Go Green | Carlsbad, CA

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Residential solar permitting with SolarAPP+

SolarAPP+ (Solar Automated Permit Processing+) is an automated online permitting platform that allows licensed contractors and installers to apply for permits for standard residential rooftop solar and storage systems. Recent state law requires most cities and counties in California to adopt this system to streamline the permitting process for certain types of residential solar projects.

This program offers a quick and efficient way to apply for and obtain a solar permit with minimal processing delays. Residential solar permits are issued immediately after an applicant receives approval from SolarAPP+ and applies on the Customer Self Service online portal.

Learn more about SolarAPP+

Electric vehicle and equipment checklist

The City of Carlsbad has adopted an ordinance that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations consistent with state law and the city’s Climate Action Plan.

Streamlined Permitting: EV Charging Station / AB 1236 Compliance

In developing an expedited permitting process, the city adopted a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply in order to be eligible for expedited review. A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the checklist, as determined by the city, shall be deemed complete within five business days. Upon submission and meeting the requirements of the checklist the city will issue all required permits or authorizations. New legislation (Assembly Bill 970) allows 20 business days (applications for 25 or less EV chargers) or 40 business days (applications for 26 or more EV chargers) for permit approval.

Please refer to the resources list below for links to the city ordinance, building permit application and electric vehicle checklist. Also provided is an Informational Bulletin that provides additional detail and information about how the expedited program works, as well as links to important resources/information.

Please note that the city refers to the recommendations contained in the most current version of the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” of the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook” published by the Office of Planning and Research.

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Climate Action Plan

The City of Carlsbad adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2015 to help the city reach future reductions in greenhouse gases. Since then, the city adopted five Climate Action Plan implementation measures that influence building design, construction standards, or other requirements.

Unless otherwise stated, these measures impact both residential and non-residential permit types. Carlsbad now has enhanced requirements that cover:

Building energy efficiency
Photovoltaic (non-residential*)
Alternative hot water heating
Electric vehicle charging
Transportation Demand Management (non-residential)

*Photovoltaic requirements affect applications on residential projects with the adoption of the 2019 CALGreen Code.

Building permit applications will need to comply with these new requirements. To help you determine if these requirements apply to your project, please review the Climate Action Plan Consistency checklist (form B-50).