California — #1 US Solar State
California Solar Permit Plan Sets — NEC 2026. Every AHJ. 24–48 Hours.
California runs the toughest solar permitting environment in the US. NEC 2026, CEC 2025 Energy Code, LADBS, PG&E Rule 15, SCE Rule 21 — we know every requirement for every California AHJ and deliver complete, first-pass-ready plan sets in 24–48 hours.
#1
US Solar State
1.5M+
CA Installations
58
Counties Covered
24h
Delivery
California Solar Permits
California Has the Most Complex Solar Permitting Requirements in the US
Permit Design prepares California solar permit plan sets and permit drawings for solar installers, EPCs, and roofing companies across all 58 California counties. Every plan set is NEC 2026-compliant, built to the CEC 2025 Energy Code, and formatted to the specific checklist of your California AHJ — whether that's LADBS, SF DBI, San Diego Development Services, or a rural Shasta County building department.
California enforces its own California Electrical Code (CEC, Title 24 Part 3) — based on NEC 2026 with California-specific amendments — making it the most current electrical standard in the US. Every plan set we produce for California complies with the full California Building Standards Code (Title 24 2025 Edition, effective January 1, 2026): the California Electrical Code (Part 3), California Residential Code (Part 2.5), California Building Code (Part 2), California Energy Code (Part 6), California Fire Code (Part 9), and CALGreen (Part 11). We also track every California-specific amendment, AB 2188 SolarAPP+ eligibility, and CFC fire setback requirement automatically.
We process 2,000–2,500 plan sets every month. If your California AHJ requests revisions, we handle them at no extra charge.
Last updated: May 2026 · Reading time: ~7 minutes · NEC 2026 and CEC 2025 Energy Code references current as of January 1, 2026.
Code & Compliance
California Solar Code Requirements — 2026
In 2026, every California solar installation must comply with multiple overlapping codes and regulations. Below is exactly what applies — and what we build into every plan set.
Title 24 Part 3 — Electrical
California Electrical Code (CEC)
California solar installations are governed by the California Electrical Code (CEC) — Title 24 Part 3 — not directly by the NEC. The CEC is based on NEC 2026 with California-specific amendments. All solar permit plan sets must comply with CEC Article 690 (Solar PV Systems), Article 705 (Interconnected Power Production Sources), and CEC 690.12 for rapid shutdown. California is the only state whose electrical code references NEC 2026 as its base.
NEC 2026 Base + CA AmendmentsTitle 24 Part 2.5 — Residential
California Residential Code (CRC)
The California Residential Code (CRC) — Title 24 Part 2.5 — governs structural requirements for solar on one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Based on the IRC with California amendments, the CRC defines racking attachment requirements, structural load documentation, and roof penetration standards for residential rooftop solar. Every residential plan set references both the CEC and CRC.
Residential StructuralTitle 24 Part 2 — Commercial
California Building Code (CBC)
The California Building Code (CBC) — Title 24 Part 2 — governs structural requirements for solar on commercial and non-residential buildings. Based on the IBC with California seismic zone amendments, the CBC defines structural plan check requirements that LADBS, SF DBI, and other California AHJs apply to commercial rooftop solar. Commercial plan sets must reference both the CEC and CBC for electrical and structural compliance.
Commercial StructuralTitle 24 Part 6 — Energy
California Energy Code 2025
The California Energy Code (Title 24 Part 6) took effect January 1, 2026. It mandates solar PV on all new California single-family homes (minimum 250 sq ft solar zone) and all new nonresidential buildings. New commercial buildings must also install battery energy storage systems (BESS). Plan sets for new construction must include CF1R and CF2R compliance forms and solar zone documentation per Section 110.10.
Mandatory Solar Since 2020Title 24 Part 9 — Fire
California Fire Code (CFC) §605
The California Fire Code (CFC) — Title 24 Part 9 — Section 605.11 governs rooftop solar access pathways, setbacks, and rapid shutdown requirements. California fire setback rules are stricter than the international baseline. All California roof layouts must document CFC-compliant pathways, ridge setbacks, and valley clearances. LADBS and SF DBI both enforce CFC compliance as part of solar plan check.
Stricter Than IFC BaselineTitle 24 Part 11 — Green
CALGreen + AB 2188 + NEM 3.0
CALGreen (Title 24 Part 11) requires solar-ready conduit and panel space in new construction. AB 2188 mandates instant/same-day permit approval for qualifying residential solar statewide — implemented via SolarAPP+ in 50+ California cities. NEM 3.0 (active since April 2023) requires battery storage documentation for interconnection applications to SCE, PG&E, SDG&E, LADWP, and SMUD.
AB 2188 · NEM 3.0 · CALGreen
California PE Stamp Requirements: Structural PE stamps are required for California rooftop solar systems over 10 kW. Electrical PE stamps are required for systems over 50 kW. LADBS requires structural plan check for all rooftop systems in seismic zones, regardless of system size. SF DBI applies stricter standards in San Francisco for historic buildings and soft-story structures. We coordinate licensed California PE stamps where required by your specific AHJ.
What's Included
California Solar Permit Plan Set Contents
Every California solar permit plan set from Permit Design includes these sheets — formatted to the specific checklist requirements of your California AHJ and utility.
01
Cover Sheet
Project address, APN, designer credentials, NEC 2026 and CEC 2025 code references, system specifications, and all project identification required by California AHJs. Formatted to LADBS, SF DBI, or your specific building department's submittal standards.
02
Site Plan
Scaled aerial site plan showing property setbacks, main panel location, utility meter, California Fire Code §605 access pathways and setbacks, service entry point, and panel-to-inverter routing. Formatted for California AHJ and utility interconnection requirements.
03
Roof Layout
Precise panel array layout with roof pitch, compass orientation, structural attachment points, California Fire Code setback documentation, ridge/valley clearances, and rafter/truss information. Built for California seismic zone considerations and LADBS structural review requirements.
04
Single-Line Diagram
Complete electrical schematic from PV source circuits through inverter to utility interconnection point — NEC 2026 Article 690 compliant. Includes conductor sizing per NEC 2026 Section 690.4(G) rounding rules and revised Isc calculations. Formatted for SCE Rule 21, PG&E Rule 15, SDG&E, LADWP, or SMUD interconnection requirements.
05
Rapid Shutdown Documentation
Full NEC 2026 Section 690.12 rapid shutdown compliance documentation — the most common correction trigger at California AHJs. System type, initiating device locations, array boundary documentation, and all required California Fire Code rapid shutdown labeling. Built for California fire marshal inspection requirements.
06
Structural Attachment Details
Racking attachment method, lag bolt specification, rafter/truss sizing, and load calculations for California seismic zone and wind exposure. Includes structural detail sheets required by LADBS and most California building departments for rooftop systems. PE-stamped where required by your AHJ.
07
Labels & Placards
Complete NEC 2026-required California labeling package — rapid shutdown placards, AC/DC disconnect identification, back-fed breaker labels, system identification markers, utility interconnection signage, and all California-specific label requirements for SCE, PG&E, SDG&E, LADWP, or SMUD territories.
08
Utility Interconnection Docs
Interconnection application drawings formatted to your specific California utility — SCE Rule 21, PG&E Rule 15, SDG&E interconnection requirements, LADWP application drawings, or SMUD. Includes NEM 3.0 export documentation where applicable. No separate utility package needed.
09
Equipment Datasheets
CEC-listed manufacturer spec sheets for every component — modules, inverters, optimizers, racking, and battery storage. California AHJs and utilities require CEC certification documentation. Every datasheet is verified current and CEC-listed at time of plan set delivery.
10
Title 24 / CEC Compliance Docs
CEC 2025 Energy Code Title 24 Part 6 compliance documentation — solar zone calculations, mandatory solar requirements for new construction, and battery storage provisions where applicable. Required for all California new construction and many significant remodel projects with solar.
AHJ Guide
California's Major Solar Permit AHJs — What Each Requires
California has 58 counties and hundreds of local AHJs, each with its own submittal checklist. Here's what the major California building departments actually require — the information most permit design services don't give you.
LADBS
Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety
1–5 business days (online); 10–15 days for structural plan check
NEC 2026 enforced. LADBS Express portal for under 10 kW systems
Structural PE stamp required for all rooftop systems in LA County seismic zones
AB 2188 same-day approval available for pre-approved equipment
LADWP territory — requires LADWP-specific interconnection documentation
SF DBI
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection
3–10 business days. Historic buildings require SFPC review (4–8 weeks)
NEC 2026 + San Francisco Electrical Code amendments
SF Fire Dept independent inspection authority — SFFD fire setbacks are stricter
SolarAPP+ available for eligible SF systems. Three permit pathways available
PG&E territory — Rule 15 interconnection documentation required
SD Dev Services
San Diego Development Services Department
1–3 business days online; 5–10 business days for complex systems
NEC 2026 enforced. San Diego uses ACC+ (Automated Code Check Plus)
Structural PE stamp for systems over 10 kW on aged or tile roofs
Online submittal required for all residential solar projects
SDG&E territory — specific SDG&E interconnection package required
Sacramento DPSS
Sacramento Department of Public Works & Planning
1–2 business days. Sacramento has among California's fastest turnaround times
NEC 2026. Sacramento City is one of California's most streamlined AHJs
PE stamp generally not required for residential systems under 15 kW
SolarAPP+ active. Same-day approval available for pre-approved systems
SMUD territory — SMUD interconnection package required (not PG&E)
Fresno B&S
Fresno Building and Safety Division
1–3 business days. Fresno was an early SolarAPP+ adopter
NEC 2026. SolarAPP+ deployed — instant permit approval for eligible systems
PE stamp required for systems over 10 kW
Fresno is SolarAPP+ certified — fastest approval pathway in Central Valley
PG&E territory — Rule 15 interconnection documentation required
Oakland B.T.C.
Oakland Bureau of Building & Topography & Code
2–5 business days online. In-person same-day under AB 2188
NEC 2026 + Alameda County amendments
Structural PE stamp for all tile roofs and systems over 10 kW
AB 2188 same-day approval for pre-approved equipment lists
PG&E territory — secondary network restrictions in some Oakland neighborhoods
All 58 California Counties Covered. From Los Angeles to Del Norte, Yolo to San Bernardino — every California AHJ, every county, every buildable jurisdiction. Rural California AHJs typically have streamlined requirements but still need complete NEC 2026-compliant documentation. We prepare every California plan set to the specific checklist of your building department.
Utility Interconnection
California Utility Interconnection — Every Major Territory
Every California solar permit plan set must include utility-specific interconnection drawings. Each California utility has distinct documentation requirements — we cover all five major California utility territories.
SCE
Southern California Edison
Rule 21
PG&E
Pacific Gas & Electric
Rule 15
SDG&E
San Diego Gas & Electric
SDG&E Interconnection
LADWP
Los Angeles Dept of Water & Power
LADWP Solar Program
SMUD
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
SMUD SolarShares
One package — AHJ and utility both covered. Every California plan set we produce includes utility interconnection documentation formatted for your specific utility. SCE Rule 21, PG&E Rule 15, and all California utility-specific NEM 3.0 export documentation — no separate package needed. We also note PG&E secondary network restrictions in specific Oakland and San Francisco neighborhoods where solar interconnection may be delayed or denied.
Process
How California Solar Permit Plan Sets Work
Three steps from project details to AHJ-ready California plan set.
1
Submit Your California Project
Send us the California address, roof photos or satellite image, equipment model numbers, and your utility (SCE, PG&E, SDG&E, LADWP, or SMUD). Takes under 5 minutes via our order form.
2
We Build to Your AHJ's Checklist
Our California specialists prepare your complete plan set to NEC 2026, CEC 2025 Energy Code, and your specific AHJ's requirements — whether that's LADBS, SF DBI, San Diego, Sacramento, or a rural county building department.
3
AHJ-Ready in 24–48 Hours
Your complete California solar permit plan set lands in your inbox within 24–48 hours — formatted for your AHJ and utility. In 2026, California utilities including SCE (Rule 21) and PG&E (Rule 15) expect your interconnection application number referenced on the permit plan set before AHJ approval — we include a dedicated interconnection reference field on every California plan set. Revisions handled at no extra charge until your California AHJ approves.
First-Time California Clients
Try Us on Your First California Project — Free
New to Permit Design? Send us your first California solar project and we'll deliver the complete permit plan set free of charge. NEC 2026 compliant, formatted for your AHJ, delivered in 24–48 hours.
Available for first-time clients only. One free residential plan set per company.
Claim Your Free CA Plan Set →
NEC 2026 + CEC 2025 compliant
Your AHJ's specific checklist
SCE/PG&E/SDG&E/LADWP/SMUD docs
Free revisions until AHJ approval
California Solar Market
California Solar Market — 2026 Data
California is the largest solar market in the US by a significant margin. Here's what that means for solar permit volume and AHJ workload.
#1
US Solar State by Installed Capacity
California leads the nation in residential and commercial solar installations — accounting for approximately 40% of total US cumulative solar capacity. Over 1.5 million California homes and businesses have solar installed as of 2026.
1.5M+
Residential Solar Installations
California had over 1.5 million residential solar installations as of early 2026. The pace accelerated after NEM 3.0 adoption drove solar-plus-storage demand — combined solar and battery installations now represent over 90% of new residential solar in California.
50+
California Cities with SolarAPP+
Over 50 California jurisdictions have deployed SolarAPP+ for instant digital permit approval. Fresno, San Francisco, Stockton, Riverside, and Chico are among the largest active deployments. Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose offer same-day in-person approval under AB 2188.
3–10
Average AHJ Review Days (Business Days)
California AHJ review times range from instant (SolarAPP+) to 15+ business days for complex systems at LADBS. The statewide average for residential solar permit review is 3–10 business days. First-pass-ready plan sets are the single biggest factor in staying within that range.
$500
Maximum Permit Fee (AB 1132)
California AB 1132 caps residential solar permit fees at $500 for systems up to 15 kW. This applies to all 58 California counties. The permit fee cap is separate from plan check fees, which some jurisdictions (LADBS, SF DBI) charge separately for structural review.
NEC 2026
Only US State Enforcing NEC 2026
California is the only US state actively enforcing NEC 2026 as of 2026. The CEC 2025 Energy Code, which took effect January 1, 2026, incorporates NEC 2026 requirements. Plan sets built to NEC 2020 or NEC 2023 will be rejected by California AHJs as non-compliant.
California AHJ Rejections
Top 3 Reasons California Solar Permits Get Rejected
California has the strictest solar permit review environment in the US. LADBS, SF DBI, and San Diego Development Services each apply their own corrections on top of CEC and NEC 2026. These are the three most common California-specific rejection triggers.
01
Wrong Code Reference — CEC vs NEC
California AHJs enforce the California Electrical Code (Title 24 Part 3) — not the NEC directly. Plan sets that reference "NEC 2026" without citing "California Electrical Code, Title 24 Part 3" are flagged at LADBS, SF DBI, and Sacramento DPSS. The CEC adopts NEC 2026 as its base but California AHJs require the CEC citation on the cover sheet.
CEC Title 24 Part 3How we prevent it: Every California plan set cites "California Electrical Code (CEC), Title 24 Part 3, 2025 Edition" on the cover sheet — not just NEC 2026.
02
California Fire Code §605.11 Pathway Dimensions Missing
California Fire Code §605.11 requires specific rooftop access pathways drawn to scale with dimensions on the roof layout. LADBS and SF DBI automatically object to plan sets showing panel arrays without fire access pathway dimensions annotated. This is the single most common LADBS correction for first-time California submitters.
CFC §605.11 / Title 24 Part 9How we prevent it: Every California roof layout includes CFC §605.11 fire pathways with dimensions drawn to scale and ridge/valley setbacks documented.
03
Equipment Not on CEC Approved List
California requires all solar equipment to be on the California Energy Commission (CEC) eligible equipment list. Panels, inverters, and optimizers not on the current CEC list will be rejected by California AHJs and by SCE, PG&E, and SDG&E during interconnection review. CEC list updates frequently — datasheets for discontinued models are commonly submitted in error.
CEC Equipment List / Title 24How we prevent it: All equipment verified against the current CEC eligible equipment list before plan set delivery. Discontinued or unlisted models flagged immediately.
See all 8 common plan set rejection reasons and fixes → Residential Solar Permit Design →
FAQ
California Solar Permit Design — Frequently Asked Questions
The questions California solar installers ask most before placing their first order.
California enforces NEC 2026 statewide — the most current electrical code edition in the US. All California solar permit plan sets must comply with NEC 2026 Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) and Article 705 (Interconnected Power Production Sources). California is the only US state currently enforcing NEC 2026. Plan sets built to NEC 2020 or NEC 2023 will be rejected by California AHJs.
AB 2188 (Solar Permitting Efficiency Act) requires all California cities and counties to implement streamlined solar permitting. Under AB 2188, jurisdictions must offer instant or same-day permit approval for residential solar systems using pre-approved equipment. SolarAPP+ is the most common platform used. Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose provide same-day approval under AB 2188 for eligible systems.
California requires structural PE stamps for rooftop solar systems over 10 kW and electrical PE stamps for systems over 50 kW. LADBS requires structural review for all rooftop systems in LA County seismic zones regardless of size. SF DBI applies stricter standards for historic buildings and soft-story structures in San Francisco. We coordinate licensed California PE stamps where required by your AHJ.
California solar permit plan sets must include interconnection documentation specific to your project's utility. Major California utility territories: SCE (Southern California Edison) under Rule 21, PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric) under Rule 15, SDG&E (San Diego Gas & Electric), LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water & Power), and SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District). Every Permit Design California plan set includes utility-specific interconnection documentation — no separate package needed.
SolarAPP+ is an automated solar permit approval platform developed by the US DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). California leads the nation in SolarAPP+ adoption with over 50 jurisdictions deployed. Active California SolarAPP+ cities include Fresno, San Francisco, Stockton, Riverside, Chico, and many others. Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Jose offer same-day in-person solar permitting under AB 2188 without SolarAPP+.
The California Energy Commission 2025 Energy Code (Title 24 Part 6) took effect January 1, 2026. New California solar permit plan sets must comply with 2025 Energy Code requirements including updated solar zone documentation, battery storage provisions, and revised Title 24 Part 6 efficiency standards. Permit Design builds all California plan sets to the CEC 2025 Energy Code automatically — no additional request needed.
LADBS typically processes residential solar permit applications in 1–5 business days through their online LADBS Express portal. Complex systems or those requiring structural plan check may take 10–15 business days. LADBS offers same-day over-the-counter approval for systems under 10 kW using pre-approved equipment under AB 2188. LADWP interconnection approval typically takes an additional 5–15 business days.
California NEM 3.0 (Net Energy Metering 3.0) has been active statewide since April 2023. NEM 3.0 dramatically changed the economics of solar-only systems and has accelerated demand for solar-plus-storage installations. California solar permit plan sets for battery storage must reference NEC 706 alongside NEC 690, and include battery-specific documentation for NEM 3.0 interconnection applications to SCE, PG&E, or SDG&E.
California AB 1132 caps residential solar permit fees at $500 for systems up to 15 kW, with a maximum of $15 per additional kilowatt above that threshold. This applies to all 58 California counties. Note that this cap applies to permit fees only — some jurisdictions including LADBS and SF DBI charge separate plan check fees for structural review, which are not subject to the AB 1132 cap.
Permit Design delivers California solar permit plan sets within 24–48 hours of receiving your project details. Rush same-day delivery is available on request. Every California plan set is built to NEC 2026, CEC 2025 Energy Code, and your specific AHJ's checklist — LADBS, SF DBI, San Diego Development Services, or any of California's 58 county building departments. Revisions are handled at no extra charge until your California AHJ approves.
Other States
Solar Permit Plan Sets — Neighboring & Top Solar States
⚡
Reviewed & Verified By
Permit Design Engineering Team
Licensed Professional Engineers (PE) across all 50 US states · 2,500+ AHJ-ready plan sets delivered monthly · 150+ solar installer partners worldwide
Ready for First-Pass California AHJ Approval?
NEC 2026 · CEC 2025 · LADBS · PG&E · SCE · SDG&E · LADWP · SMUD · All 58 Counties
Delivered in 24–48 hours. Free revisions until your California AHJ approves.
First-time California client? Your first residential plan set is on us. Mention "free trial" in your order notes.