Pomona, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Chapter 74, Article VI governs small residential rooftop solar permitting citywide, adopted by Ordinance No. 4209 on September 14, 2015 to implement the state Solar Rights Act and AB 2188. It applies to any solar energy system that does not exceed 10 kilowatts alternating-current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal, meets state fire, structural, electrical and health and safety codes as adopted by Pomona, is installed on a single-family or duplex dwelling, and does not exceed the city's maximum legal building height. A system already legally installed before the ordinance's effective date does not need a new permit unless later physical modifications materially change its size, type or components in a way that triggers new permitting; routine operation, maintenance and like-kind replacement are exempt from permitting entirely.

Sec. 74-299 requires the building division to post all required application documents on the city's public website and to accept electronic submittal of permit applications and supporting documents by email, the city website, or fax, with electronic signatures accepted in place of a wet signature on every form. Sec. 74-298 layers on substantive standards: water-heating solar systems for single-family, commercial or pool use must be certified by an accredited listing agency under the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code, and electricity-producing systems must meet the California Electrical Code, IEEE standards, accredited testing labs such as Underwriters Laboratories, and applicable Public Utilities Commission safety and reliability rules. 55 and 66015 and Health and Safety Code Section 17951.