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

Section 15.08.060 sets the review rules for small residential rooftop solar permits in the City of Paramount. The Building Department runs an administrative, nondiscretionary review. If an application meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan, the Building Department issues a building permit or other non-discretionary permit within three business days. Review is limited to the Building Official's check of whether the applicant meets local, State and Federal health and safety requirements. If an application is deemed incomplete, the City sends a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies and any additional information needed for expedited permitting, and the applicant resubmits.

Filing is in person. Under subsection (B), the City does not accept electronic submittal of a solar energy system permit application, including an electronic signature on related forms, and applications go to the Building Department. That subsection stays in effect until the City accepts electronic submittal of all building permit applications.

Use permit path. The Building Official can require a use permit if there is substantial evidence that the system could have a specific, adverse impact upon public health and safety. A denial of a use permit requires written findings based on substantive evidence in the record that the installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and that no feasible method exists to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid it, and the findings must include the basis for rejecting the potential feasible alternative. Both the use permit requirement and a denial can be appealed to the Planning Commission under § 17.44.050. Any condition imposed must be designed to mitigate the specific adverse impact at the lowest possible cost, and the City cannot condition approval on approval of an association as defined in Civil Code Section 4080.

Inspection. Only one inspection is required for systems eligible for expedited review. It is scheduled within two business days of a request and should include consolidated inspections. If a system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized but need not conform to the chapter's requirements. Eligibility is limited to systems up to 10 kilowatts AC or 30 kilowatts thermal on a single- or duplex-family dwelling (§ 15.08.020).