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Going Solar? We’re Here to Help!

The Long Beach Development Permit Center is here to guide you through the solar panel permitting process for your home.

Here’s a quick overview to help you get started with your solar residential installation:


Start your solar journey today and make powering your home cleaner and more sustainable. Our team is ready to help every step of the way.

Research & Select a Solar Contractor

Search for licensed contractors online at cslb.ca.gov and gather 3-5 quotes

Verify Eligibility for our Streamlined Permitting Process

Contact Southern California Edison and review our requirements for express permitting
 

Apply for a Permit

Download the permit application from our website and submit through the City’s online portal

Submit Payment & Start Construction

After payment is received, access your approved plans, permit, and job card in the online portal to begin construction

Schedule an Inspection

When construction is complete, use your job card or permit to schedule your inspection(s) 


Note: The process outlined above applies only to residential solar installations. More complex projects may require additional review and multiple inspections. For details on both residential and commercial Solar Photovoltaic (PV) projects, access the City's online portal.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Process

The City is committed to encouraging and supporting the installation of rooftop solar PV systems. These systems generate renewable energy, provide stable electricity and reduce pollution. The City permits such installations by reviewing, approving and issuing most construction permits electronically through our City's online portal.

Services for revisions can be completed through the over-the-counter (OTC) process. The inspection(s) for these projects can be scheduled and conducted at the convenience of the applicant upon issuance of the construction permits. Visit the Building Inspections webpage to schedule an appointment.

Submit Electronic Solar PV Plans And Applications

  • The City's Development Permit Center accepts electronic solar PV plans and applications for the installation of solar PV systems online.
  • To complete an application and submit construction documents, please visit our City's online portal and create a profile.
  • For relevant details and instructions on how to submit general projects through the OTC process, please visit Plan Review Service.

For help on submitting your application or information about an application that was previously submitted, please contact our Permit Center staff at: 562.570.PMIT (7648) or Michael.Carrera@longbeach.gov.

Instruction For Rooftop-Mounted Solar System

For rooftop-mounted solar PV systems, there is a streamlined online permitting process. If a rooftop solar PV system meets the criteria of Information Bulletin (IB-023) and the checklist, then the need for a detailed engineering analysis and formal plan review can be avoided.

If you have questions about the checklist or how to apply for an over-the-counter residential solar permit, please directly contact Michael Carrera, Permit Technician at 562.570.6076 or Michael.Carrera@longbeach.gov.

Inspection

Once the permit for the solar PV system has been issued, the installation of the system can commence. The system will be inspected to verify conformance to the PV checklist, approved construction plans, and the applicable code requirements. The construction documents, permit, and the job inspection card shall be at the site for inspection at all times. Access is required to all elements of the installation at the time of the requested inspection. All ladders necessary to conduct the inspection must be OSHA compliant and set up in conformance with prescribed safety requirements. Approval will be granted upon final inspection of the solar PV system. To schedule an inspection, please visit our Building Inspection webpage. 


Building & Safety Bureau

562.570.PMIT (7648)

411 W. Ocean Blvd., 2nd Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802

M: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
T: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
W: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
TH: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
F: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Permit Center is closed daily for lunch from Noon to 1 p.m.

411 West Ocean Blvd., 3rd Floor

Long Beach, CA 90802

562.570.LBCD (5223)

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