rooftop Solar Permits Issued Within Three Business Days

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Agricultural Solar

California Government Code §65852.27 lets farmers install ground-mounted solar serving on-site agricultural operations as ministerial accessory uses. LA County Code Title 22.140.500 adds setback and visibility standards for ag-overlay parcels in Antelope Valley and other unincorporated farming areas.

Agricultural Solar Allowed Under State Law With County Overlay Standards

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Community Solar

California SB-43 created the Green Tariff Shared Renewables program letting LA County renters and shaded-roof homeowners subscribe to community solar shares without on-site panels. LA County Waterworks pilots and Southern California Edison Green Rate provide enrollment paths countywide.