Arizona bill mandates instant permitting for home solar power installations by 2026

In a pivotal meeting on March 26, 2025, the Arizona Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency Committee convened to discuss several significant legislative proposals aimed at streamlining processes for municipalities and enhancing efficiency in government operations.

One of the standout discussions centered around House Bill 2033, which proposes a new instant permitting process for home power installations, particularly rooftop solar systems. The bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, municipalities and counties must adopt this expedited permitting process for single-family and two-family dwellings. Additionally, by July 1, 2026, these local governments are required to offer remote building inspections, allowing homeowners to receive inspections through a single remote field report, thus saving time and costs associated with in-person visits.

Mike Gardner, representing the solar industry, emphasized the benefits of this bill, noting that it not only expedites the permitting process for consumers—potentially saving them around $1,200—but also frees up city staff to focus on more complex building permits, such as those for affordable housing. The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Pima County, which has already implemented similar technology, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing processing times and improving consistency in permitting.

Another key topic was House Bill 2626, which seeks to simplify the regulatory framework for manufactured housing. This bill proposes removing the requirement for manufacturers to be certified by the Arizona Department of Housing, streamlining the process and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Brian Tassinari, representing the Manufactured Housing Industries of Arizona, expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting that the current system is outdated and that an online system has already proven more efficient.

The committee also reviewed House Bill 2787, which addresses the registration of ambulances. This bill allows an ambulance's certificate of registration to remain valid even if the Department of Health Services fails to conduct timely inspections. This provision aims to ensure that operational ambulances can continue to serve the community without interruption, even amidst bureaucratic delays.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that these legislative efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance government efficiency and reduce unnecessary red tape for both consumers and local governments. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to fostering innovation and improving service delivery across Arizona, setting the stage for a more responsive and effective regulatory environment.