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

19 implements the state Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 through a streamlined process for small residential rooftop solar systems on single or duplex dwellings. " Review is limited to whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements; it is not a discretionary design review. The building official may require a discretionary use permit only if there is substantial evidence of a "specific, adverse impact" on public health, safety, or the city's electric distribution system, and any such denial must be a written finding that no feasible mitigation exists, appealable to the planning commission.

Conditions imposed must mitigate the impact at the lowest possible cost, and the city cannot condition approval on a homeowners association's approval under Civil Code Section 4080. Only one inspection is required, to be scheduled within two business days of a request, and if the system fails, a follow-up inspection is authorized without needing to meet the standard timelines again. 050 requires the city to post application documents online, accept email or fax submittal and electronic signatures, and develop a standard checklist drawn from the state's California Solar Permitting Guidebook. 55, 66015, and 66016, and Health and Safety Code Section 17951.