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

, passed August 19, 2015, implements the state Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 through an expedited permit process. 02 defines a small residential rooftop solar energy system as one no larger than 10 kilowatts AC nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal, installed on a single or two-family dwelling, that conforms to adopted state and city codes and does not exceed the city's maximum legal building height. 06, the Community Development Director must run an administrative, nondiscretionary review, and the Building Division issues the permit the same day for over-the-counter applications, or within one to three business days for electronic applications, once a complete application meeting the approved checklist and standard plan is received.

The Chief Building Official's review is limited to whether the application meets local, state and federal health and safety requirements; only if the official finds substantial evidence of a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety may the applicant instead be required to obtain an Administrative Use Permit, appealable to the Planning Commission. 05 requires the city to make all application documents available on its website and to accept electronic submittal by email or internet, with the standard plan and checklist conforming to the California Solar Permitting Guidebook. 06(G), though a follow-up inspection is authorized if the system fails.