Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit

Residential solar permits for one- and two-family dwellings that are 10 kW or less in size can use an expedited plan check process to obtain a permit for their solar project. To be allowed to use this streamlined process, Applicants must follow the requirements detailed below.

Approval Requirements

For any project to use this expedited process for plan check and permit issuance, the solar PV project can only be located on one- and two-family dwellings, and must not be over 10 kW in size.

Submittal Requirements

The following items must be submitted to the City. These submittals can be made in person or via our Los Alamitos Permit Center.

  1. 1. Completed permit application.
  2. 2. Compliance with the Eligibility Checklist 
  3. 3. Completed Standard Electrical Plan. Download standard plans below:

If standard electrical plans are not provided for use, an electrical plan should be submitted that includes the following:

  • Locations of main service or utility disconnect
  • Total number of modules, number of modules per string and the total number of strings
  • Make and model of inverter(s) and/or combiner box if used
  • One-line diagram of system
  • Specify grounding/bonding, conductor type and size, conduit type and size and number of conductors in each section of conduit
  • If batteries are to be installed, include them in the diagram and show their locations and venting
  • Equipment cut sheets including inverters, modules, AC and DC disconnects, combiners and wind generators
  • Labeling of equipment as required by CEC, Sections 690 and 705
  • Site diagram showing the arrangement of panels on the roof or ground, north arrow, lot dimensions and the distance from property lines to adjacent buildings/structures (existing and proposed)

   4. A roof plan showing roof layout, PV panels and the following fire safety items:

  • Approximate location of roof access point
  • Location of code-compliant access pathways
  • PV system fire classification
  • Locations of all required labels and markings.

   5. Completed expedited Structural Criteria along with required documentation. Structural Criteria can be downloaded here. 

For non-qualifying systems, provide structural drawings and calculations stamped and signed by a California licensed Civil or Structural Engineer, along with the following information.

  • The type of roof covering and the number of roof coverings installed
  • Type of roof framing, size of members and spacing
  • Weight of panels, support locations and method of attachment
  • Framing plan and details for any work necessary to strengthen the existing roof structure
  • Site-specific structural calculations
  • Where an approved racking system is used, provide documentation showing manufacture of the rack system, maximum allowable weight the system can support, attachment method to the roof or ground and product evaluation information or structural design for the rack system.

Plan Review

Permit applications can be submitted electronically online through our Los Alamitos Permit Center. Alternatively, applications utilizing the standard plan may be approved “over the counter” at the Building Department if time permits. Permits not approved “over the counter” should be reviewed in one weeks time.

Fees

Residential solar plan review and permit fees are not to exceed $450.

Inspections

Once all permits to construct the solar installation have been issued and the system has been installed, it must be inspected before final approval is granted for the solar system.

On-site inspections can be scheduled by contacting the Building Department through our Los Alamitos Permit Center. Inspection requests received prior to 5:00 p.m. are typically scheduled for the next business day.

Permit holders must be prepared to show conformance with all technical requirements in the field at the time of inspection. The inspector will verify that the installation is in conformance with applicable code requirements and with the approved plans. The Inspection Guide [Link to Inspection Guide PDF] provides an overview of common points of inspection that the applicant should be prepared to show compliance.

For questions regarding this permit process, please consult the Building Division at (562) 431-3538