PlainPermit

Do I need a permit for solar panels in San Francisco, CA?

Short answer: It depends on the details for solar panels in San Francisco, CA (for example: Electrical permit may be required).

Last verified: · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.
Depends on your project Confidence: high

A small residential rooftop solar system on a non-landmark building needs no building permit, but an electrical or other permit may be required.

What changes the answer

Cost

Fee not extracted; see the DBI fee schedules. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.sf.gov/where-to-apply-for-your-permit

Where to apply

San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (PermitSF portal)

Permitting authority: San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI). City and County of San Francisco. Planning Department review may be needed even when DBI does not require a permit, especially for exterior work. See also: how to apply for a building permit.

Official sources

“A small residential rooftop solar energy system, as defined in Section 106A.1.15.1, installed on a building that is not a designated landmark. An electrical permit or other permit may be required depending on the system.”

Source: https://www.sf.gov/information/check-if-your-project-needs-permit

Verified: · Status: verified · Confidence: high

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Other projects in San Francisco

Solar panels permits elsewhere in California

Solar panels permits in other cities

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