CA SB379

Requires cities, counties, and cities and counties to implement an online, automated permitting platform (such as SolarAPP+) that verifies code compliance and issues permits in real time for residential solar energy systems up to 38.4 kilowatts and paired residential energy storage systems.

Establishes compliance deadlines: cities and counties with populations greater than 50,000 must comply by September 30, 2023, while smaller cities with 50,000 or fewer must comply by September 30, 2024; exempts cities with populations under 5,000 and counties with populations under 150,000.

Requires jurisdictions to report to the Energy Commission when they achieve compliance and to annually report on the number and characteristics of permits issued for residential solar and storage systems until June 30, 2034.

Mandates the Energy Commission to establish guidelines for reporting through a public process with at least 30 days for public comment, and exempts these guidelines from the Administrative Procedure Act.

Requires jurisdictions to self-certify compliance when applying for Energy Commission funds after their applicable compliance deadline.