Solar permitting in Los Angeles
How to pull a solar permit, get interconnected, and understand the AHJ requirements specific to Los Angeles, with direct links to Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP).
Permit office
Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Utility
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
Permit timeline
5–15 business days (LADBS); SolarAPP+ in development
Permit fee
$200–$600 typical residential
Your solar project, step by step
- 1. Pick a licensed solar contractor. California requires C-46 Solar Contractor. Verify license status before signing. The Aora Solar directory flags state-licensed contractors with a ✓ badge.
- 2. Site survey & design. Your contractor measures the roof, evaluates shading, and proposes a system size. Get this in writing along with a panel/inverter brand list and warranty terms.
- 3. Permit submission. Your contractor pulls the permit through Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Typical permit timeline in Los Angeles is 5–15 business days (LADBS); SolarAPP+ in development.
- 4. Installation. Most residential rooftop PV installs take 1–3 days of on-site work once the permit is approved.
- 5. Inspection. Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) performs a final inspection. Schedule this through the permit office.
- 6. Interconnection & PTO. Your contractor submits the interconnection paperwork to Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Permission to Operate (PTO) typically arrives within 30–60 days of submission. You may not legally operate the system before PTO.
Resources for Los Angeles homeowners
Working under Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
Notable local requirements
- •Owner-builder permits available but most installs use a contractor.
- •Roof slope and structural attachment plan required.
- •Special seismic considerations for high-seismic LA Basin areas.
- •LADWP customers must complete the Net Energy Metering application separately.
Utility interconnection
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
Utility solar/interconnection page ↗Resources for Los Angeles installers
Broader California context
California requires C-46 Solar Contractor. Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0) is the current export compensation framework. See the full state guide for licensing requirements, interconnection rules, and incentives.
California solar permitting guide →Last reviewed 2026-06-03. Local permitting requirements change. Always verify current rules with Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) before starting a project.
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