Cupertino, CA Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)

28 of the Municipal Code implements the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 through an administrative, nondiscretionary review process for small rooftop solar systems and electric vehicle charging stations. A small residential rooftop system is capped at a simple photovoltaic system no larger than 10 kilowatts or a solar thermal system no larger than 30 kilowatts thermal, installed on a single or duplex dwelling and not exceeding the city's maximum legal building height; the same size caps apply to a small multi-family or commercial system installed on a triplex, four-plex, or commercial building of no more than 10,000 square feet.

060, once the City receives a complete application meeting the approved checklist and standard plan, it must issue a building permit within five business days for an electronic application covering one to 25 EV charging stations at a single site. Review is limited to whether the application meets local, state and federal health and safety requirements. The Building Official may deny a permit only on written findings, backed by substantive evidence, that the installation would have a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety and that no feasible mitigation exists; any condition imposed must mitigate that impact at the lowest possible cost.

The City may require only one inspection for a small residential system, up to two for multi-family or commercial systems, with a separate fire inspection only if the City lacks an agreement with the Santa Clara County Fire Department. Inspections must be scheduled within two business days of a request and given a two-hour inspection window the day of the visit. 55, 66015 and 66016 and Health and Safety Code Section 17951, and all application documents and electronic signatures must be accepted through the City's website.