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Chapter 15.52 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS

Norwalk Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Norwalk

§ 15.52.010. Scope.

This chapter provides for the expedited permitting processing for small residential rooftop solar systems.

(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 15.52.020. Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

"Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following methods of submittal, including electronic mail (e-mail), the Internet, or facsimile.

"Small residential rooftop solar energy systems" shall have the same meaning as provided in the Solar Rights Act, Government Code Section 65850.5(j)(3), as the same may be amended from time to time.

"Solar energy system" has the same meaning set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 801.5 of the Civil Code, as the same may be amended from time to time. (Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 15.52.030. Permit required.

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, install, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, move or remove a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall first make an application to the Building Official and obtain the permit required by this chapter. (Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 15.52.040. Application for small residential rooftop solar energy system permit.

  • A. An application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall be made on a form furnished by the Building Official. The City's Building Official is delegated authority to develop and adopt a standard plan and checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. The small residential rooftop solar energy system standard plan(s), and checklist(s) shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard plans contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. Notwithstanding, at a minimum, the information furnished by the applicant shall include:

    1. Verification of the applicant's reasonable satisfaction through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is stable and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building foundation; and

    2. Verification of the applicant's reasonable satisfaction using standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system including existing line, load, ground and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads.

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City of Norwalk, CA

BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION

§ 15.52.040

§ 15.52.080

  • B. All requirements for the submission of a small residential rooftop solar energy system application shall be made available by the Building Official on the City's website.

  • C. The application and associated documentation may be submitted to the City's Building Division in person, mail, or by electronic submittal together with the required permit processing fee. In the case of electronic submittal, the electronic signature of the application on all forms, applications, and other documentation may be used in lieu of a wet signature.

  • (Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 15.52.050. Permit fee.

The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable processing fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 15.52.060. Processing of application.

  • A. The Building Official shall deem complete an application that satisfies the information requirements in the standard plan and checklist. If the Building Official deems the application incomplete, the Building Official shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

  • B. Upon determination by the Building Official that the application and supporting documentation is complete and meets the requirements of the checklist and standard plan, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue the required permits or authorizations. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant is responsible for obtaining such approval or permission from the local utility provider.

(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 15.52.070. Inspection requirements.

  • A. Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Official for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the Building Official and Fire Chief.

  • B. If the small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized; however the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this chapter.

  • (Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

§ 15.52.080. Small residential rooftop solar systems on unpermitted structures.

Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, no small residential rooftop solar system shall be approved or installed upon unpermitted structures as determined by the Building Official. (Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

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City of Norwalk, CA

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▸Contents — Norwalk Municipal Code
Norwalk Municipal Code
  1. Title 1
  2. Title 2
  3. Chapter 2.08 — CITY COUNCIL
  4. Chapter 2.09 — CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS AND STAT…
  5. Chapter 2.10
  6. Chapter 2.12 — OFFICERS BONDS
  7. Chapter 2.16 — PLANNING COMMISSION
  8. Chapter 2.18 — HOUSING AND BUILDING LOCAL APPEALS BOARD
  9. Chapter 2.20 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
  10. Chapter 2.24 — PERSONNEL SYSTEM
  11. Title 3
  12. Chapter 3.16 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
  13. Chapter 3.28 — Chapter 3.32 UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE UNIFOR…
  14. Chapter 3.04 — FISCAL PROCEDURES AND BUDGETING
  15. Chapter 3.08 — FUNDS
  16. Chapter 3.12 — CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST CITY
  17. Chapter 3.16 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
  18. Chapter 3.17 — PUBLIC PROJECTS
  19. Chapter 3.20 — BIDDING PROCEDURES
  20. Chapter 3.21
  21. Chapter 3.24 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
  22. Chapter 3.28 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
  23. Chapter 3.30 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
  24. Chapter 3.32 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
  25. Chapter 3.40
  26. Chapter 3.42 — APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS
  27. Title 5
  28. Chapter 5.60 — MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS
  29. Chapter 5.04 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
  30. Chapter 5.08 — BUSINESS LICENSES GENERALLY
  31. Chapter 5.12 — AMUSEMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT
  32. Chapter 5.16 — AUTOMOBILE REPOSSESSION
  33. Chapter 5.20 — BINGO
  34. Article I — General Provisions
  35. Article II
  36. Article III — Open Video Systems
  37. Article IV
  38. Article V — Definitions
  39. Article VI
  40. Chapter 5.28 — SPECIAL EVENTS AND BUSINESS EVENTS
  41. Chapter 5.32 — ESCORT BUREAUS
  42. Chapter 5.40 — MOTION PICTURES AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION
  43. Chapter 5.44
  44. Chapter 5.48 — PUBLIC DANCING, DANCE HALLS AND DANCE CLUBS
  45. Chapter 5.52
  46. Article I — Purpose and Definitions
  47. Article II — Massage Establishment Permit
  48. Article III — Massage Technician Permit
  49. Article IV
  50. Chapter 5.56 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
  51. Article I — Alcoholic Beverages
  52. Article II — Billiard Rooms and Pool Halls
  53. Article IV — Cocktail Lounges and Bars
  54. Article V — Handbill Distribution
  55. Article VI — Fortunetelling Activities
  56. Chapter 5.64 — SIDEWALK VENDING
  57. Title 6
  58. Chapter 6.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS GENERALLY
  59. Chapter 6.04 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
  60. Chapter 6.08 — DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
  61. Chapter 6.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS GENERALLY
  62. Chapter 6.28 — DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS
  63. Title 8
  64. Chapter 8.52 — WATER CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS
  65. Chapter 8.04 — COUNTY HEALTH CODE ADOPTED
  66. Chapter 8.08 — PUBLIC HEALTH LICENSES REGULATION ADOPTED
  67. Chapter 8.12 — ABANDONED AND INOPERABLE VEHICLES
  68. Chapter 8.16 — CAPPING OF ABANDONED WELLS
  69. Chapter 8.24 — GRAFFITI REMOVAL
  70. Chapter 8.28 — LITTER AND WEED CONTROL
  71. Chapter 8.32 — OBSCENE FILMS AND MOTION PICTURES
  72. Chapter 8.36 — PROPERTY NUISANCES
  73. Chapter 8.40 — SHOPPING CART IMPOUND
  74. Chapter 8.44 — PROHIBITION ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC RECREATIONAL A…
  75. Article I — In General
  76. Article III — Collector Agreement
  77. Article IV — Rates
  78. Article VII
  79. Article VIII — Residential Collection and Recycling
  80. Article IX — Commercial/Industrial Collection
  81. Article X
  82. Chapter 8.50 — ORGANIC WASTE DISPOSAL REDUCTION
  83. Chapter 8.52
  84. Chapter 8.56 — VACANT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY REQUIR…
  85. Chapter 8.60
  86. Title 9
  87. Chapter 9.04 — OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND DECENCY
  88. Article II — Gambling and Certain Games
  89. Article IV — Fees for the Use of Sheriff Personnel
  90. Article V — Peddling Near Schools
  91. Article VI — Newsracks
  92. Chapter 9.08 — OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
  93. Chapter 9.12 — CONSUMER PROTECTION
  94. Chapter 9.14 — GRAFFITI REDUCTION AND PREVENTION
  95. Chapter 9.16 — OFFENSES BY OR AGAINST MINORS
  96. Chapter 9.20 — CURFEW
  97. Chapter 9.24 — WEAPONS
  98. Chapter 9.26 — BAN ON SELF-SERVICE TOBACCO DISPLAYS
  99. Chapter 9.28
  100. Chapter 9.29 — CITY SKATE PARK FACILITIES
  101. Chapter 9.30 — SPEED CONTESTS OR EXHIBITIONS OF SPEED
  102. Chapter 9.31
  103. Title 10
  104. Chapter 10.12 — RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING
  105. Chapter 10.16 — VEHICLE IMPOUND AND STORAGE FEES
  106. Chapter 10.04 — COUNTY TRAFFIC CODE ADOPTED
  107. Chapter 10.08 — PARKING REGULATIONS
  108. Chapter 10.09 — PARKING REGULATIONS FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLES …
  109. Chapter 10.10
  110. Chapter 10.12 — RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING
  111. Chapter 10.16 — VEHICLE IMPOUND AND STORAGE FEES
  112. Title 12
  113. Chapter 12.24 — NEWSRACKS
  114. Chapter 12.04 — IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS
  115. Chapter 12.08 — CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
  116. Article II — Alterations
  117. Article III — Painting Street and House Numbers
  118. Chapter 12.16 — OBSTRUCTIONS
  119. Chapter 12.20 — ENCROACHMENTS
  120. Chapter 12.24 — NEWSRACKS
  121. Chapter 12.28 — STREET VACATION
  122. Chapter 12.32 — TREES AND SHRUBS
  123. Chapter 12.36 — PARADES, ATHLETIC EVENTS AND ASSEMBLIES
  124. Chapter 12.40 — RECREATION AND PARKS
  125. Chapter 12.44 — CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
  126. Chapter 12.48
  127. Title 13
  128. Chapter 13.12 — COUNTY SANITARY SEWER AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE ORD…
  129. Article I — Administration of City Water Department
  130. Article II — Application for Water Service
  131. Article III — Installation, Maintenance and Inspection
  132. Article IV
  133. Article V
  134. Chapter 13.08 — CROSS CONNECTIONS
  135. Chapter 13.12
  136. Chapter 13.16 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES
  137. Article I — General Provisions and Definitions
  138. Article III
  139. Chapter 13.24 — REIMBURSEMENT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
  140. Title 15
  141. Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
  142. Chapter 15.10 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
  143. Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
  144. Chapter 15.06 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
  145. Chapter 15.08 — FIRE CODE
  146. Chapter 15.10 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
  147. Chapter 15.12 — PLUMBING CODE
  148. Chapter 15.16 — ELECTRICAL CODE
  149. Chapter 15.20 — SWIMMING POOL CODE
  150. Chapter 15.24 — MECHANICAL CODE
  151. Chapter 15.26 — ENERGY CODE
  152. Chapter 15.28 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
  153. Chapter 15.30 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
  154. Chapter 15.32 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
  155. Chapter 15.36 — HOUSE NUMBERING
  156. Chapter 15.40 — STREET DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS
  157. Chapter 15.44 — ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM
  158. Chapter 15.48 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
  159. Chapter 15.52 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS
  160. Chapter 15.54 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
  161. Title 16
  162. Chapter 16.01 — ADMINISTRATION
  163. Article II — Enforcement
  164. Article III — Vesting Tentative Map
  165. Article I — Exemptions and Waivers
  166. Chapter 16.03 — DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
  167. Article V
  168. Article VI — Voluntary Lot Mergers
  169. Article VII — Required Merger of Parcels
  170. Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
  171. Article I — Exemptions and Waivers
  172. Article II — Tentative Maps, Filing and Review Procedures
  173. Article III — Vesting Tentative Map
  174. Article IV — Final Maps
  175. Article V — Lot Line Adjustment
  176. Article VII — Required Merger of Parcels
  177. Article I — Dedications
  178. Title 17
  179. Chapter 17.05 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
  180. Article VI
  181. Chapter 17.06 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
  182. Chapter 17.07 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
  183. Chapter 17.08 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
  184. Chapter 17.09 — SPECIFIC PLAN AREAS
  185. Article I — Specific Plan Area No. 1
  186. Article XII
  187. Article XIV — Specific Plan Area No. 14
  188. Article XV — Specific Plan Area No. 15
  189. Chapter 17.01 — ADMINISTRATION
  190. Article II — Establishment of Zones, and Limiting the Uses of …
  191. Article III — Permits, Licenses and Violations
  192. Article IV — Nonconforming Buildings and Uses
  193. Article I — Procedure, Hearing, Notices
  194. Article II — Consistency with Hazardous Waste Management Plan
  195. Article III — Acquisition and Use of Public-Owned Property
  196. Article IV — Administrative Approvals and Permits
  197. Article V — Discretionary Approvals and Permits
  198. Chapter 17.03 — DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
  199. Article II — Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements
  200. Article III — Signs
  201. Article IV — Structural and Site Requirements
  202. Article 0
  203. Article I — Specific Uses in Any Zone
  204. Article II — Specific Uses in Commercial and/or Manufacturing …
  205. Article III — Specific Uses in Residential Zones
  206. Article IV — Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
  207. Article V — General Standards
  208. Article VI — Mixed Use Developments
  209. Chapter 17.05 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
  210. Article II — R-2 Zone, Multi-Family Medium Density Residential…
  211. Article III — R-3 Zone, Multi-Family High Density Residential …
  212. Article IV — R-H Zone, Residential Horse Property Zone
  213. Article V — R-4 Zone, Multi-Family High Density Residential Zone
  214. Chapter 17.06 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
  215. Article II — C-3 Zone, General Commercial Zone
  216. Article III — C-M Zone, Commercial Manufacturing Zone
  217. Article IV — C and O Zone, Commercial and Office Zone
  218. Article V — P/O Zone, Professional/Office Zone
  219. Chapter 17.07 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
  220. Article II — M-2 Zone, Heavy Manufacturing Zone
  221. Chapter 17.08 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
  222. Article II — P-F Zone, Public Facilities Overlay Zone
  223. Article III — O-S Zone, Open-Space Zone
  224. Article IV — I Zone, Institutional Zone
  225. Article V — L-W Overlay Zone, Live-Work Overlay Zone
  226. Article I — Specific Plan Area No. 1
  227. Article II — Specific Plan Area No. 2
  228. Article III — Specific Plan Area No. 3
  229. Article IV — Specific Plan Area No. 4
  230. Article V — Specific Plan Area No. 5
  231. Article VI — Specific Plan Area No. 6
  232. Article VII — Specific Plan Area No. 7
  233. Article VIII — Specific Plan Area No. 8
  234. Article IX — Specific Plan Area No. 9
  235. Article X — Specific Plan Area No. 10
  236. Article XI — Specific Plan Area No. 11
  237. Article XII — Specific Plan Area No. 12
  238. Article XIII — Specific Plan Area No. 13
  239. Article XIV — Specific Plan Area No. 14
  240. Article XV — Specific Plan Area No. 15
  241. Chapter 17.10 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ZONES
  242. Article II — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 1
  243. Article III — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 2
  244. Article IV — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 3
  245. Chapter 17.11 — ZONING APPENDICES
  246. Title 18
  247. Chapter 18.04 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROL
  248. Title PCT
  249. Title OL

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