Vacaville, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Section 15.20.250.102 adds Section [A] 120/R120, "Expedited permit process for small residential rooftop solar systems," to both the California Building Code and California Residential Code, implementing the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Government Code Section 65850.5). A system qualifies for expedited review if it is 10 kilowatts AC or smaller (30 kilowatts thermal for water heating), meets state fire, structural, and electrical code requirements, is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling or accessory structure, and does not exceed the maximum legal building height.

Once an application meets the expedited checklist, the building division must deem it complete and, from that point, issue the nondiscretionary permit within one to three business days, whether filed over the counter or electronically. Only one inspection is required for an eligible system, though a failed inspection allows a follow-up visit outside the expedited timeline. If the application is incomplete, the chief building official has five business days to issue a written correction notice listing every deficiency.

Permit issuance does not equal permission to operate: the applicant still needs inspection sign-off and utility authorization before connecting the system to the grid. If the chief building official finds substantial evidence of a specific, adverse health or safety impact, the applicant can be routed into a limited review permit instead, which may be denied only with written findings that no feasible mitigation exists. A limited-review requirement or denial can be appealed to the Community Development Director within 10 calendar days of the decision, on payment of the appeal fee; that appeal decision is final.