Do I need a permit for solar panels in
Patterson, California?

Patterson enforces both State Electrical Code and Title 24 solar amendments, which means you'll file two separate permits with the City of Patterson Building Department — one for the structural mounting work (roof attachment, racking, structural load review) and one for the electrical installation (inverter, disconnect, conduit, bonding, rapid-shutdown compliance per NEC 690.12). Unlike some neighboring jurisdictions that use a single combined solar permit, Patterson's building and electrical divisions handle these as distinct reviews, which can extend your timeline to 4–6 weeks if the roof requires a structural engineer's stamp (any system over 4 pounds per square foot on an existing residential roof triggers that requirement). Your utility, PG&E, also requires a separate interconnection application filed in parallel — many installers wait for building-department approval before submitting to PG&E, but the fastest path is to file the interconnect request during permit review. Patterson's permit fees typically run $300–$800 depending on system size and whether battery storage is included; if you add a battery system over 20 kWh, the Fire Marshal gets a separate review for energy-storage safety (adds 1–2 weeks). California's SB 379 theoretically allows same-day issuance for ministerial solar permits, but Patterson interprets most residential rooftop installs as discretionary due to structural review, so you won't see that speed unless your roof is newer or the system is very small.