Whittier, CA Solar Energy: Expedited Solar Permitting (2026)
Key Facts
- Over-the-counter permit
- Issued same day if checklist is met
- Electronic filing permit
- Issued within 3 business days
- System size covered
- Up to 10 kW AC / 30 kW thermal
- Inspections
- Only 1 required, scheduled within 2 business days
- Legal basis
- Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (2014)
Summary
Whittier issues same-day building permits for small residential rooftop solar systems submitted over the counter, and within three business days for electronic filings if fees are paid the same day, under the city's mandatory streamlined review adopted under the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188. A use permit is required only if the building official finds a specific, adverse health or safety impact.
A.The building department shall issue a building permit or other non-discretionary permit the same day for over-the-counter applications or within three business days for electronically filed applications so long as payment of all permit fees associated with an electronically filed application are paid the same day as filing. A building official may require an applicant to apply for a use permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety... G.Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.H.The Inspection shall be done in a timely manner and should include consolidated inspections. An inspection will be scheduled within two business days of a request and will provide the applicant with a two-hour inspection window
Full Breakdown
34 applies to "small residential rooftop solar energy systems": systems no larger than 10 kW AC or 30 kW thermal, installed on a single or duplex-family dwelling, that don't exceed the maximum legal building height. Review is administrative and nondiscretionary: the Building Department must adopt a standard checklist and plan substantially conforming to the state's California Solar Permitting Guidebook, accept electronic submittal and e-signatures, and post application requirements on the city website. 55 and 66015 and Health & Safety Code § 17951. Once an application meets the checklist, the building official may only require a discretionary use permit if there is substantial evidence of a specific, adverse public health or safety impact, and any denial must include written findings that no feasible mitigation exists.
Only one inspection is required for systems eligible for expedited review, and it must be scheduled within two business days of the request with a two-hour inspection window; a second inspection is allowed only if the system fails the first. City permit approval does not authorize grid interconnection; that approval must come separately from the utility. Before filing, the applicant must self-certify that the roof structure can carry the system's wind, seismic, dead and live loads, and that the existing electrical system and panel can safely carry the new load.
Violations & Fines
Installing a rooftop system without the permit required under this chapter is enforced as unpermitted construction under Whittier's Title 15 building code violation and abatement provisions. A building official's requirement of a discretionary use permit, or a denial of that permit, must rest on written findings of a specific, unmitigated adverse impact and is appealable to the board of appeals under WMC § 15.01.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whittier
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