Contra Costa County, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- State requirement
- AB 2188: 3-day expedited processing
- Platform
- SolarAPP+ for instant-review projects
- Governing codes
- CBC/CRC + CEC Article 690; Title 24
- New home mandate
- Solar PV required on new construction (2019 Energy Code)
- Storage
- ESS permit per NEC 706 and CRC R328
Summary
Unincorporated Contra Costa County issues residential solar permits through the SolarAPP+ online platform in compliance with AB 2188 (3-day expedited processing). Permits are required for photovoltaic and solar-thermal installations under Title 7 of the County Ordinance Code.
(b) A city or county shall administratively approve applications to install solar energy systems through the issuance of a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. Review of the application to install a solar energy system shall be limited to the building official's review of whether it meets all health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law. The requirements of local law shall be limited to those standards and regulations necessary to ensure that the solar energy system will not have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety. However, if the building official of the city or county makes a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety, the city or county may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.
(c) A city, county, or city and county may not deny an application for a use permit to install a solar energy system unless it makes written findings based upon substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact.
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Contra Costa County processes residential rooftop solar permits under California AB 2188 (2014), which requires expedited permitting of standard small residential solar energy systems. The County has adopted a streamlined checklist and online submittal process, and participates in SolarAPP+ (the DOE/NREL automated permit platform), allowing qualifying projects to receive a permit in as little as one business day. By state law, the permit must be issued within three business days of a complete application for standard rooftop PV systems (single-family, 10 kW DC or less).
Plan review focuses on structural, fire-setback (CBC/CRC Section R324 roof access and pathway requirements), and electrical (CEC 690) compliance. Fees are capped by state law at amounts reflecting actual administrative cost. , Tesla Powerwall) require a separate or combined electrical permit under NEC Article 706 and CRC R328. Title 24 of the California Building Code requires new single-family homes to include solar PV systems under the 2019 Energy Code. The California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) prevents HOAs and CC&Rs from effectively prohibiting residential solar. After permit, a County inspection and PG&E Permission to Operate (PTO) complete the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a solar permit?
Do I need a permit if my installer does the paperwork?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Contra Costa County to another location·View the California solar energy overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.