California AB-2188 and SB-379 require expedited permitting for residential rooftop solar and battery storage. Santa Clara County uses the federal SolarAPP+ platform under Title B for instant online plan-check approval of code-compliant systems.
California Government Code §65850.5, as amended by AB-2188 and SB-379, requires every California city and county to adopt an expedited, online permitting process for small residential solar and battery-storage systems. Santa Clara County's Department of Planning and Development uses the federal SolarAPP+ platform under Title B (Building) for instant automated plan-check approval of qualifying rooftop photovoltaic and battery systems on one- and two-family dwellings. Inspections are scheduled within seven business days. Eligibility is limited to systems under 38.4 kilowatts DC photovoltaic and 80 kilowatt-hours of battery storage that meet the standard pre-approved configurations. Larger or non-standard systems still go through traditional review with priority queueing required by SB-379.
Installing solar without any permit voids most utility interconnection and rebate eligibility. The County can require removal, retrofit, and re-permitting at the homeowner's cost, and contractors face Contractors State License Board complaints.
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See how Santa Clara County's expedited solar permitting rules stack up against other locations.
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