SolarAPP+ For Solar Installers

Automated Residential Solar Permitting

Contractors can now use SolarAPP+ for instantaneous rooftop solar permitting in the City of Sierra Madre.

Before applying 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. 

For more information on how to use SolarAPP+, please check out frequently asked questions.

PLEASE NOTE:
A BUSINESS LICENSE WITH THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT PLANS ON SOLARAPP+

1. Apply for a Sierra Madre Business License:
• If you already have a Sierra Madre Business License, please skip to step 2.
• An active Sierra Madre Business License is required and the contractor must also be added to the SolarAPP+ program eligibility list.
• Please email the completed business license application to [email protected] or visit the city's webpage to apply for the City Business License.
2. How to Start using SolarApp+:
• If already registered, please skip to step 3.
•  Register through the SolarAPP+ Registration Webpage.
3. Submit for automated review through SolarAPP+:
   
• To start using SolarAPP+, log in and submit your design through the SolarAPP+ Webpage.
• A processing fee from SolarAPP+ will be charged with the City of Sierra Madre permit fees.
  
• Download the approved plans. 
  
• Receive an email within 24 business hours containing the City of Sierra Madre permit number needed for scheduling inspections. 
4. Submit your permit application though the Online Permitting Portal
• With your approved document and approval ID from SolarAPP+, you can now submit your permit application through the Online Permitting Portal.
• Login or Register for an Account to get started.
• Navigate to the Building tab and select Apply for a Permit.
• Select application type: Solar Permit with Solar App Plus.
• Fill out all relevant information.
• Upload the following in Step 4: Documents
1. SolarAPP+ approval document
2. SolarAPP+ Inspection Job Card
• Review and submit the application.
• Upon receipt, a staff member will process the application and may reach out for additional information.
• Once processed and approved, you will receive an email confirmation.
5. Schedule an Inspection:
• Inspections are available during normal City business hours and can be requested for morning (8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) or afternoon (1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.).
• Please have the City of Sierra Madre permit number, type of inspection requested, address, site contact name and contact phone number. 
• Inspections can be scheduled through the Online Permitting Portal or call in for inspections at (626) 355-7135, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the business day before you would like your inspection.  You must speak to a live person.  Inspection requests will not be accepted by voicemails.
• Two-hour windows can be given on the day of already scheduled inspections by calling (626) 355-7135 between 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.