Residential Solar Permits

On September 16, 2022, Senate Bill (SB) 379 was approved by California Governor Gavin Newsom to establish instantaneous plan review practices and create consistent permitting processes at cities and counties for automated permitting of residential solar and energy storage systems.

The City has partnered with Symbium to establish an automated permitting platform that complies with state requirements.

Symbium is currently available to licensed contractors. Contractors or owner/builders seeking to obtain permits under SB 379 are able to apply for instantaneous plan review approval via the Symbium portal. The first step is to verify the project address is within Malibu city limits.

Step 1: Check if your Project Qualifies

To qualify for an instant solar permit, you must meet the following criteria:  

  • Be a licensed contractor with one or more of the following licenses: A, B, C-10, C-46; or be a homeowner applying as owner/builder.
  • Project is a residential solar energy system (solar panel(s) and energy storage system combined) that is no larger than 38.4 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating.
  • Project scope is limited to single-family residential units (including duplexes) and/or their accessory dwelling units (ADUs). 

Step 2: Register or Already Have an Account

Create an account on Malibu's Development Portal. If you already have an active Malibu account you can skip this step. 

Step 3: Apply for a Permit with Symbium

The use of the new platform is highly encouraged as it facilitates and expedites plan review and permit issuance. To get started, enter your project address in the search bar below. Permit applications will be submitted using Symbium, in a matter of minutes.

Applicants seeking to apply for residential rooftop systems or energy storage systems outside of the Symbium platform, or for those that are disqualified from utilizing instant plan review system, can still submit electronically through the City's Development Portal.

Step 4: Your Permit is Issued

After your application is reviewed by Symbium, a permit application will be automatically submitted for you through Malibu's Development Portal. Application fees collected by Symbium do not include all solar permit fees required by the City. Once the permit application is processed, you will be able to login to the Development Portal to view your issued permit, print your permit, and inspection checklist needed at the inspection.

Step 5: Getting your Project Inspected


If you have questions or need assistance, contact Building Safety staff at mbuilding@malibucity.org.