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

Section 4-18 sets up an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process for small residential rooftop systems. Under section 4-18.1, a qualifying system is no larger than ten kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal, sits on a single- or duplex-family dwelling, conforms to the adopted fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes, and uses an array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height under chapter 19 (zoning).

The building division must adopt a standard plan and checklist for administrative, nondiscretionary review and post them on the city website (section 4-18.6(a)). Electronic submittal by email, the Internet, or facsimile is available to every applicant, an application is complete when all information is received and payment is made, and an electronic signature is accepted in place of a wet signature (section 4-18.5). Review is limited to whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements (section 4-18.6(c)).

The building official can require a solar use permit only on substantial evidence that the system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety. Denial requires written findings of a specific, adverse impact with no feasible method to mitigate or avoid it, conditions must mitigate the impact at the lowest possible cost, and decisions can be appealed to the planning commission. Approval cannot be conditioned on approval by a common interest development association (section 4-18.6(g)).

Only one building division inspection is required. A separate fire inspection can be required by the Novato Fire Protection District. The inspection is scheduled within two business days of a request with a two-hour window, depending on workload and staff availability. A failed inspection triggers a subsequent inspection that is not bound by that timing. Systems permitted before the section took effect need no new permit for routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements (section 4-18.3).