San Bernardino County, CA Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)
Key Facts
- System size cap
- 10 kW AC / 30 kW thermal
- Applies to
- Single or duplex dwellings only
- Inspections
- One inspection required
- HOA approval
- Cannot be required for permit
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Small residential rooftop solar systems up to 10 kW AC get a streamlined, nondiscretionary building permit in the unincorporated county: no use permit or hearing unless there's a specific, adverse safety impact.
Upon confirmation that the application is complete, staff shall review the application to ensure that the small residential rooftop solar energy system meets local, State, and Federal health and safety requirements. ... Staff shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within a reasonable time following receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist, standard plan, and this Chapter. Staff's approval of an application shall not be based or conditioned on the approval of an association, as defined in California Civil Code § 4080.
Full Breakdown
County Code Chapter 63.16 implements the Solar Rights Act (Gov. Code, as amended by AB 2188) for the unincorporated area. Staff reviews small residential rooftop solar applications against a standard checklist and issues a nondiscretionary building permit within a reasonable time once the application is complete. Only one inspection is required. The Building Official can force a discretionary use permit only with substantial evidence of a specific, adverse public health or safety impact: approval can't be conditioned on HOA sign-off.
Violations & Fines
An incomplete application, or one the Building Official finds creates a specific, adverse safety impact, loses expedited nondiscretionary treatment and can be routed into the standard Development Code use-permit process instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Bernardino County require a discretionary permit for rooftop solar?
Can my HOA block my solar permit approval?
How many inspections does a small solar system need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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