Citrus Heights, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Law
- AB 2188 / SB 379
- Review Time
- 1-3 business days
- Scope
- Up to 10 kW AC residential
- Platform
- SolarAPP+ automated
- Utility
- SMUD NEM 3.0
Summary
Citrus Heights provides expedited solar permits under AB 2188 and SB 379. Residential rooftop systems up to 10 kW AC receive same-day or 1-3 business day approval using the state-standardized checklist. No discretionary design review allowed.
(a) The implementation of consistent statewide standards to achieve the timely and cost-effective installation of solar energy systems is not a municipal affair, as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution, but is instead a matter of statewide concern. It is the intent of the Legislature that local agencies not adopt ordinances that create unreasonable barriers to the installation of solar energy systems, including, but not limited to, design review for aesthetic purposes, and not unreasonably restrict the ability of homeowners and agricultural and business concerns to install solar energy systems. [...] (b) A city or county shall administratively approve applications to install solar energy systems through the issuance of a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. Review of the application to install a solar energy system shall be limited to the building official's review of whether it meets all health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law. [...] (g) (1) On or before September 30, 2015, every city, county, or city and county, in consultation with the local fire department or district and the utility director, if the city, county, or city and county operates a utility, shall adopt an ordinance, consistent with the goals and intent of subdivision (a), that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
Full Breakdown
California AB 2188 (2015, Gov Code §65850.5) and SB 379 (2022) require cities with 5,000+ population to implement an expedited, non-discretionary solar permitting process. Citrus Heights complies: residential rooftop PV systems up to 10 kW AC qualify for over-the-counter or same-day online permitting using the CALGreen standard plan set checklist. Plan review must be limited to whether the application meets the checklist, no discretionary design aesthetic review, no HOA-style restrictions on panel location, and no unreasonable fees. SB 379 further requires automated online solar permitting platforms (e.g., SolarAPP+) for most cities. Title 24 Part 6 requires solar on new residential construction (2020 mandate). Permit fees are capped at reasonable administrative cost. Interconnection with SMUD is handled separately through the utility's Net Energy Metering or Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0) program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Citrus Heights reject my solar permit for aesthetics?
Is solar required on new homes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Citrus Heights
California rules heatmap·Compare Citrus Heights to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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How other cities in Sacramento County handle panel permits.