SolarApp+ Solar Permit FAQ’s
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.
Who can apply for a SolarAPP+ permit?
Contractors who have completed training and are approved by SolarAPP+ are the only applicants that are accepted to use this streamlined process on SolarAPP+.
Why are we incorporating SolarAPP+ in our solar permit process?
In 2022, California passed SB 379 which “requires most California cities and counties to implement an online, automated permitting platform that verifies code compliance and issues permits in real time or allows the city, county, or city and county to issue permits in real time for a residential solar energy system.” SB 379