Fairfield uses the SolarAPP+ instant-approval platform for eligible residential roof-mounted retrofit photovoltaic systems, as required by California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) and AB 2188. Eligible small systems (10 kW PV or less) receive same-day permits with an inspection scheduled afterward. The city cannot impose unreasonable barriers.
California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) bars HOAs and local governments from imposing restrictions that significantly increase the cost or decrease the efficiency of solar installations. AB 2188 amended Gov Code §65850.5 to require every California city and county to adopt an ordinance creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems (10 kW PV or 30 kWth solar water heating). Fairfield has adopted SolarAPP+, the national instant-approval platform developed by NREL/Department of Energy. Contractors submit standardized system specs through the SolarAPP+ portal, receive an instant code-compliance check, and download a permit immediately. Once approved (or with a master solar permit on file), individual solar permits are submitted through SolarAPP+ and the master permit number is included in the city's BUILD application. Installations must comply with the California Electrical Code (CEC) 690 series, California Building Code roof loading requirements, and California Fire Code §1204 rooftop access pathways. Battery storage and ground-mounted arrays do not qualify for SolarAPP+ and require standard plan review. Net energy metering interconnection is handled through PG&E.
Installing solar without any permit is a Building Code violation; the city can require the system to be de-energized until permitted. Cities that exceed the 1-business-day review window for SolarAPP+-eligible systems can be challenged under AB 2188. HOAs that block compliant solar face civil suit and attorney-fee awards under Civil Code §714.
Fairfield, CA
Residential pools in Fairfield must be enclosed by a barrier between 60 and 72 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the poo...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield does not prescribe specific residential fence materials beyond prohibiting barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones. C...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield follows California Civil Code §841, the Good Neighbor Fence Law: adjoining owners are presumed to share equally in the cost of building, maintainin...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield requires a building permit for fences and freestanding walls over 7 feet tall and for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the f...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield Municipal Code Section 25.30 caps front-yard fences at 42 inches within 15 feet of the front property line and 7 feet beyond that. Street side yard...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield Municipal Code does not set a hard numeric cap on dogs or cats per household. Animals must be licensed, vaccinated, and kept in conditions that do ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Solano County.
See how other cities in Solano County handle panel permits.
See how Fairfield's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.