Handouts & General Information

Permits & Requirements

All plan check submittals for major tenant improvements and residential additions over 600 square feet will require, at the time of approval, an electronic copy of the plans as a PDF document.

Download a Permit Application (PDF) to start the permit process today.

Download the Asbestos Declaration for Demolition and Renovation of Buildings and Structures form (PDF).

  1. SOLAR APP+
  2. Solar Permitting Tool Kit
  3. General Construction Handouts
  4. General Information Handouts
  5. Re-Roof Handouts
  6. Disabled Access Requirements
  7. EV CHARGING SYSTEMS

solar app

Automated Residential Solar Permitting 

Before applying for an automated plan review and solar permit, projects must meet criteria.  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 SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist.  Only projects that conform to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting.  If your project complies with the Eligibility Checklist use the following to steps to issue the permit.

Using SolarAPP+

Step 1: Eligibility to Use SolarAPP+

  • Rooftop systems on permitted residential structures only.
  • No ballasted or ground mounted systems.
  • No systems with battery backup (coming soon).
  • No building-integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV).
  • Please review the SolarAPP+ Eligibility Checklist for acceptable projects.
  • Licensed Contractors Only.

Step 2: Submit for Automated Review Through SolarAPP+

  • Submit Solar/Photovoltaic design at solarapp.nrel.gov.
  • Click Login or Register to get started.
  • Have contractors license information available to complete this step.
  • Pay the processing fee and permit fee through the SolarAPP+ portal.
  • Download and print the permit and Inspection Checklist.  These must be on the jobsite at the time of inspection.
  • Allow 2 to 3 business days for processing prior to scheduling an inspection.

Step 3: Schedule Your Inspection

  • City of La Habra building inspections are conducted Monday through Friday.  Our office is closed every Friday.
  • Call in for inspections at 562-383-4116 during our business hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  • If you call after business hours, you will be directed to leave a message for your inspection.  Please leave the following information:
  1. Jobsite Address.
  2. Gate Code if the property is located in a gated community.
  3. Type of Inspection.
  4. Date you are requesting the inspection to be carried out.  When availability permits, inspections may be conducted on the next business day.
  5. You may request AM or PM.
  6. Name and phone number of the onsite contact.

SolarAPP+ Revisions

  • Submit your revision through SolarAPP+ first (solarapp.nrel.gov).
  • SolarAPP+ will run another compliance check.
  • You will be provided with a revised SolarAPP+ Approval Document.
  • The initial processing fee charged by the SolarAPP+ website covers up to three revisions.

LA County Fire Department Statement SB-379 Compliance for Photovoltaic Solar with ESS

SolarAPP+ Tutorials and FAQs

Details about SolarAPP+ are available in a YouTube instructional video.

What is SolarAPP+?

How do I register with SolarAPP+?

How do I make changes to approved plans?

How do I submit a project through SolarAPP+?

What licenses do I need to submit a project in SolarAPP+?

How much does SolarAPP+ cost an installer to use?

Is there a limit on system size SolarAPP+ can review?

What do I do if the system rejects my application?

How do I prepare for an inspection?

What's on the SolarAPP+ inspection checklist?

California: Workers' Comp Declaration

General Questions

Allowable Working Hours for Construction Activity

La Habra Municipal Code Section 9.32.070 limits construction noise to the following days and hours:

  • 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday
  • All construction activities are prohibited on Sundays and City observed federal holidays. Those holidays include New Year's Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Construction noise regulations also apply to site improvement activity, building construction, trucks, vehicles, and equipment that are making deliveries, loading or transferring materials, equipment service and maintenance of any devices or appurtenances at or adjacent to any construction project.

The City of La Habra will aggressively enforce these noise control measures. Violators may be issued citations. All persons involved with your project should be advised of these regulations.

Questions regarding construction hours should be directed to the Building and Safety Division at (562) 383-4116.