Corona, CA Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)
Key Facts
- Max system size
- 10 kW AC or 30 kW thermal
- Eligible dwellings
- Single-family or duplex rooftop only
- Guideline deadline
- Established by September 30, 2015
- State law basis
- Gov. Code § 65850.5
- Application method
- Electronic submittal required
- First violation penalty
- Infraction under § 15.70.020
Summary
Corona requires the Community Development Director to run a streamlined, expedited permit process for small residential rooftop solar systems up to 10 kilowatts AC (or 30 kilowatts thermal). The process, set by Corona Code of Ordinances § 15.68.020, must allow electronic submittal and follow a published checklist tied to state law.
(A) The City Council hereby delegates to the Community Development Director the duty, authority and power to establish, on or before September 30, 2015, and amend from time to time, guidelines and requirements for an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems. The guidelines shall be consistent with California Government Code Section 65850.5 and will allow for electronic submittal of permit applications and associated documentation. The Community Development Director shall also create the checklist required by California Government Code Section 65850.5 and any forms or other related documents necessary to implement this section. The guidelines, checklist and all other permitting documentation shall be accessible on the city's website (www.DiscoverCorona.com).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-56: Supplement contains: Local legislation passed through Ord. 3423, passed 12-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
020). 020(A), the City Council delegated authority to the Community Development Director to establish, by September 30, 2015, and update over time, guidelines and requirements for an expedited, streamlined permitting process for qualifying systems. 5 and allow electronic submittal of applications and supporting documents. com. 02, meaning the city's standard building-permit procedures (plan check timelines, inspection requirements, permit expiration) still apply on top of the expedited track. 010(B) caps the system at 10 kilowatts AC (or 30 kilowatts thermal), requires compliance with adopted state fire, structural, and electrical codes plus Civil Code § 714(c)(iii), limits eligibility to systems on a single-family or duplex rooftop, and bars any panel or module array from exceeding the maximum legal building height for its zone. 68 and go through the city's regular building permit review instead.
Violations & Fines
Corona Code of Ordinances § 15.70.020 makes it unlawful to install, alter, or use any structure or equipment, including solar installations, in violation of Title 15 requirements. A first violation is an infraction; anyone convicted two or more times for a Title 15 violation within a continuous 12-month period is guilty of a misdemeanor. The Corona Police Department, Fire Code Official, Community Development Director, Building Official, and Code Enforcement Officer share enforcement authority under § 15.70.010, and Chapter 1.08 penalty provisions also apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs Corona's expedited solar permit process?
What size solar system qualifies for expedited review in Corona?
Do Corona's regular building permit rules still apply to solar installs?
What happens if a resident installs solar without the required permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corona
California rules heatmap·Compare Corona to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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Expedited Solar Permitting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle expedited solar permitting.