SolarAPP+ For Solar Installers

SolarAPP+ Automated Solar Plan Reviews

Before aSolarAPPpplying for an automated solar plan review and solar permit, 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.


Richmond-specific eligibility requirements: Applicants for solar installations on historic resources must obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the Planning Division prior to submitting an application through SolarAPP+. Your solar project will require a certificate of appropriateness if the project site is listed on the Richmond Historic Register. The Planning Division will only issue a certificate of appropriateness if the solar installation can be determined consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

NOTE: An instant permit will be created for the user when all conditions below are satisfied:

  1. The contractor's CSLB license is current and valid.
  2. The City of Richmond Business Tax Certificate (Business License) is current and valid.
  3. SolarAPP+ approval is uploaded as an attachment named* SolarAPP+ Approval Documents 
  4. The signed permit application named* PAF Permit Application is uploaded as an attachment. 

*The naming convention of the attachments must be as noted above

  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 documents.
  2. Apply for a Building Permit 
    • Please visit Home - iMS for more information and to set up your account.
    • Reference the SolarAPP+ APPROVAL ID on your building permit application
    • Upload the permit documents generated by SolarAPP+
  3. Schedule an Inspection.

Find SolarAPP+ answers and resources