Licensed Contractors Can Now Submit Through SolarAPP+ & County of San Benito Building and Code Enforcement Division

What is SolarAPP+?

SolarAPP+ (Solar Automated Permit Processing+) is an automated online permitting platform that allows licensed contractors to apply for permits for standard residential rooftop solar and energy storage systems. Recent state law requires most cities and counties in California to adopt this system to streamline the permitting process for certain types of residential solar projects.

Before applying for an automated solar plan review and solar permit, projects must follow certain requirements:

• 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 SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist. Only projects conforming to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting.

If the system is ineligible, please follow the guidelines contained within the Submittal Checklist. Once all submittal items are complete, applications can be submitted through ACCELA Citizen Portal.

How to apply using SolarAPP+

 Step 1: Submit for Automated Review Through SolarAPP+ 

• Submit Solar/Photovoltaic design at SolarAPP+.
• Click Login or Register to get started.
• Have Contractors license information available to complete this step.
• A processing fee of will be charged by SolarAPP+ for plan review.
• A Checklist and a SolarAPP+ ID will be generated when approved.

Step 2: Apply for Permit 

• Apply for a permit online via the ACCELA Citizen Portal.
• Click Login or Register for an Account to get started.
• Select Building & Code Enforcement at the top header, then select Create Application.
• Accept the terms of service, then select Continue Application.
• Select Residential Solar Permit with SolarAPP, then click Continue Application and follow prompts.
• Provide SolarAPP+ approval number and upload SolarAPP+ Approval Document, Site Plan, business license, and County of San Benito completed building permit application.
• Follow the prompts to make payment online, print the provided documents.
• Revisions (see below Revisions sections).

Step 3: Schedule Your Inspection

• Call the 24-Hour Building & Code Enforcement Division inspection line at (831) 637-1041.
• Provide the Permit number (EX: BLD-2025-XXXXX), Address of the job, Type of inspection requested, and Inspection date and time (AM or PM)

*To cancel an inspection, please call the inspection line at (831)-637-1041.

SolarAPP+ Revisions

• Submit your revision through SolarAPP+ first.
• You will be provided with a revised SolarAPP+ Approval Document.
• The initial fee charged by the SolarAPP+ website covers up to three revisions. 
• Navigate to the ACCELA Citizens Portal
• Log into the account associated with your SolarAPP+ permit.
• Follow prompts to upload new revision files.
• If the scope of the revisions make the project ineligible for use of SolarAPP+, please contact Building & Code Enforcement Division to coordinate the revision submittal process.