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

Gilroy adopted section 6.57 to implement the state's Solar Rights Act and AB 2188, Statutes 2014, chapter 521, for small residential rooftop solar: systems no larger than 10 kilowatts AC or 30 kilowatts thermal, installed on a single-family or duplex dwelling, that meet state fire, structural and electrical codes and stay within the zoning ordinance's height limit. Subsection (e) requires the Building and Safety Division to post every application document on the city website, accept electronic submittal by email, internet or fax, take an electronic signature in place of a wet one, and adopt a standard plan and checklist conforming to the state's California Solar Permitting Guidebook.

Subsection (f) sets the review clock: the division must run an administrative, nondiscretionary review and issue the building permit within three business days of a complete application, and whenever possible the same day it is received. Only one inspection is required, scheduled within two business days of the request in a window of four hours or less; a failed inspection allows a follow-up visit without the same-day guarantees. The building official or planning manager can still require a conditional use permit, decided by the planning commission or city council on appeal, but only on written findings, based on substantial evidence, that the installation would cause a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety with no feasible mitigation.

The city cannot condition approval on a homeowners association's sign-off, and any fee charged must comply with Government Code sections 65850.55, 66015 and 66016 and Health and Safety Code section 17951.