Solar PV installation in unincorporated San Diego County requires a building permit from County PDS. California AB 1236 mandates streamlined permitting. The County waives plan check and permit fees for residential solar PV. Online permitting available through Citizen Access portal.
The County of San Diego requires a building permit for solar PV installations per the Zoning Ordinance. However, California AB 1236 requires expedited and streamlined permitting processes. The County has waived plan check and permit fees for residential solar PV permits, reducing cost barriers. Applications can be submitted through the County's online Citizen Access portal for faster processing. Residential roof-mounted systems, combination solar PV with electrical service upgrades, and systems with energy storage are all eligible. Installations must comply with the California Electrical Code and the California Building Code. Structural analysis may be required for older roofs. Fire access pathways on roofs must be maintained per fire code requirements.
Installing solar without a permit is a building code violation. However, penalties are minimal as the county actively encourages solar adoption.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle panel permits.
See how Elfin Forest's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
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