1. Building
  2. SolarApp+

SolarApp+ Solar Permit

City of Petaluma SolarApp+

SolarAPP+ is a standardized plan review software that runs compliance checks and processes solar plans and approvals for eligible rooftop solar systems.  With the SolarAPP+ approval you can now apply and receive a permit for your Solar the same day.   

  1. Eligibility to use SolarAPP+
    • Main Dwelling Rooftop, Permitted, Residential structures only. 
    • No Ballasted Systems. 
    • NOT located in a city flood zone. Click here  to search for APNs that are located in flood zones and ineligible for SolarApp+. 
    • Located in the City of Petaluma jurisdiction. 
    • Must be a licensed contractor that has previously registered with SolarAPP+ 
    • Permit Runners are not allowed to request SolarAPP+ permits. 
    • For a full list of requirements, please click here. 
  1. Submit for Automated Review Through SolarAPP+
    • Submit your design to  solarapp.nrel.gov . 
    • Click Login or Register to get started.                                                                                  
    • A $25 processing fee will be charged by the SolarAPP+ website.  
    • Click here for a demonstration on SolarAPP+. 
  1. Apply for City of Petaluma Permit                                                           
    • Apply for your permit  . 
    • Click Apply 
    • Search for SolarAPP+  
    • Provide your SolarAPP+ approval ID number under additional information and upload your SolarAPP+ documents, plan sets, Contractor Disclosures Form and other supporting documents.  
  1. Getting an Inspection
    • Click here for instructions on how to schedule an inspection once your project is complete. 

What if the contractor wants to do a panel upgrade at the same time?

There will be no difference in the application for SolarAPP+. There will be a question on the City’s Portal that allows the contractor to specify whether a panel is being modified. If there is a modification, there will be a fee charged for Electrical Service, Meter Replacement-1.

What happens if the contractor changes or requires resubmittal of plans?

SolarAPP+ allows up to 3 revisions under the $25.00 fee. They must resubmit the application to SolarAPP+ and once the resubmittal is approved, they will receive a modified permit number, for example:

Original SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-A

First Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-B

Second Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-C

Third and Last Approved Revision SolarAPP+ ID: SA20230117-242-19-1234-D

Once the contractor receives the new SolarAPP+ ID, they can upload this new document onto their existing permit on CSS, along with their modified plans. The City Inspector may charge any fees that are appropriate for the resubmittal, similar to the current process for re-inspection.

Does SolarAPP+ collect fees and will the City be charging fees?

SolarAPP+ collects a one-time fee of $25.00. The City application fee is separate and will remain the same as a regular solar permit application that contractors apply for on the City’s online Portal.

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