California Government Code §65850.5 and LA County Code Title 22.140.500 require expedited solar permitting for residential rooftop systems under 38.4 kilowatts. LA County uses SolarAPP+ instant online plan review through Building and Safety, typically issuing permits within three business days.
California Government Code §65850.5, the Solar Rights Act, mandates that local jurisdictions process residential rooftop solar permits without discretionary review and using a streamlined checklist. LA County Title 22.140.500 implements the State requirement, designating photovoltaic systems under 38.4 kilowatts on single-family or duplex roofs as ministerial. The County participates in SolarAPP+, the federal Department of Energy automated plan-review portal, allowing licensed installers to obtain a same-day permit for code-compliant designs. Inspections follow within five business days of installation. Fees are capped under §65850.5 at 500 dollars residential and 1,000 dollars commercial under 50 kilowatts. Building and Safety enforces. Contract cities and incorporated cities use their own portals.
Local jurisdictions delaying or denying compliant solar applications beyond statutory timelines violate Government Code §65850.5, exposing the County to writ-of-mandate proceedings, attorney-fee awards, and California Energy Commission enforcement complaints from solar trade groups.
See how Santa Monica's expedited solar permitting rules stack up against other locations.
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