Residential Solar Roof-Mounted Permit Process

Access the online Virtual Development Services (VDS) customer portal to submit applications here. 

Plan Check Process

Prior to permit issuance, applicants are required to demonstrate that the project is in compliance with local and state regulations. This process is called Plan Check. 

The plan check process may be completed by using the following application. 

By SolarApp+

SolarApp+ is a third-party platform created by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in collaboration with the California Energy Commission, key code officials, local agencies, and the solar industry to develop automated standardized plan review and permitting software.  

Please note that the use of the SolarApp+ platform is completely voluntary.

Plan Review Steps:

  1. Verify your project is eligible for automated plan review via the Installer webpage on the SolarApp+ platform. Specific information is found at the bottom of the webpage. 
  2. Create a SolarApp+ account. 
  3. Fill out the project questionnaire and pay the administrative fee. This fee is not a City fee and is paid during the review process. 
  4. Apply separately with the Chino Valley Fire District to obtain Fire approval for the project. 
  5. Once the project has been approved by SolarApp+ and the Chino Valley Fire District, the following items will be required for permit issuance: 
    1. A signed Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector/Alarm form (PDF); and
    2. A copy of the project specific SolarApp+ approval packet; and
    3. A copy of the Fire District approved project plans.

Permit Process

Photovoltaic permits are records that demonstrate that projects are constructed per approved plans. Compliance with local ordinances and state regulations will be verified through inspections during the installation process. Permits can be obtained by the following process

Once the plan check process is complete and the plans are approved, the project is eligible for permit issuance. Apply online through the customer portal. PDFs of the required items must be uploaded at time of application. Once permit fees are collected, permits will be issued. Permit fees are listed in the adopted Chino Hills Master Schedule of Fees, Fines & Penalties (PDF). 

If a revision is needed to the approved project plans, the following will be required:

  1. Approval from Chino Valley Fire District; 
  2. Approval from SolarApp+ (if plans were approved through the SolarApp+ process); and
  3. Approval from the Building and Safety Division.  

 Please use the customer portal to submit your revisions.