• Main dwelling rooftop, permitted, residential structures only.
• Licensed Contractors Only (Non-licensed/owner-builders must apply for a regular Solar Permit with a regular Plan Check process.)
• Please review the SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist for acceptable projects.
• Solar projects non-eligible for the Automated Plan Review must apply for a regular Solar Permit with a Regular Plan Check Process.

• Submit Solar/Photovoltaic design at solarapp.nrel.gov.
• Click Login or Register to get started.
• Have Contractors license information available to complete this step.
• A processing fee will be charged by SolarApp+ NREL.
• You will be provided with a SolarAPP+ Approval Document, which is generated ONLY when approved.
• An Inspection Checklist will be generated ONLY when approved. See inspection checklist sample.
• All the applicable permit fees will be assessed per the City of Santa Cruz Master Fee Schedule. Follow the prompts to make permit fees payment online.
• Print the provided permit documents.

• SolarAPP+ will email directly to City of Santa Cruz copies of the Approval Document and Inspection Checklist.
• You will receive an email containing the City of Santa Cruz permit number (for example, 20231482), which is needed for scheduling inspections.
• For Revisions (see the SolarAPP+ Revisions section below).

• Field solar representative shall verify the inspection checklist and sign the document confirming completion prior to inspection.
• Inspections can be scheduled for issued permits by calling (831) 420-5110. Inspections will be posted by 8 a.m. the morning of scheduled inspection. To contact the Building Division, email bcounter@cityofsantacruz.com or call (831) 420-5120.
• The Permit, SolarApp+ Approval Document, and Inspection Checklist and specifications must be printed for inspection and at the job site at all times for inspection purposes.
• A reinspection fee will be applied if work is not ready or if the Permit and Approval documents are not printed and at the job site or if revisions are not completed via SolarApp+ prior to scheduling an inspection.

Important Notes About Scheduling 

• Inspection requests made after 2 pm do not have the option for the next business day; rather they are scheduled for the second business day to allow us to schedule our routes.
• Inspection requests submitted through voicemail are not guaranteed and should always be confirmed with admin or building staff.
• The fastest way to check your timeframe is to visit www.cityofsantacruz.com/inspections

• Scheduled inspections may be cancelled or changed by calling (831) 420-5110. Please give at least an hour’s notice before changing or cancelling an appointment.

• ANY proposed changes to previously approved plans shall be submitted for review/approval, prior to doing the work and prior to scheduling an inspection, and a plan change fee shall be assessed.
• Submit your revision through SolarAPP+ first (solarapp.nrel.gov).
• Follow Steps 2, 3, and 4 above.
• You will be provided with a revised SolarAPP+ Approval Document and Inspection List.
• Download and Print your Approval Document, Inspection List, and permit documents.
• If the scope of the revision makes the project ineligible for use of SolarAPP+, please us to coordinate the revision submittal process.