Licensed contractors can now use SolarAPP+ and the City of Santa Rosa's Accela Citizen’s Access (ACA) for instantaneous permitting of new residential rooftop solar only (not including Energy Storage Systems). Owner-builders can go here for application options.

What is SolarAPP+

It's an automated online application for instantaneous permitting of new residential rooftop solar installations. 

Why use SolarAPP+:

• Obtain a permit without needing a full plan diagram (refer to the Eligibility Checklist)
• Expedites installation with instantaneous permit issuance once you've completed the application process

How to use SolarAPP+ and Accela Citizen’s Access to get a permit

Before applying for an automated solar plan review and solar permit in SolarAPP+, projects must follow certain requirements. At this time, SolarAPP+ is designed to provide a code-compliance check for the majority of residential, roof-mounted, retrofit photovoltaic systems. To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the Eligibility Checklist. Only projects that conform to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting. 

1. Submit for automated review through SolarAPP+

• To start using SolarAPP+, register and submit your design through the SolarAPP+ webpage.
• A processing fee will be charged by SolarAPP+. Download the approved plans.

2. After registering with SolarAPP+, you can apply for a building permit directly:  

• Go to the online City of Santa Rosa Permit Center (Citizen Portal).
• Log into your online account; or register for an account, if you do not have one.
• Click on the Building category for Residential Addition/Alteration 
• Follow the on-screen prompts to fill out the application, making sure to select that you have approval from SolarAPP+ and enter the SolarAPP+ approval ID number you were issued by SolarAPP+. 
• Once you have paid all applicable fees, the system will prompt you to upload the required documentation. 
• The permit will be immediately issued after your uploaded documents are verified.
• Approved SolarApp+ documents, the Building Permit, and Inspection Card must be printed and be available on-site for inspection. Inspectors will verify the approved project documents in the field.

3. Schedule an Inspection:

Inspections can be scheduled electronically using one of the three methods below.

• Inspections may be requested through the automated phone system (SELECTRON) 
  • The City of Santa Rosa Automated Building Inspection Request System (SELECTRON) is an automated system that allows callers to use a phone to schedule and cancel inspections from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. seven days a week. 
  • The phone number for the automated inspection request VOICE line is (707) 543-3006; respond to the prompts accordingly.   
  • Please have your permit number and the three-digit code(s) for the inspection(s) being requested prior to calling the inspection request line and following the prompts. 
  • The deadline for calling the automated inspection request phone line to schedule an inspection for the next day is 2:30 p.m. the day before the inspection is desired. NEXT-DAY INSPECTIONS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED IF THE SCHEDULE IS FULL.
• Inspections may be requested by TEXT at (833) 692-5526; text "menu" or any keyword to the text number above and respond to the prompts accordingly. 
• Inspections may be requested online through the website. Approved registration is required to use the website to schedule inspections. 
  • The link to the website is https://citizen.srcity.org/citizenaccess. An instructional handout is available. The deadline for requesting an inspection through the website is 11:59 p.m. the night before the inspection is desired. NEXT-DAY INSPECTIONS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED IF THE SCHEDULE IS FULL. Inspections may be requested by calling the office at (707) 543-3200, option 1, by 4:30 p.m. the day before the inspection is desired. NEXT-DAY INSPECTIONS WILL NOT BE PROVIDED IF THE SCHEDULE IS FULL. Cancellations may be requested by calling the office.