This law standardizes permit fees for rooftop solar installation across the state.

California Government Code §66015

Amended by SB 1222

Effective dates: January 1, 2013 – January 1, 2018

This law clarifies the amount cities and counties can charge residents for a permit to install a rooftop solar energy system. The cost of the permit is not to exceed the reasonable cost of providing the permit service.

For residential rooftop solar systems, the cost of the permit cannot exceed:

  • $500; plus
  • $15 per kilowatt (kW) for each kW above 15kW.

For commercial rooftop solar systems, the cost of the permit cannot exceed:

  • $1,000; plus
  • $7 per kW for each kW between 51kW and 250kW; plus
  • $5 for every kW above 250kW.

The standardized amounts can be exceeded if the city or county provides substantial evidence the reasonable cost to issue the permit exceeds the allowed amount.