Los Angeles permit
Solar PV permit in Los Angeles
Most LA rooftop solar permits issue same-day via SolarAPP+. We generate the site plan + roof plan + fire setbacks — free.
Permit speed
Same day via SolarAPP+
Standard residential PV qualifies for instant approval — no plan checker review required.
Typical cost (6 kW)
$15K–$25K
After federal tax credit (30%) + LADWP rebates. Larger systems with battery: $30K–$60K.
License needed
C-46 or C-10
C-46 (Solar) or C-10 (Electrical) licensed contractor. Both pull the permit + handle install.
Time to power on
4–10 weeks
Permit + install is fast (1-2 weeks). LADWP Permission to Operate is the long pole (2-8 weeks).
The SolarAPP+ instant-permit lane
LADBS adopted SolarAPP+ — an automated permit-approval system from the National Renewable Energy Lab — for standard residential rooftop PV. Your installer enters the system specs; if they pass the automated checks (standard panels, microinverters or string inverters, battery under 20 kWh, structurally typical roof), the permit issues immediately. No plan-check engineer review. No queue.
Most LA rooftop solar permits qualify. If yours doesn't (large battery, complex structural, service upgrade combined), you go through standard plan check via ePlanLA — usually 2-3 weeks.
5 LA solar gotchas before you sign
NEM 3.0 changed the math (April 2023)
If your system isn't grandfathered into NEM 2.0, your export rate dropped ~75%. Battery storage is now essentially required to make the economics work for new installs. Ask your installer how their proposal accounts for NEM 3.0 export rates.
Roof age matters
If your roof is 15+ years old, replace it before the solar install. Otherwise you'll pay to detach + reinstall the array when the roof goes. Combine the re-roof + solar permit for cost savings.
Fire setbacks (CRC R331)
California Residential Code requires 3 ft clear paths from the ridge, hips, and valleys for fire-fighter access on most roofs. We auto-render this envelope on the site plan so your installer's panel layout works around it.
VHFHSZ adds rules
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (most LA hillside neighborhoods) require Class A roof rating + ignition-resistant construction. Affects the panel mounting hardware + roof penetration sealants you can use.
MPU (Main Panel Upgrade) gotcha
If your existing panel is < 200A, most installers will quote a panel upgrade as part of the install. Adds $2.5-5K + 1-2 weeks. Verify whether your panel actually needs upgrading or whether a load-management device (DCC-12 etc.) avoids it.
Free drawings from your address
Drawings auto-generated from LA County GIS + LARIAC orthoimagery + Microsoft Building Footprints. Use as a starting point for your installer or your own SolarAPP+ submission.
- Site plan — with parcel + roof outlines. Available now.
- Roof plan with panel layout — honoring CRC R331 fire setbacks. Coming next.
- Single-line electrical — per system size + battery config. Coming with the rules engine.
Find a vetted LA solar installer
Most LA homeowners hire one C-46 or C-10 licensed installer to handle design, SolarAPP+ permit, install, and LADWP interconnection end-to-end. We connect you to vetted local pros.
See LA solar installers →Check your address first
Get the verdict + zoning + overlays + LADBS forms specific to your lot. Free, no signup.
Run feasibility check →Drawings we generate for you
Auto-drawn from your address using LARIAC orthoimagery, parcel polygons, and Microsoft Building Footprints.
- Site plan
- Roof plan
- Panel array layout
- Fire setback diagram
- Single-line electrical
The permit pathway
Phase 01
Hire a licensed solar installer
C-46 (solar) or C-10 (electrical) license required
Most homeowners hire one installer to handle design, permit, and install end-to-end. Get 2–3 quotes. Verify license + bond + insurance current with CSLB before signing.
Phase 02
Pull the solar PV permit
SolarAPP+ instant approval or standard ePlanLA
Standard residential rooftop solar usually qualifies for SolarAPP+ — an automated permit-approval system that issues the permit instantly (no plan check engineer review). If your install includes a large battery, complex roof structure, or service upgrade, you'll go through standard plan check via ePlanLA.
Phase 03
Installation
Panels, conduit, inverter, electrical connections
Once the permit is issued, the installer schedules the physical install. Typical residential 6–10 kW system installs in 1–2 days. Larger systems with battery can take 3–5 days.
Phase 04
LADBS final inspection
Inspector verifies the install matches the permit
Your installer schedules the final inspection via the LADBS online portal. Inspector verifies installation matches permitted plans + meets electrical code. Pass = move to interconnection.
Phase 05
LADWP Permission to Operate (PTO)
Utility interconnection — when you actually turn it on
Even after the LADBS inspection passes, you can't legally produce power until LADWP grants Permission to Operate. The installer submits the interconnection application; LADWP verifies the meter / changes it to net-metering. Typically 2–8 weeks.
What the code requires
Typical baseline for an R1 lot with no overlays. The wizard adjusts these for your specific zone + overlays (Hillside, HPOZ, VHFHSZ, Coastal, etc.). Every value cites its source code section.
| Rule | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fire setback from ridge | 3 ft | CA Residential Code R331 |
| Fire setback from eave | 0 ft | CA Residential Code R331 |
| Fire setback from hip | 1.5 ft | CA Residential Code R331 |
| Fire setback from valley | 1.5 ft | CA Residential Code R331 |
Additional requirements
- SolarAPP+ instant-permit eligibility: standard panels + microinverters or string inverters, battery <20 kWh, structurally typical roof. Most LA residential PV qualifies.LADBS SolarAPP+ Program
- Rapid shutdown disconnect at array level (RSD) required.CA Building Code Article 690.12
- Roof structural capacity check — verify existing structure can carry panel + mounting loads.CA Residential Code R301