Aliso Viejo, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Aliso Viejo Municipal Code § 15.68.050 sets what a solar applicant files. Every request for expedited processing or fee waivers goes in writing on the city's application for building permits and must give the name and address of the person requesting the permit, the name and address of the property owner, the address of the property, and a description of the work identifying which AVMC 15.68.030(A) criteria the scope meets.

For a small residential rooftop solar energy system, subsection (A)(6) adds the city's completed checklist and standard plans, which substantially conform to the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and are available on the city's website. Larger solar photovoltaic projects that are not small residential rooftop systems follow subsection (A)(5): three sets of complete plans, including a site plan, electrical plan and construction details, are required before a building permit is issued. Solar thermal under (A)(7) also needs three sets of plans with a site plan, electrical plan and construction details including manufacturer and plumbing details.

Subsection (B) requires electronic submittal for small residential rooftop systems. The permit application and documents must be accepted by electronic means, the city's website specifies the permitted method of electronic document submission, and an applicant's electronic signature must be accepted on all forms in lieu of a wet signature.

The size test comes from AVMC 15.68.020: no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal, installed on a single or duplex family dwelling, with an array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height. After filing, AVMC 15.68.080 allows only one inspection by the building division for a small residential rooftop system eligible for expedited review, done in a timely manner. If the system fails, a subsequent inspection is authorized, though its timing need not follow the chapter. Review is by the building official under AVMC 15.68.060.