Solar Permitting with SolarAPP+

Solar App logo with sun and words solar app plusTown of Tiburon has adopted an automated permitting tool for licensed contractors to expedite the review time of new residential installations. SolarAPP+, an automated application for permitting new residential rooftop solar will expedite solar installations, encouraging property owners to invest in generating renewable and sustainable energy. For the Town of Tiburon, SolarApp+ projects will instantly issue the permit after permit payment is complete. Installation practices, workmanship, and adherence to the approved design are verified in the inspection process.

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 and Energy Storage Systems. To see which systems are eligible, please refer to the Eligibility Checklists. Only projects that conform to this list are eligible to use the automated SolarAPP+ portal for instant permitting.

Please review eligibility and submittal requirements below:

Licensed contractors can now submit:

  • Residential roof-mounted photovoltaic and energy storage designs for automated review through SolarAPP+; and an online application for an auto-issued permit.

Using SolarAPP+

Step 1: Eligibility to Use SolarAPP+

  • Main dwelling rooftop, permitted, residential structures only
  • No ballasted or ground mounted systems
  • No building-integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV)
  • Licensed Contractors Only

Step 2: Submit for Automated Review through SolarApp+

  • Submit Solar/Photovoltaic design at www.gosolarapp.org.
  • Click Login or Register to get started.
  • Complete the SolarAPP+ application.
  • A processing fee will be charged by SolarAPP+.
  • Download SolarAPP+ Approval Document.

Step 3: Apply for Permit

  • Apply for a permit online at https://trakit.townoftiburon.org/eTRAKiT/
  • Click Login or Register to get started.
  • Click on Building
  • Click on Apply for Apply for Building and Encroachment Permits
  • Read Disclaimer, scroll down to accept the above terms.
  • Click on Permit Type: SOLARAPP (SolarApp+ Contractors Only)
  • Follow the prompts to complete your application, upload all SolarAPP documents, plans, licensed contractor declaration and make payment online
  • Print the provided SolarAPP documents and inspections checklist to and have available at the site for inspections.

Step 4: Schedule Your Inspection

We offer next day Building Inspections Monday through Thursday. To schedule a building inspection, call the Building Division at 415-435-7380. We will require the following information: 

  • Job site address
  • Permit number
  • Contact name
  • Phone number
  • Type of inspection
  • Date of requested inspection, Monday through Thursday
  • Choice of a.m. or p.m. inspection

Please be advised that solar energy systems greater than 10kWh of PV solar and any projects utilizing storage batteries may require a separate permit and inspection with the Fire District prior to final inspection of the Tiburon building permit.

You can contact the fire districts for more information:

You can find fire district jurisdiction by address using the county GIS system Marin Map Viewer (www.marinmap.org)

SolarAPP+ Tutorials and FAQs

Details about the SolarApp are available in a YouTube instructional video.