California's Solar Rights Act and the SolarAPP+ mandate (SB 379) require expedited permit review of small residential solar systems, preempting restrictive local processes.
California broadly preempts local solar permitting barriers. Government Code section 65850.5 (the Solar Rights Act, expanded by AB 2188 in 2014) requires every city and county to adopt an ordinance creating an expedited, streamlined permit review process for small residential rooftop solar systems, with checklists posted online and prohibitions on requiring association approval prior to permit issuance. SB 379 (2022) goes further by requiring cities and counties of certain sizes to implement an automated permitting platform such as SolarAPP+ by specified deadlines. Civil Code section 714 (the Solar Rights Act provisions) voids restrictions in CC&Rs that significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency of solar systems. Cities may impose only health and safety requirements, not aesthetic bans.
Non-streamlined cities can be challenged by applicants. Permit fee caps under Government Code 65850.55 limit solar charges. CC&R restrictions inconsistent with Civil Code 714 are void and unenforceable.
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Santa Barbara County, CA
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