Solar Energy in San Bernardino County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in San Bernardino County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Panel Permits

San Bernardino County uses a streamlined, nondiscretionary permit for small residential rooftop solar systems under 10kW AC, though the Building Official can require a discretionary use permit for adverse safety impacts.

San Bernardino County Solar Panel Permit Process

Some Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 63.1604

(a) Upon confirmation that the application is complete, staff shall review the application to ensure that the small residential rooftop solar energy system meets local, State, and Federal health and safety requirements. The Building Official may require an applicant to apply for a use permit pursuant to the County Development Code, if the Building Official finds, based on substantial evidence, ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

HOA Restrictions

California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs in San Bernardino County from banning solar panels, limiting restrictions to reasonable placement that does not significantly reduce efficiency or raise cost.

HOA Solar Restrictions in San Bernardino County

Few Restrictions

California Civil Code Section 714 (Solar Rights Act)

714. (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 ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Expedited Solar Permitting

Small residential rooftop solar systems up to 10 kW AC get a streamlined, nondiscretionary building permit in the unincorporated county: no use permit or hearing unless there's a specific, adverse safety impact.

San Bernardino County Expedited Solar Permitting

Few Restrictions

San Bernardino County Code § 63.1604

Upon confirmation that the application is complete, staff shall review the application to ensure that the small residential rooftop solar energy system meets local, State, and Federal health and safety requirements. ... Staff shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within a reasonable time following receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the appr...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗