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

Downey adopted Chapter 2.5 of the Building Regulations to implement an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process required by the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Stats. 2014, Ch. 521), intended to speed cost-effective installation of small residential rooftop solar systems (§ 8150.02). The expedited track covers systems no larger than 10 kilowatts AC or 30 kilowatts thermal installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling (§ 8150.06), and applies only to new work; systems already permitted before the ordinance that undergo routine operation, maintenance, or like-kind replacement need no new permit (§ 8150.04).

Under § 8150.10, the Building and Safety Division must run over-the-counter plan check for applications filed in person during normal counter hours. Applications filed after hours or electronically get a three-business-day plan check turnaround. Review is limited to confirming compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, except when a new support structure triggers review by other City departments. The Building Official must either issue the building permit or send a written correction notice listing every deficiency and any information still needed for expedited issuance.

Any condition the City imposes on a permit must mitigate a specific, adverse health or safety impact at the lowest feasible cost, following the cost and efficiency thresholds in Civil Code § 714(d): the City's best efforts must keep an added restriction under $1,000 in cost or under a 10% efficiency loss before it stops qualifying as reasonable. Only one inspection is required for systems in the expedited track; a system that fails that inspection may get a follow-up visit that does not have to meet these expedited standards.