Recognizing the need for greater clarity and consistency, BC Hydro partnered with the Community Energy Association
(CEA) to examine the permitting challenges facing local government staff and installers, and to identify opportunities to
modernize municipal approaches to solar and battery permitting. This Solar & Battery Permitting Guide—developed in
consultation with local governments, installers, utilities, and regulatory organizations across BC—provides practical
support to help building officials, planners, and climate staff streamline their permitting practices. The guide includes:

• A detailed overview of codes and standards pertaining to residential and commercial rooftop solar and battery
  systems in BC.
• Key findings from our research with local government staff, solar installers, utilities and regulators in BC.
• Recommendations for local government staff, including building officials and climate policy staff.

The guide highlights several “quick win” actions that individual local governments can implement at minimal cost or risk,
including improving online permitting information, offering staff training, hosting information sessions for installers and
residents, creating online application portals, and tracking permitting trends. These steps can reduce administrative
burden, improve processing clarity, and support safe, efficient installations.