Concord issues rooftop solar PV permits within 1-3 business days under AB 2188 and participates in the SolarAPP+ automated permitting platform. Standard residential systems under 38.4 kW receive over-the-counter approval with no discretionary review.
Solar photovoltaic permitting in Concord is governed by California AB 2188 (2014), which requires cities to adopt streamlined permitting ordinances for small residential rooftop solar systems (under 10 kW AC). Concord has adopted such an ordinance and has implemented the SolarAPP+ (Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus) platform in partnership with the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, enabling instant online permit issuance for code-compliant systems. Systems must comply with the 2022 California Electrical Code, California Residential Code (Chapter 3 structural, Chapter 7A fire in applicable zones), and California Fire Code Chapter 11 (setbacks/pathways on the roof). Required submittals: structural letter or prescriptive path per CRC R324, electrical single-line diagram, equipment cut sheets, and site plan. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) like Tesla Powerwall are permitted separately and must meet CRC R328 or CBC setback and fire-safety standards. HOAs cannot prohibit solar under California Civil Code 714; restrictions reducing efficiency or increasing cost by more than 10% (approximately $1,000 or 10% of system cost for non-design restrictions) are void. Interconnection is through PG&E under the Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0) effective April 15, 2023.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Concord, CA
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Concord, CA
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Concord, CA
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Concord, CA
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Concord, CA
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Concord, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
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