Solar panel installations in Thousand Oaks require a building permit but benefit from California's streamlined solar permitting process under AB 2188. The city must approve qualifying residential solar systems within a shortened review timeline. Permit fees are capped by state law.
Under California Government Code Section 65850.5 and AB 2188 (Solar Rights Act amendments), Thousand Oaks must offer a streamlined, non-discretionary permit process for small residential rooftop solar systems. Qualifying systems on single-family homes with standard configurations must be approved with only a building permit, not a conditional use permit. Permit fees are capped and the review timeline is shortened. The city's building division processes solar permits through Community Development. Systems must comply with California Electrical Code, California Fire Code roof access requirements (3-foot ridge setback for firefighter access), and structural load standards. Ground-mounted solar systems may have additional setback and height requirements under TOMC Chapter 9. New homes built after January 2020 require solar panels under California's Title 24 energy code.
Installing solar panels without a permit is a building code violation. However, the city cannot unreasonably delay or deny qualifying residential solar permits under state law.
Thousand Oaks, CA
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Thousand Oaks, CA
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Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks's municipal code does not set citywide hours or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Displays must comply with TOMC Chapte...
Thousand Oaks, CA
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Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks does not separately regulate backyard pellet, wood, or charcoal smokers but applies TOMC Chapter 5-21 noise limits, California Fire Code cleara...
Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks adopts the California Fire Code by reference in TOMC Title 8, which prohibits open-flame charcoal and propane grills on combustible balconies, ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle panel permits.
See how Thousand Oaks's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
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