Under California AB-2188 and SB-379, San Diego runs the Solar Express program issuing residential rooftop PV permits over the counter or online within one business day, with capped fees and a standardized streamlined checklist.
California Government Code §65850.5 (AB-2188) requires every California city to adopt an expedited, non-discretionary permit process for small residential rooftop solar systems. San Diego's Development Services Department implements this through the Solar Express portal, which issues photovoltaic permits up to 15 kW for one- and two-family homes typically within one business day, often instantly online. Fees are capped at $450 statutorily. SB-379 (2022) extends the streamline mandate to residential energy storage paired with PV. Plans must follow the city's standardized solar checklist; structural calculations are required only for older roof framing or unusual conditions.
Installing solar without the Solar Express permit triggers stop-work orders and double fees on after-the-fact permits. Unpermitted PV cannot be interconnected by SDG&E, blocking net energy metering and creating insurance and resale problems for the homeowner.
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See how San Diego's expedited solar permitting rules stack up against other locations.
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