Palm Desert, CA Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)

Chapter 15.17 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, adopted by Ordinance 1439 on January 8, 2026, creates the streamlined solar permit for the City of Palm Desert in Riverside County. Section 15.17.020 states the purpose: an expedited process that complies with the Solar Rights Act, including California Civil Code Section 714 and Government Code Section 65850.5.

Section 15.17.030 defines the eligible system. A small residential rooftop solar energy system is no larger than ten kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty kilowatts thermal, conforms to state fire, structural, electrical and other building codes as adopted or amended by the city, is installed on a single or duplex family dwelling, and uses a panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the city.

Section 15.17.040 sets the process. The building official adopts a checklist that substantially conforms to the California Solar Permitting Guidebook, and the checklist is published on the city's Internet website. Applicants can file with the City's Permitting Center in person, by mail or electronically, with required processing and inspection fees, and an electronic signature can replace a wet signature. Before applying, the applicant verifies the roof support structure and, at the applicant's cost, the existing electrical system. Only one inspection is required, which can be a consolidated inspection by the building official and Fire Chief. An application that meets the checklist is deemed complete; an incomplete one gets a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies. Once complete, the building official shall administratively approve it and issue all required permits in a timely manner. That approval does not authorize connection to the utility grid, and the city cannot condition approval on an association's approval of the system.