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

Chapter 15.80 of the Highland Municipal Code, adopted by Ordinance 401 in 2015, sets the expedited track for small residential rooftop solar systems in the City of Highland, San Bernardino County. Section 15.80.010 does not write its own definitions. It borrows the meaning of "electronic submittal" and "small residential rooftop solar energy system" from the Solar Rights Act, Government Code Section 65850.5(j)(2) and (j)(3).

Under § 15.80.020 the city must adopt standard plans and a checklist of every requirement a system has to meet to qualify. Those documents must substantially conform to the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, and everything needed to apply must be posted on the city website. Electronic applications go through the method the building official specifies, and an applicant's electronic signature is accepted in place of a wet signature.

Section 15.80.030 governs the review itself. An application that satisfies the checklist and standard plan is deemed complete. An incomplete application draws a written correction notice that lists all deficiencies and any added information needed for expedited issuance. The building official then issues the permit the same day for over-the-counter applications or within one to three business days for electronic applications. Review is confined to whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements, and any condition must be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.

Section 15.80.040 allows inspection requests by electronic submittal and permits only one inspection for eligible systems. The building official uses best efforts to schedule it within two business days and to offer a two-hour window. A failed inspection is followed by another inspection that does not have to meet those timing rules. Under § 15.80.050, permit and inspection fees are set by resolution of the city council.