Santa Rosa, CA Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)

020 as systems no larger than 10 kilowatts AC (or 30 kilowatts thermal), installed on the rooftop of a single- or duplex-family dwelling, that conform to applicable state and city codes and stay within the zoning code's maximum legal building height. 050 requires the Building Official to publish all required documents online and to develop an electronic submittal process, plus a standard plan and checklist that substantially conforms to the California Solar Permitting Guidebook published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. 060(G): 'The nondiscretionary small residential rooftop solar energy system application shall be reviewed and approved or rejected within three business days of application.

Resubmittals shall also be reviewed, approved or rejected within three business days,' though resubmittals may draw additional plan review fees. 060(I), performed as soon as practical; a failed inspection allows one re-inspection, which may carry an additional fee under subsection (J). 030(C) allows the city to instead require a Minor Use Permit, appealable to the Planning Commission.