STREAMLINING THE RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PERMIT PROCESS
City of Sacramento offers expedited building permits for small residential rooftop solar energy systems
WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 16, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — With the Governor’s recent call for California to use more renewable energy, the City of Sacramento is making it easier to install small residential solar energy systems by offering an expedited building permit process. ThroughSacramento Streamline, homeowners and contractors are able to apply for a residential solar installation permit and receive approval in three days or less, with most being approved within one day.
The Community Development Department has issued 675 permits since January for residential solar energy. Installation is expected to increase as the permit process becomes easier and as more consumers embrace the idea of energy-efficient homes and businesses. The streamline permit process is only for residential, single unit or duplex dwellings, and the solar energy system must not exceed 10 kilowatts.
“Our goal is to make the permit process with us as fast and cost efficient as possible,” said Ryan DeVore, Director of the Community Development Department.
Streamlining the permit process for solar energy installation will encourage the effective development of solar technology, and minimize the obstacles and permit costs for installation. Residential solar permitting fees have been reduced, saving more than half in permit costs. Previously, the permit fee for a residential solar system topped $1,000; however, with the new process, fees have been reduced to $304. This permit process coincides with the state’s climate change action plan, which is encouraging the use of solar and other renewable sources of energy to improve air quality.
Learn more about the steps to getting a solar permit and incentives from SMUD by visiting the City of Sacramento Guide to Solar Energy Permits. The Community Development Department is always making an effort to streamline services to make it easier for home owners and contractors. VisitSacramento Streamline for available services.
Contact: Kelli Trapani, Communications Coordinator, 916-808-4756
