Whittier, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

030 makes the permitting chapter applicable to "all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the city," though a system legally installed before the chapter's effective date doesn't need a new permit unless it's later modified in a way that changes its size, type or components; routine maintenance and like-kind replacements never require a permit. 040 then sets the substantive standard every system must satisfy to get that permit: general compliance with city and state health and safety rules, accredited-agency certification for water-heating and pool-heating solar systems under the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code, and, for photovoltaic panel systems, compliance with the California Electrical Code, IEEE standards, UL or similar accredited testing-lab listing, and applicable Public Utilities Commission safety and reliability rules.

060(L) requires the applicant to self-certify, using standard engineering evaluation techniques, that the roof support structure can carry the system's wind, seismic, dead and live loads, and to self-certify that the existing electrical system, panel and subpanel are adequately sized for the new photovoltaic load. 55, 66015; Health & Safety Code § 17951) that govern the expedited process.