Martinez, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit Required
- Expedited permits required by AB 2188 / SB 379 - typically 1 business day
- Residential PV permit
- Residential PV permit fee capped at $450 + $15/kW over 15 kW
- Title 24 Part
- Title 24 Part 6 requires solar on most new homes since 2020
- CA Civil Code
- CA Civil Code 714 prohibits HOA bans/significant restrictions
- NEM 3.0 (Net
- NEM 3.0 (Net Billing Tariff) applies to systems after April 2023
Summary
Martinez follows California's streamlined solar permitting requirements under AB 2188 and SB 379, issuing over-the-counter or online permits for standard residential rooftop PV systems typically within one business day. Title 24 Part 6 requires solar on most new homes. California Civil Code Section 714 prohibits HOA and local restrictions that significantly reduce system performance.
714. (a) Any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale of, or any interest in, real property, and any provision of a governing document, as defined in Section 4150 or 6552, that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable.
(b) This section does not apply to provisions that impose reasonable restrictions on solar energy systems. However, it is the policy of the state to promote and encourage the use of solar energy systems and to remove obstacles thereto. Accordingly, reasonable restrictions on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.
(c) (1) A solar energy system shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by state and local permitting authorities, consistent with Section 65850.5 of the Government Code.
(e) (1) Whenever approval is required for the installation or use of a solar energy system, the application for approval shall be processed and approved by the appropriate approving entity in the same manner as an application for approval of an architectural modification to the property, and shall not be willfully avoided or delayed.
Full Breakdown
Martinez complies with California's statewide solar streamlining laws including AB 2188 (2014) and SB 379 (2022), which require jurisdictions to adopt expedited, checklist-based permitting processes for small residential rooftop photovoltaic systems (up to 10 kW AC) and limit review to health and safety. Standard systems on compliant structures receive same-day or next-business-day over-the-counter permits through the Martinez Building Division, often via online submittal through an automated instant solar permitting platform such as SolarAPP+. Required submittals include: plans showing panel layout and attachment, a single-line electrical diagram, inverter and module spec sheets, structural attachment details, and a CSLB-licensed C-46 (solar) or C-10 (electrical) contractor listing.
Inspection consists of a single site visit for most systems. Title 24 Part 6 of the California Energy Code (Building Energy Efficiency Standards) has required solar PV on most new single-family homes since January 1, 2020 and expanded to most low-rise multifamily and many commercial uses in 2023. California Civil Code Section 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs and local governments from adopting restrictions that significantly increase system cost (by more than $1,000 for PV or $1,000 for solar water) or significantly decrease system efficiency (by more than 10%).
Permit fees for residential PV are capped by state law ($450 for 15 kW or less, plus $15 per kW beyond 15 kW, for systems on one- and two-family dwellings, indexed). , Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem) installed with or after PV are handled through similar expedited review, with fire access/separation requirements under the CA Fire Code. 0) for systems interconnected after April 14, 2023 through PG&E.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a solar permit take in Martinez?
Can my HOA stop me from installing solar?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martinez
California rules heatmap·Compare Martinez to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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Panel Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle panel permits.