Arcadia · Solar permits
Solar permits in Arcadia
How to install a solar in Arcadia: permit pathway through Arcadia Development Services Department, drawings required, local watch-outs, and a free address-level wizard for your Arcadia lot.
Arcadia context
Arcadia's ADU ordinance is in Arcadia Municipal Code Title 9. The city aligns with the California state baseline plus Hillside Standards for slope-affected parcels. Plan check is typically 60 days. The Metro A Line (Gold Line) station at Santa Clara + Wheeler opens up parking-exemption pathways for southern Arcadia parcels.
- Permit agency
- Arcadia Development Services Department
- Median lot size
- 9,500 sqft
Drawings you'll need to submit
Most LA rooftop solar permits issue same-day via SolarAPP+. We generate the site plan + roof plan + fire setbacks — free.
- Site plan (parcel layout + setbacks)
- Roof plan
- Panel layout diagram
- Fire-setback diagram (ridges + eaves)
- Single-line electrical
PermitPathLA generates the site plan free from your Arcadia address. The other drawings come from your architect or plan firm — we list pre-approved options in the wizard.
Arcadia watch-outs for solar
Overlays that hit a meaningful share of Arcadia lots
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ)~28% of parcels
Northern Arcadia foothill parcels above Foothill Boulevard.
Hillside Standards~22% of parcels
Slopes over 10% trigger geotech + grading limits.
Alquist-Priolo (AP) Earthquake Fault Zone proximity~4% of parcels
Sierra Madre Fault adjacency on the north city edge.
Local quirks
Arcadia Unified school fees apply
Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) charges school facility fees on ADUs over 500 sqft. AUSD is consistently one of California's highest-ranked public districts — a primary driver of Arcadia home premiums.
Hillside foothills need geotech reports
Lots above Foothill Boulevard typically need a geotechnical / soils engineering report. Budget $3K-$8K and add 4-8 weeks.
Santa Anita Park traffic affects construction logistics
Santa Anita Park race days (and special-event days like the Breeders' Cup) generate significant local traffic. Schedule construction deliveries around race days.
Run your Arcadia address through the wizard
We pull your parcel polygon from county GIS, apply Arcadia ordinance + state baseline rules, generate the site plan, and walk you through the Arcadia Development Services Department submittal. Free, no signup.