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

5. 020 defines a qualifying 'small residential rooftop solar energy system' as one that does not exceed ten kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty kilowatts thermal, conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted by the city, is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling, and includes any solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height. 030 puts the building official in charge of developing and adopting a checklist of every requirement a system must meet to qualify for expedited review; applicants submit their permit application, supporting documentation, and required processing, plan review, and inspection fees either in person or electronically.

Once the building official confirms the application and documentation are complete and meet the checklist, the official must approve the application and issue the permit; an incomplete application instead gets a written correction notice detailing every deficiency and any additional information needed. For a qualifying system, only one inspection is required, timed promptly and authorized to combine a consolidated review by the building official and the fire chief in a single visit; if the system fails that inspection, a follow-up inspection is authorized. 70, adopted under the same ordinance.