The California Automated Permit Processing Program (CalAPP) provides grant funding to support California cities, counties, or cities and counties in establishing online, automated solar permitting systems. Senate Bill 129 (Skinner, Budget Act of 2021) appropriates $20 million in funding to the California Energy Commission (CEC) for this purpose.
Funding is available to all incorporated cities, counties, or cities and counties to implement an online, automated permitting platform that verifies code compliance and issues permits in real time for solar energy systems. This initiative is designed to accelerate the development of rooftop solar and solar-plus-storage projects, which are essential for achieving California's clean energy goals and meeting the 100% clean electricity target outlined in the 2021 Senate Bill 100 Joint Agency Report.
The program is intended to enhance local permitting processes and accelerate processing and turnaround time, particularly regarding plan review. Funding aims to promote the development of residential solar and solar-plus-storage systems by greatly decreasing approval times, cutting permitting costs for local governments and homeowners, and facilitating easier installation processes. These improvements support California's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and clean energy objectives.
The submission deadline for applications was May 01, 2024, 11:59 pm. The solicitation has been awarded and is ongoing, with the last award date of September 04, 2024. Multiple addenda have been issued to provide clarifications and updates throughout the solicitation process.