Los Angeles Solar Guide

In Los Angeles, a solar permit is required for any new solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation or major renovation. The Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) oversees the permitting process to ensure solar projects meet local building codes and safety standards.

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What Requires a Solar in Los Angeles

A solar permit is mandatory for any residential or commercial solar PV system installation in Los Angeles, regardless of the system size or project value. This includes grid-tied systems, off-grid systems, and battery storage additions. The permit ensures the solar installation meets the structural, electrical, and fire safety requirements outlined in the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) and the California Electrical Code. LADBS reviews the system design plans and inspects the completed installation to confirm compliance with local and state regulations.

What Doesn't Require a Permit

In Los Angeles, solar panel installation projects may be exempt from the permit requirement if the system capacity is 10 kilowatts (kW) or less for residential properties and 50 kW or less for commercial properties. These exemptions apply to rooftop solar installations that do not require structural modifications to the building. However, it's always best to check with LADBS to confirm if your specific project qualifies for an exemption.

Solar Costs and Fees in Los Angeles

The solar permit fees in Los Angeles are based on the total valuation of the solar PV system. The base building permit fee starts at $31.50 for projects valued up to $500, then increases incrementally for higher-value projects. Additionally, there is a 12.5% disabled access surcharge, a $44 permit issuance fee, and a plan check fee of 90% of the building permit fee. The California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (SMIP) surcharge of 0.028% of the project valuation also applies. For a typical residential solar PV system, the total permit fees in Los Angeles are approximately $450.

How Long Does Solar Approval Take

The timeline for obtaining a solar permit in Los Angeles can vary depending on the project scope and the current workload of the LADBS. However, the department aims to provide a streamlined, expedited review process for residential solar PV installations, as required by California's AB 2188 law. In general, LADBS targets a 1-3 business day turnaround for standard residential solar permit applications and up to 10 business days for more complex commercial or ground-mounted projects.

Required Documents for Los Angeles Solar

To apply for a solar permit in Los Angeles, homeowners or contractors must submit a comprehensive set of documents to LADBS. This includes a completed permit application form, detailed solar system plans and specifications, electrical diagrams, structural calculations (if applicable), and a site plan showing the proposed solar panel layout. All documents must be submitted in a digital format, such as PDF, as required by the LADBS online portal.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The solar permit application process in Los Angeles involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and successful project. Here's a breakdown of the typical steps:

1. 1

   Obtain Necessary Permits

   Start by obtaining all required permits from LADBS, including the solar PV system permit and any other related permits, such as electrical or structural permits, if applicable.

2. 2

   Submit Complete Application

   Gather all the necessary documents, including system plans, electrical diagrams, and site plans, and submit the complete application package through the LADBS online portal.

3. 3

   Pay Permit Fees

   Pay the applicable permit fees, which can be done online or in person at the LADBS office. The total fees will depend on the project valuation and the required inspections.

4. 4

   Schedule Inspections

   Once the permit is issued, schedule the required inspections with LADBS, including a rough electrical inspection and a final inspection of the completed solar installation.

5. 5

   Obtain Final Approval

   After passing all the required inspections, LADBS will issue a final approval for the solar PV system, allowing you to proceed with the installation and interconnection with the local utility.

Required Inspections

LADBS will require a series of inspections to ensure the solar PV system is installed correctly and in compliance with local and state regulations. For residential solar projects, the typical inspections include a rough electrical inspection to check the wiring and conduit, and a final inspection of the completed system. Commercial or larger solar installations may require additional inspections, such as a structural inspection to verify the roof or ground-mount system can support the solar panels. All inspections must be scheduled and passed before LADBS will issue the final approval for the solar PV system.

Common Solar Permit Mistakes in Los Angeles

Homeowners in Los Angeles often underestimate the complexity of the solar permit process, leading to costly delays and complications. One common mistake is failing to account for the 12.5% disabled access surcharge, which is required for all solar projects in the city. Another issue is not scheduling the mandatory LADBS inspection early enough, leading to project delays. Homeowners also frequently overlook the additional fees for the streamlined residential solar permit, thinking the process is entirely free. To avoid these pitfalls, it's crucial for Los Angeles residents to carefully review the full permit requirements and budget appropriately for all associated costs and inspections.

Sample Solar Permit Cost Calculation

Let's consider a typical solar project in Los Angeles for a 1,500 sq ft home with an 800 sq ft ADU. The total project valuation is estimated at $75,000. Based on the LADBS fee schedule, the base building permit fee would be $513, plus the 12.5% disabled access surcharge of $64.13, and the $450 streamlined residential solar permit fee. The inspection fees, calculated at the $168/hour rate for a minimum of 1 hour, would be an additional $168. Finally, the plan check fee, which is 90% of the building permit fee, would be $461.70. In total, the homeowner can expect to pay approximately $1,656.83 in solar permit-related fees for this project in Los Angeles.

How Los Angeles Compares to Other California Cities

Compared to other major California cities, Los Angeles has a more complex and costly solar permit process. In San Diego, for example, the base permit fee for a residential solar project is a flat $423, with no additional disabled access surcharge or plan check fees. The inspection fee is also lower at $147 per hour. San Francisco, on the other hand, has a more streamlined process, with a single flat permit fee of $411 for residential solar. Los Angeles's $450 streamlined residential solar permit is higher than both San Diego and San Francisco, and the additional fees for disabled access, inspections, and plan check make the total cost significantly higher. While Los Angeles offers an expedited process, the overall permit costs are notably more burdensome for homeowners compared to other California cities.

Recent Solar Permit Changes in Los Angeles

In 2024, the City of Los Angeles implemented several changes to its solar permit requirements. Firstly, the LADBS has launched a new online portal for solar permit applications, streamlining the submission process for homeowners. Additionally, the department has updated its fee structure, reducing the incremental rate for projects over $100,000 from $8.50 per $1,000 to $6.50 per $1,000. This change is expected to provide some cost savings for larger solar installations. The city has also aligned its solar permit requirements with the latest updates to California's Title 24 energy efficiency standards, which went into effect in 2025. These changes aim to make the solar permitting process in Los Angeles more efficient and cost-effective for homeowners.

Tips for Faster Approval in Los Angeles

To streamline the solar permit process in Los Angeles, it's essential to submit a complete and accurate application package. Ensure all required documents are included, and double-check that the plans and specifications meet LADBS' standards. Additionally, be prepared to address any questions or concerns raised by the LADBS reviewers during the process. Staying responsive and providing any additional information or clarification in a timely manner can help expedite the approval. Finally, consider hiring an experienced solar contractor who is familiar with the LADBS permit requirements and can guide you through the process.

Frequently asked questions about Los Angeles solar permits

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