West Covina, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Article XVII of Chapter 7, Small Residential Solar Energy System Permits, was adopted by Ord. No. 2280 in 2015 to comply with the state Solar Rights Act and AB 2188. Sec. 7-270.3 sets the scope: the article applies to permitting all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the city, and a system legally established or permitted before the article took effect is not subject to it unless a physical modification materially changes its size, type, or components; routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.

Sec. 7-270.2(m) defines what counts as a small residential rooftop solar energy system: a system rated no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current or 30 kilowatts thermal, installed on a one- or two-family home classified R3 under the California Building Code, that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural and electrical codes, and whose panel or module array does not exceed the city's maximum legal building height.

Sec. 7-270.5 lays out how the building department has to process the application: every document required for an expedited submittal must be posted on the city's website, electronic submittal by email, website or fax must be accepted, and an electronic signature is accepted in place of a wet signature. The department must adopt a standard plan and checklist for eligibility, substantially conforming to the state's California Solar Permitting Guidebook. Sec. 7-270.7 sets the cost side: a separate permit fee and plan review fee apply, sized to reimburse city staff time, and set by council resolution rather than fixed in the code itself.