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Solar Submittal
Installing solar energy systems is one of the best ways to increase the value of your property, save on your monthly energy bills, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Complete all of the required permitting and project documents
- Agree to all Eligibility Checklist requirements
- All supporting documentation as requested per the application.
- Roof mounting manufacturer’s product specification/installation sheets
- PV system manufacturer’s specification sheets for listed solar modules; inverter; J-boxes; disconnects and any other system components making up the PV design
- Documentation from Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for the fire classification of the PV module and rail assembly showing that together they create a Class A fire rating
If you are considering installing solar panels on your home, please note that sunny roof space is required. You can check the capacity of your home by visiting LA County Solar Map.
Submit your Checklist & Application & Plans
Please click here to submit plans 👉🏽 eTrakit System.
Project Permitting and Inspection
- Building & Safety Division will process and review application documents and email a permit and approved plans
- Request a final inspection
- Have a hard copy of the approved plans and a field representative present on the day of inspection
EXPEDITED PERMITTING PROCESS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS (EVCS)
There are two types of Electric Vehicle chargers - Level 1 and Level 2. An Electric Permit may be required to install an Electrical Vehicle Charging Station. Please see Level 1 and Level 2 for descriptions.
LEVEL 1
Level 1 chargers are smaller units that plug directly into a standard 120-volt receptacle outlet. These types of chargers do not require a permit from the Building Division as long as there are no changes to the electrical system to provide the 120-volt receptacle. Any changes to an electrical system require a permit prior to commencing the work.
LEVEL 2
Level 2 charging systems require a 240-volt electrical circuit. Level 2 charger installations typically require an electrical permit and inspections of the installation. In order to obtain the permit, you will need to provide some basic information demonstrating electrical service capacity for the added load.
FOR EXTERIOR EV CHARGING UNITS
Contact the Planning Division at 310-544-5287 or at planning@rpvca.gov to obtain the specific development standards applicable to your property’s zoning district. In summary, exterior EV charging units must be located outside of all required setbacks and shall not reduce the required parking dimensions of 9’ x 20’ per required parking space. On non-residential properties, converting an existing parking space to exclusive use for EV charging will constitute a loss of a parking space.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Complete an application form (PDF). Only complete the items that apply to your project on the application. This includes job site address, owners name, scope of work, location of EV Charger etc.
- Exterior EV Chargers are required to obtain Planning Approval prior to submitting to Building & Safety Division. click here for SITE PLAN REVIEW APPLICATION
- Provide a site plan that is drawn to scale and with full dimensions and the following information:
- Location and size and use of all structures on site.
- Location and size of the electrical panel for the charging system.
- The type of charging system required for the unit.
- Indicate if mechanical, or non-mechanical ventilation is required and where it would be installed as part of the permit.
- Electrical load calculation worksheet.
PLAN CHECK AND PERMIT SUBMITTAL PROCESS
- Submit materials via one of the following methods:
- Over the Counter Submittal – Please bring your completed permit application, checklist, electrical load calculations, and your site plan to City Hall. The submission shall be done by the owner or a licensed contractor and submitted to the Building and Safety Division; or
- Electronic Submittal – A completed application and site plan shall be submitted by email to buildingsafety@rpvca.gov for processing.
- Plan Review – An electronic submittal will be processed within 1-3 business days of the submittal date.
- Fees – Certain fees are adjusted periodically by the State of California with the remaining fees based on the City of Rancho Palos Verdes current adopted fee schedule. Please confer with your assigned Building Permit Technician upon submittal for fees.
- Inspections - Once all permits have been issued and work has begun, you must call for a rough electrical inspection. Once the inspector provides an approval, you may proceed to the completion of the project and installation of the Electric Vehicle Charging Station. Once a final inspection is conducted and approved by the City inspector, the permit is deemed final and complete.
City’s Implementation of Los Angeles County Policy:
Electrical Energy Storage Systems Review
Los Angeles County Fire Code Section 1206.1 provides: “The provisions in this section are applicable to energy storage systems designed to provide electrical power to a building or facility. These systems are used to provide standby or emergency power, an uninterruptable power supply, load shedding, load sharing or similar capabilities. Energy storage systems in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall be in accordance with Sections 1206.2.1 and 1206.4. Approved signage is required for all installations.
” To see the full text of this fire code policy, visit the Los Angeles County website at: https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT32FICO_1206.1SC
The County Fire Department will review all Energy Storage Systems (ESS/BESS) as some installations have been found to be noncompliant with Los Angeles County Fire Code Section 1206. It should be noted that the County Code is more restrictive than the State Code in this section.
Any project with Solar and Battery Storage will require County Fire Department approval. Email all plan submittals to FIRE-FPCalabasas@fire.lacounty.gov with the following information in the subject line: Address, City, Description including company name, roof mounted solar back-up battery or ground mounted solar back-up battery. The County is specifically looking at the ESS but will comment on the solar projects if any discrepancies are noted.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes will continue to review traditional solar arrays/panels for compliance with the most recent County adoption of California Building Code Residential Code R324, including section R324.7 Access and Pathways. All photovoltaic system installations require an approval from the Planning Department prior to requesting a permit. For detailed information, view the City’s Photovoltaic Systems Guide: Plan Check and Inspection Requirements. Permits will be issued upon demonstration of approval from the County Fire Department. Final approval of issued permits will not be given until compliance is verified by City Building Safety staff.
One- and Two-Family Dwellings
Documents & Forms
- Permit Application
- Inspection Checklist Guide for PV Systems (PDF)
- EV-Charge-Unit-Requirements
- Solar Photo-Voltaic System for SFD Submittal Requirements (PDF)
- Eligibility Checklist for Expedited Solar PV Permitting (PDF)
- Submittal Requirements for Solar Water Heating Installations 30kWth or Less (PDF)
- Solar Domestic Water Heating Standard Plan (PDF)
- Eligibility Checklist for Expedited Solar Domestic Water Heating Permitting (PDF)
- Submittal Requirements Bulletin - Solar PV Installations 10kW or Less (PDF)
- Solar PV Standard Plan - Simplified Microinverter and ACM Systems (PDF)
- Solar PV Standard Plan - Simplified Central/String Inverter Systems (PDF)
- Building Safety Master Fee Schedule 2022
Contact Us
-
Questions or Comments:
Tel: (310) 544-5280
Email: buildingsafety@rpvca.gov
Building Official
David Rasor
Tel: (310)-544-5321
Email: drasor@rpvca.gov
Inspection Request
E-Request
Tel: (310) 544-5279
Office Location
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:30am - 5:30pm
(closed noon to 1pm)
Friday
7:30am - 4:30pm
(closed noon to 1pm)
Saturday - Sunday
Closed
Technical Inquiries
Monday - Friday
7:30am - 8:30am
4pm - Closing
Allowable Construction Hours
Monday - Friday
7am - 6pm
Saturday
9am - 5pm
Sunday or Legal Holidays
No work allowed, unless a Special Construction Permit is obtained from the director. Said permit must be requested at least 48 hours before work.
Staff Directory
Contact Us
-
Questions or Comments:
Tel: (310) 544-5280
Email: buildingsafety@rpvca.gov
Building Official
David Rasor
Tel: (310)-544-5321
Email: drasor@rpvca.gov
Inspection Request
E-Request
Tel: (310) 544-5279
Office Location
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:30am - 5:30pm
(closed noon to 1pm)
Friday
7:30am - 4:30pm
(closed noon to 1pm)
Saturday - Sunday
Closed
Technical Inquiries
Monday - Friday
7:30am - 8:30am
4pm - Closing
Allowable Construction Hours
Monday - Friday
7am - 6pm
Saturday
9am - 5pm
Sunday or Legal Holidays
No work allowed, unless a Special Construction Permit is obtained from the director. Said permit must be requested at least 48 hours before work.
Staff Directory