Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

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New Solar Panel Permitting Process

The City of Thousand Oaks has launched an efficient solar panel permitting process for licensed contractors needing to obtain permits on residential properties in accordance with SB379. This permit is for solar panels and battery permits of 38.4 KW or less.

Our pilot program launched on September 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, for participating contractors. Thank you to those who participated! This program is now available for all electrical licensed contractors.

SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEMS

Installing solar panels on a new or existing building requires a permit from the City of Thousand Oaks Building & Safety Division. This page provides guidance on options and systems to ensure your panels will be installed in the safest and most effective way.

The State of California Solar Permit Guidebook can help develop the necessary documentation to effectively install a safe system and efficiently obtain a permit.

Types of Permits

1. Standard Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit

A standard Solar PV permit can be used for all solar installations regardless of the size, location, and system that need other related work.

2. Pre-Approved OR Preauthorized Solar Inspection Permit

The SolarApp+ permit type is an express permit that allows instant permit issuance for complaint systems to licensed contractors installing on residential properties. This permit type requires an account with SolarApp+ company and incurs additional processing fees.

Qualifications for SolarApp+ Permit cannot exceed 38.4 KW A/C in size and only qualified licensed contractors (B, C-10, and C-46) can apply.

Type of Solar Permit Needed

Solar Panel System Sizes	Residential Roof Mounted	All Ground Mounted Solar	Commercial Roof Mounted	All Parking Shade Structures
1 – 38.4 Kilowatts (A/C)	State Solar Permit*(New SolarApp+)	Standard Permit	Standard Permit	Standard Permit
38.5 Kilowatts (A/C)or more	Standard Permit	Standard Permit	Standard Permit	Standard Permit

* For qualifying projects only. Projects that do not qualify can be permitted with the Standard Solar Permit.

Re-Roofing a Building that has Solar Panels?

Replacing the roof on a building with existing solar panels requires an electrical permit and a roofing permit. The following requirements are to be provided to obtain the electrical permit to remove and reinstall the solar panels without change. Changing or replacing the solar panel location, type, and size requires a solar permit.

Reroof permit – to be obtained by a licensed roofing company with a valid C-39 license.
Electrical permit – to reinstall the same solar panels in the same location as the previous installation shall be obtained by a qualified licensed contractor (B, C-10, and C-46).

Required documents would include:

Combo permit application detailing the quantity of panels to be removed and replaced.
Site plan showing the existing roof layout.
As available, the original approved solar plans and/or permit number.

Applying for a Solar Permit

Technical Requirements and Disclaimers

General Requirements

City of Thousand Oaks Municipal Code requires all roofs and Solar systems to be fire rated Class A including racking system in accordance with UL1703 as locally amended in the California Building Code and Residential Code sections 8-1.14, 8-1.25, and 8-7.06.

State Solar Permit (SolarApp+) Disclaimers

This State Solar Permit is only valid for the equipment and materials proposed on the SolarAPP+ online application only. Any supplemental work associated with the installation of this system and which is not included in the application detail requires a separate permit from the Community Development Department Building and Safety Division of the City of Thousand Oaks.

This permit is for roof-mounted solar on residential properties only. Ballasted, ground mounted, and car-port systems require a standard solar permit and are not eligible for the SolarAPP+ permit type.

Any approval obtained from the SolarAPP+ web-based system is not a construction permit until applied for and submitted to the City of Thousand Oaks, the permit fees have been paid in full, and the City issues a SolarAPP+ permit via www.toaks.org/TO24.
State Solar Permits are issued specifically to the California Licensed Contractor selected to perform the work identified in the SolarAPP+ and cannot be transferred. Transfer of the permit voids the SolarAPP+ and City of Thousand Oaks State Solar Permit.

It shall be the duty of the owner or the owner's authorized agent to cause the work to remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes in accordance with the California Building Code Section 110.1 and California Residential Code Section R109.3.

Any additional fees associated with the SolarAPP+ web-based services are independent and not associated with the City of Thousand Oaks. SolarAPP+ fee matters shall be addressed with SolarAPP+ company Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.