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Redwood City, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Covered systems
Single- or duplex-family rooftop solar only
Fee limit statutes
Gov't Code §§65850.55, 66015-66016; H&S §17951
Application method
Electronic submittal & e-signature accepted
Cost-burden cap
$1,000 or 10% efficiency loss (Sec. 9.212)
Adopting ordinance
Ord. No. 2551, effective 9-29-25

Summary

Redwood City requires a residential rooftop solar permit under Sec. 9.215, with online submittal, a standardized checklist, and fees capped by state fee statutes; the streamlined Article 9.211-9.216 process applies only to single- and duplex-family systems that meet the Article's size and code-compliance definition.

A.All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available on the publicly accessible City website.B.Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents shall be made available to all applicants for residential rooftop solar energy system permits.C.An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.D.The City's Building Department shall adopt a standard plan and checklist of all requirements with which residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.E.The residential rooftop solar energy system permit process, standard plan(s), and checklist(s) shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard plans contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.F.All fees prescribed for the permitting of residential rooftop solar energy systems must comply with Government Code Sections 65850.55, 66015, 66016, and Health and Safety Code Section 17951.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Zoning Code: Supplement 29 | City Code: Supplement 61 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

216, adopted by Ordinance No. 2551 on September 29, 2025, sets Redwood City's residential rooftop solar permitting process, built to satisfy the state's Solar Rights Act and AB 2188. 213 unless later modified enough to require new permitting, and routine maintenance or like-kind replacement never needs a new permit. 214 requires water-heating solar systems to carry accredited-agency certification under the Plumbing and Mechanical Code and requires photovoltaic systems to meet Electrical Code, IEEE and Underwriters Laboratories safety standards. 215 governs the application itself: every required document must be posted on the City's public website, electronic submittal and electronic signatures must be accepted in place of paper forms and wet signatures, and the Building Department must publish a standard plan and checklist that substantially conforms to the state's California Solar Permitting Guidebook from the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.

55, 66015 and 66016 and Health and Safety Code Section 17951, meaning the City cannot charge more than its reasonable cost of processing the permit. 212 at no more than $1,000 in added cost or a 10 percent efficiency loss before a condition is deemed to significantly burden the system.

Violations & Fines

Installing a residential solar system outside this process, or altering an existing system enough to require new permitting without pulling one, is treated as unpermitted building work under Chapter 9's general enforcement provisions: Section 9.3 makes it unlawful to build contrary to any adopted code, and Section 9.43 adds a fine equal to twice the permit fee for work commenced without the required permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What solar systems qualify for Redwood City's streamlined permit process?
Only residential rooftop systems on a single- or duplex-family dwelling that meet all applicable state fire, structural and electrical codes and stay within the City's maximum legal building height, per Section 9.212. Larger commercial arrays or multi-family installations fall outside this Article and follow the standard permit track instead.
Can I submit my Redwood City solar permit application online?
Yes. Section 9.215 requires the City to post every required document on its public website and to accept electronic submittal of the application along with an electronic signature in place of a wet signature, so the application can be filed without an in-person visit.
How much can Redwood City charge to condition my solar permit?
Section 9.212 caps a "reasonable restriction" at no more than $1,000 in added system cost, or a drop of more than 10 percent in efficiency, before the condition counts as significantly burdening the system, and permit fees themselves are capped by state fee statutes under Section 9.215(F).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Redwood City

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsExpedited Solar PermittingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Redwood City rules

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