Solar Panel Permits with SolarAPP+

Residential solar projects are now able to apply for permits online with the help of SolarAPP+, a web-based portal for residential solar energy system installations, developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to automate project plan reviews, receive and automated permit, pay fees online, and schedule inspections.

Planning Division Requirements

Design (Single-Family Residential)

The City prefers that solar panels installed on Single-Family Residential roofs are designed in a way that is flush-mounted and are not installed on the portion of the roof that faces the street. If solar panels are not flush-mounted and/or installed on the portion of the roof that faces the street, applicant submittal of additional documentation is required prior to the first Building Division inspection in order to receive inspector sign-off.  The required documentation shall be a written analysis prepared by a licensed engineer indicating that all options to redesign the photovoltaic system with a flush-mounted design and/or without utilizing the street facing roof will:

1. Increase the installation cost by more than $1,000; AND
2. Will cause a drop in energy production by more than 10-percent (10%).

Zoning Clearance Requirement 

The following projects require Planning approval/zoning clearance prior to Building plan check submittal: Ground mounted photovoltaic system; or

Solar panels designed to be and/or proposed to be installed on new structures (i.e. carport, patio cover); or

Roof-mounted solar panels that extend beyond the overall height of the structure it is proposed on

SolarAPP+ Process

1. Submit for automated review through SolarAPP+.
   • Register or sign in to SolarAPP+ at solarapp.nrel.gov
   • Submit design
   • Pay permit fees (per project)
   • Download SolarAPP+ Approval Document
2. Submit SolarAPP+ Permit application to the City.
   • Email your permit from solarapp+ along with the checklist to building@westcovina.org
3. Schedule the inspection online.
   • Call (626) 939 8425 Monday through Thursday between 7:30am to 4:00pm .