Huntington Park, CA Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)

The City Council adopted Chapter 18 through Ordinance 941-NS, effective October 8, 2015, to comply with Civil Code Section 714 and Government Code Section 65850.5. Its stated aim is timely and cost-effective installations while protecting public health and safety.

Section 8-18.2 defines the eligible project. A small residential rooftop solar energy system is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal, conforms to applicable state fire, structural, electrical and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City, is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling, and uses a panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height. Systems legally established or permitted before the ordinance took effect are not covered unless later changes materially change the size, type or components in a way that requires new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance needs no permit.

Section 8-18.4 sets the Building Division's duties. All documents for an expedited application go on the City's website. The applicant can submit by personal, mailed or electronic submittal, and the definition of electronic submittal lists e-mail, the Internet and facsimile. An electronic signature is accepted in place of a wet signature. The Building Division adopts a checklist of every requirement a system must meet to qualify, and the process and checklist substantially conform to the California Solar Permitting Guidebook from the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.

Fees are adopted by separate resolution or ordinance. Plan checking fees are paid when the plans are submitted, and permit fees are paid at issuance. They must comply with Government Code Sections 65850.55 and 66015 and Health and Safety Code Section 17951.

Section 8-18.3 adds equipment standards. Water heating systems must be certified by an accredited listing agency, and electricity-producing systems must meet the California Electrical Code, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standards and accredited laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories.