Planning a project in the City of Norco? You will most likely need a Building Permit. 

The City of Norco Building and Safety Division receives numerous inquires daily regarding the need for permits. We have found that many residents are unaware that building permits are required for most construction projects, such as, alterations, enlarging, additions, moving, removing, repairing, demolishing, or conversion of any building or structure. In addition, separate permits for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work are often necessary.

Permits are required for:

• Re-roofing
• Installing or replacing water heaters
• Patios
• Block Walls
• Outdoor lighting (except low voltage)
• A/C and Heating

Permits are not required for:

• Portable covered pipe corrals without walls not more than 288 square feet with a maximum width of twelve (12) feet (refer to Resolution 98-11)
• Retaining or garden walls less than two feet high which do not have a surcharge or do not affect drainage onto or off of property
• One story detached accessory building such as a storage shed or play house with a floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
• Wood or chain link fences less than six feet in height and meeting zoning requirements
• Painting, papering or other finishing work
• Moveable cases, counters, and partitions not over five feet nine inches in height

Fees are calculated using the current Fiscal Year's Fee Schedule.

Applying for a solar permit can be done with two options:

Option 1: In-Person at City Hall

The easiest and most straightforward way to apply for your residential solar permit is to visit us at City Hall. Our dedicated staff will guide you through the entire process, answer any questions you may have, and ensure your application is complete. With personalized support and face-to-face interaction, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you're in good hands every step of the way. Come by during our regular business hours, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Option 2: Apply Online via SolarApp+

If you prefer to apply online, you can submit your application through the SolarApp+ portal. Please note that any technical support, application questions, or refund inquiries must be directed to SolarApp+ directly, as City Hall staff will not be able to assist with issues related to the online platform. This is a convenient option, but keep in mind that all customer service will be handled by SolarApp+, not our local staff. 

Before you can submit a project through SolarAPP+, you must first register and take the How to Use SolarAPP+ For Rooftop Solar Projects training, developed by IREC, which will show you how to submit a project through SolarAPP+. Once completing this training module, you will receive a certificate documenting your successful completion of the training, which you can then send to NREL, and your account will be enabled to submit projects in any jurisdictions where you are licensed. The training should take about an hour, and only needs to be completed once.

If the project you want to submit also included energy storage systems (such as batteries), you must register and take the How to Use SolarAPP+ For Solar and Storage Projects. This will walk you though the process of submitting solar + storage projects in SolarApp+, as well as help you identify which systems and projects can be approved through the platform.

Check which types of systems are eligible for SolarApp+ review here.