Chapter 15.18 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS
Orange Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Orange
§ 15.18.010. Purpose and Intent.¶
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014, CA Govt. Code Section 65850.5) in order to achieve timely and cost effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This chapter encourages the use of solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the City and expanding the ability of property owners to install solar energy systems. This chapter allows the City to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety. (Ord. 06-15, 2015)
§ 15.18.020. Definitions.¶
The following words have the following meaning, as used in this chapter:
"Electronic submittal" means the utilization of electronic email or submittal via the Internet.
"Reasonable restrictions" on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.
"Restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance" means:
For water heater systems or solar swimming pool heating systems, an amount exceeding 10% of the cost of the system, but in no case more than $1,000.00 or decreasing the efficiency of the system by an amount exceeding 10%, as originally specified and proposed.
For photovoltaic systems, an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding 10% as originally specified and proposed.
"Small residential rooftop solar energy system" means all of the following:
A solar energy system that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal.
A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City, and all state and City health and safety standards.
- A solar energy system that is installed on a single or two family dwelling.
- A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the City.
"Solar energy system" means either of the following:
- Any solar collector or other solar energy device whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating, space cooling,
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/OR5214 on 2026-07-07
City of Orange, CA § 15.18.020
ORANGE CODE
§ 15.18.050
electric generation, or water heating.
- Any structural design feature of a building, whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation, space heating or cooling, or for water heating.
"Specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete. (Ord. 06-15, 2015)
§ 15.18.030. Applicability.¶
A. This chapter applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the City.
B. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter are not subject to the requirements of this chapter unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of a small rooftop energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like/kind replacements shall not require a permit.
C. Design review may be required for historic properties as determined by the Community Development Director.
(Ord. 06-15, 2015)
§ 15.18.040. Solar Energy System Requirements.¶
A. All solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the State and the City.
B. Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences and for heating water in commercial or swimming pool applications shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code.
C. Solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.
(Ord. 06-15, 2015)
§ 15.18.050. Applications and Documents.¶
A. All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available on the City website.
B. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by email, or the internet shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.
C. The City's Building and Safety Division shall adopt a standard plan and checklist of all
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/OR5214 on 2026-07-07
City of Orange, CA
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
§ 15.18.050
§ 15.18.060
requirements small residential rooftop solar energy systems must comply with to be eligible for expedited review.
D. The small residential rooftop solar system permit process, 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.
(Ord. 06-15, 2015)
§ 15.18.060. Permit Review and Inspection Requirements.¶
A. The Chief Building Official shall implement an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. The Building Division shall issue a building permit on the same day for over-the-counter applications or within one business day for electronic applications upon receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan. The Chief Building Official may require an applicant to apply for an Administrative Use Permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety.
B. Review of the application shall be limited to the Chief Building Official's determination of whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements.
C. If an Administrative Use Permit is required, the City may deny such application if it makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the adverse impact. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Such decisions may be appealed to the Planning Commission.
D. Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.
E. "A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the City on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit. The City shall use its best efforts to ensure that the selected method, condition, or mitigation meets the conditions of California Civil Code Section 714 defining restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance.
F. If an application is deemed incomplete, a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance shall be sent to the applicant for re-submittal.
G. Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building and Safety Division for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
H. The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and should include consolidated inspections.
I. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/OR5214 on 2026-07-07
City of Orange, CA
ORANGE CODE
§ 15.18.060
§ 15.18.060
is authorized. (Ord. 06-15, 2015)
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/OR5214 on 2026-07-07
City of Orange, CA
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Orange Municipal Code
- Title 1
- Title 2
- Chapter 2.50 — AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.49 — STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY
- Chapter 2.52 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.80 — ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORANGE MUNICIPAL CODE
- Chapter 2.02
- Chapter 2.04 — CITY COUNCIL—MEETINGS
- Chapter 2.05 — TERM LIMITS—CITY COUNCIL AND MAYOR
- Chapter 2.07
- Chapter 2.08 — CITY COUNCIL COMPENSATION
- Chapter 2.09 — CITY COUNCIL HEALTH AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS
- Chapter 2.10 — CAMPAIGN REFORM
- Chapter 2.11
- Chapter 2.12 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST
- Chapter 2.13 — LOBBYIST REGISTRATION AND REPORTING
- Chapter 2.14 — CANDIDATE FILING FEE
- Chapter 2.15 — GIFTS TO PUBLIC OFFICIALS
- Chapter 2.16 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.20 — ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE
- Chapter 2.22 — DEPARTMENT OF LAW
- Chapter 2.26 — DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
- Chapter 2.28 — DEPARTMENT OF CITY CLERK SERVICES
- Chapter 2.30 — DEPARTMENT OF POLICE
- Chapter 2.32 — DEPARTMENT OF FIRE
- Chapter 2.34 — DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
- Chapter 2.38 — DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
- Chapter 2.40 — LIBRARY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.42 — DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
- Chapter 2.45
- Chapter 2.46 — (RESERVED)[1 ]
- Chapter 2.48 — HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
- Chapter 2.49 — STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY
- Chapter 2.50 — AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.51 — INVESTMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
- Chapter 2.52 — INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.55
- Chapter 2.60 — PARK PLANNING AND COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.62 — SANTIAGO CREEK COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.64 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.68 — DISASTER COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.72 — PUBLIC LIBRARY
- Chapter 2.76 — (RESERVED)[2 ]
- Chapter 2.80 — ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORANGE MUNICIPAL CODE
- Title 3
- Chapter 3.04 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.08 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
- Chapter 3.10 — MASTER SCHEDULE OF FEES
- Chapter 3.11 — MAJOR THOROUGHFARE AND BRIDGE FEE PROGRAM
- Chapter 3.13 — POLICE FACILITY DEVELOPMENT FEE
- Chapter 3.16 — CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
- Chapter 3.20 — DISPOSITION OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 3.24 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.25 — SALES TAX SHARING PROGRAM
- Chapter 3.40 — PARK FACILITIES FEES
- Chapter 3.50 — LIBRARY FACILITIES FEES
- Title 5
- Chapter 5.02 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 5.49 — ALCOHOL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS AND SERVER TRAINING
- Chapter 5.88 — ENTERTAINMENT PREMISES
- Chapter 5.02 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 5.06
- Chapter 5.08 — BUSINESS SERVICES COORDINATOR
- Chapter 5.10 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 5.12 — ADJUSTMENTS
- Chapter 5.14 — BUSINESS TAX RATES
- Chapter 5.15 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 5.16 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 5.17
- Chapter 5.30 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 5.32
- Chapter 5.34 — BUSINESS PERMITS—REVOCATION
- Chapter 5.37 — ANTIQUE SHOPS
- Chapter 5.41 — COIN SHOPS
- Chapter 5.42 — CONCEALABLE FIREARMS SELLERS' PERMIT
- Chapter 5.43
- Chapter 5.44
- Chapter 5.45 — FILMING ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 5.46 — FOOD HANDLING BUSINESS
- Chapter 5.47
- Chapter 5.48 — FOOD HANDLING FACILITIES—TEMPORARY
- Chapter 5.49
- Chapter 5.50 — GOING-OUT-OF-BUSINESS SALE
- Chapter 5.52 — HANDBILLS
- Chapter 5.53 — MOBILE VENDING VEHICLE PROGRAM
- Chapter 5.54
- Chapter 5.55
- Chapter 5.56
- Chapter 5.58
- Chapter 5.59 — PROCESSIONS
- Chapter 5.63 — PLAZA BANNERS
- Chapter 5.64 — SOLICITING
- Chapter 5.66 — SOLICITORS
- Chapter 5.68 — SOUND VEHICLE
- Chapter 5.72 — SPECIAL PAGEANTS
- Chapter 5.74 — SWAP MEET
- Chapter 5.76 — TOW TRUCKS
- Chapter 5.79
- Chapter 5.80 — VENDING MACHINES
- Chapter 5.81 — EXTERIOR PAY TELEPHONE FACILITIES
- Chapter 5.82 — WIPING RAG BUSINESS
- Chapter 5.84 — X-RAY UNITS
- Chapter 5.86 — SEXUALLY ORIENTED/ADULT BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.88 — ENTERTAINMENT PREMISES
- Chapter 5.89 — CANNABIS BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.90 — DANCE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.91 — MOBILE NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM
- Chapter 5.92 — NEWSRACKS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 5.94 — SHORT TERM RENTAL BUSINESSES
- Chapter 5.95 — BINGO
- Chapter 5.98 — AMUSEMENT ACTIVITIES
- Chapter 5.99 — STREET SPORTS EVENTS
- Chapter 5.100 — TOBACCO RETAILERS
- Title 6
- Chapter 6.04 — ANIMAL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 6.04 — ANIMAL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 6.08 — BIRDS AND BEES
- Title 7
- Chapter 7.01
- Chapter 7.02
- Title 8
- Chapter 8.04
- Chapter 8.06 — ABATEMENT OF UNATTENDED SHOPPING CARTS
- Chapter 8.24 — NOISE CONTROL
- Chapter 8.26 — LEAF BLOWERS
- Chapter 8.28
- Chapter 8.29 — SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL REDUCTION
- Chapter 8.30
- Chapter 8.31 — CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE DISPOSAL REDU…
- Title 9
- Chapter 9.10 — REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 9.37 — SOLICITATION FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.35 — TRESPASSING UPON BUSINESS PREMISES
- Chapter 9.04 — FALSE ALARMS
- Chapter 9.08 — OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC DECENCY
- Chapter 9.09 — DISPLAY OF MATTER HARMFUL TO MINORS
- Chapter 9.10 — REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER RESTRICTIONS
- Chapter 9.11 — LIMITS ON PAROLEE DOMICILE
- Chapter 9.12 — GAMBLING
- Chapter 9.16
- Chapter 9.20 — HYPNOTISM
- Chapter 9.24 — TORT CLAIMS
- Chapter 9.28 — CURFEW FOR MINORS
- Chapter 9.32 — WEAPONS
- Chapter 9.34
- Chapter 9.35 — TRESPASSING UPON BUSINESS PREMISES
- Chapter 9.37 — SOLICITATION FROM PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.39 — PARTIES
- Chapter 9.40 — UNWARRANTED 911 CALLS
- Chapter 9.44 — NITROUS OXIDE
- Chapter 9.45 — KRATOM PRODUCTS
- Title 10
- Chapter 10.02 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.34 — LIMITED PARKING
- Chapter 10.02 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.04 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 10.06 — CITY TRAFFIC COMMISSION
- Chapter 10.08 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 10.14 — SPEED LIMITS
- Chapter 10.18 — PRIVATE STREETS
- Chapter 10.22 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 10.26 — CURB MARKINGS
- Chapter 10.30 — PARKING REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 10.34 — LIMITED PARKING
- Chapter 10.38 — PROHIBITED PARKING
- Chapter 10.40 — PARKING METERS
- Chapter 10.42 — OFF-STREET PARKING LOTS
- Chapter 10.43 — PRIVATE PARKING VEHICLE IMPOUND FEE
- Chapter 10.46 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 10.50 — STOP INTERSECTIONS
- Chapter 10.54 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 10.59 — NO PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ZONE
- Chapter 10.62 — LOADING ZONES
- Chapter 10.66 — TRUCK ROUTES
- Chapter 10.67
- Chapter 10.70 — VIOLATION—APPEARANCE
- Chapter 10.74
- Chapter 10.75 — REMOVAL OF VEHICLES FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 10.83
- Title 12
- Chapter 12.02
- Chapter 12.04 — DATUM PLANE
- Chapter 12.08 — PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 12.16 — OBSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 12.18 — OUTDOOR DINING ON PUBLIC WALKWAYS
- Chapter 12.20 — STREET EXCAVATION
- Chapter 12.24 — SAND, GRAVEL AND MINERAL EXTRACTION
- Chapter 12.32
- Chapter 12.36 — HOUSE MOVING
- Chapter 12.40 — HOUSE NUMBERING AND STREET NAMING
- Chapter 12.44
- Chapter 12.48 — PARK ORDINANCE
- Chapter 12.50 — DRUG-FREE ZONES
- Chapter 12.52 — RIGHT-OF-WAY DEDICATION AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCT…
- Chapter 12.58 — CLOSING OR RESTRICTING USE OF CITY STREETS
- Chapter 12.64
- Chapter 12.66 — ENCAMPMENT AND CAMPING PROHIBITED
- Title 13
- Article I — Water System
- Article III — Cable Television System
- Chapter 13.96 — FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
- Chapter 13.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 13.08 — APPLICATION FOR WATER SERVICE
- Chapter 13.20 — SERVICE OUTSIDE CITY
- Chapter 13.28 — DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE
- Chapter 13.56 — SEWER MAINS
- Chapter 13.60 — SANITATION AND SEWAGE CHARGES
- Chapter 13.66
- Chapter 13.80 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 13.81
- Chapter 13.82 — FRANCHISE REGULATIONS FOR VIDEO SERVICE PROVID…
- Chapter 13.84 — SERVICES AND SERVICE AREA
- Chapter 13.86
- Chapter 13.88 — RATES AND CHARGES
- Chapter 13.89 — CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS
- Chapter 13.90 — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
- Chapter 13.92 — RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
- Chapter 13.96
- Title 15
- Chapter 15.04 — CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.04 — CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.05 — CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 15.08 — UNIFORM HOUSING CODE
- Chapter 15.12 — CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.16 — CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 15.17 — CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.18 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS EXPEDI…
- Chapter 15.19 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Chapter 15.20 — UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BU…
- Chapter 15.24 — CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.31 — CITY OF ORANGE WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
- Chapter 15.32 — CITY OF ORANGE FIRE CODE
- Chapter 26 — Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging. [Deleted]
- Chapter 80 — Referenced Standards
- Chapter 15.33 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
- Chapter 15.34 — BLASTING PERMITS
- Chapter 15.36 — FIRE DISTRICTS
- Chapter 15.38 — FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES PROGRAM
- Chapter 15.41 — TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
- Chapter 15.52 — BUILDING SECURITY STANDARDS
- Chapter 15.53 — CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.54 — CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 15.55 — INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
- Chapter 15.57 — CALIFORNIA HISTORIC BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.60 — FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION
- Title 16
- Chapter 16.20 — IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
- Chapter 16.28 — ENFORCEMENT AND JUDICIAL REVIEW
- Chapter 16.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 16.08 — MAPS
- Chapter 16.12 — PROCEDURE
- Chapter 16.16 — REQUIREMENTS—DEDICATIONS—FEES
- Chapter 16.20 — IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
- Chapter 16.24 — REVERSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
- Chapter 16.28 — ENFORCEMENT AND JUDICIAL REVIEW
- Title 17
- Chapter 17.02 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 17.06 — ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAP
- Chapter 17.10 — SPECIFIC ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
- Chapter 17.24 — PUBLIC INSTITUTION DISTRICT
- Chapter 17.29 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY …
- Chapter 17.02 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 17.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 17.06 — ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAP
- Chapter 17.08 — GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
- Chapter 17.10 — SPECIFIC ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
- Chapter 17.12 — GENERAL REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 17.13 — MASTER LAND USE TABLE
- Chapter 17.14 — RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 17.15 — DENSITY BONUS
- Chapter 17.16 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS
- Chapter 17.17 — HISTORIC DISTRICTS
- Chapter 17.18 — COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 17.19 — MIXED USE DISTRICTS
- Chapter 17.20 — INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS
- Chapter 17.22 — AGRICULTURAL AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS
- Chapter 17.24 — PUBLIC INSTITUTION DISTRICT
- Chapter 17.26 — PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTRICT
- Chapter 17.28 — OVERLAY DISTRICTS
- Chapter 17.29 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY …
- Chapter 17.30 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROLS
- Chapter 17.32 — SAND AND GRAVEL EXTRACTION DISTRICT
- Chapter 17.34 — OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
- Chapter 17.36 — SIGN REGULATIONS
- Chapter 17.38 — NONCONFORMING USES
- Chapter 17.42 — HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITIES
- Chapter 17.44 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
- Chapter 17.46 — SPECIAL EVENTS
- Chapter OL
- Chapter RC