Newport Beach, CA Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)

Chapter 15.18 implements the state Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Statutes 2014, Chapter 521) so residents can install small rooftop solar without unreasonable delay. Section 15.18.070, Permit Review and Inspection Requirements, requires the Building Division to issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit the same day for an over-the-counter application, or within one to three business days of receiving a complete electronic application that meets the City's approved checklist and standard plan.

Review is narrow by design: the Chief Building Official may only check the application against local, State and federal health-and-safety requirements, and the City Fire Code Official reviews it only for California Fire Code compliance. The Chief Building Official can require a discretionary use permit instead of the streamlined path only on written findings, based on substantial evidence, that the system would create a "specific, adverse impact" on public health or safety with no feasible mitigation; that decision, like a denial of the use permit itself, is appealable to the City Building and Fire Board of Appeals. Any condition imposed must mitigate the impact at the lowest possible cost, and the City cannot condition approval on approval by a homeowners' association as defined under Civil Code Section 4080.

Inspections are also compressed: the chapter authorizes only one inspection for an eligible small residential rooftop system, to be scheduled within two business days of a request with an eight-hour inspection window and consolidated wherever possible. If the system fails, a follow-up inspection is allowed but does not have to meet the chapter's expedited timelines. Incomplete applications get a written correction notice listing every deficiency needed for expedited issuance, rather than an outright rejection.