Symbium is a software platform designed for streamlining the permitting process for those with residential solar and energy storage systems while enabling instant permits in some cities thanks to a state mandate.

No discussion was necessary last week as the Ripon City Council approved a five-year Master Licensing Agreement with Symbium Corporation, which will come at no direct cost to the City of Ripon to implement or operate the platform.

After evaluating several online solar permitting platforms, city staff selected Symbium based on its ease of use, compliance with (state) SB 379, and positive feedback received from other cities that have already implemented the software, according to Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart during the review process.

The intent of SB 379, enacted in 2022, is to “streamline the permitting process, reduce application review time, and improve transparency for homeowners and contractors installing solar and energy storage systems,” said Zuidervaart in his Aug. 12 staff report.

Symbium is a public-facing, cloud-based solar permitting platform that, in addition to being fully compliant with the state mandate, will be able to perform real-time code-compliance verification coupled with instantly issuing permits to qualifying residential solar and battery storage projects.

Symbium can also integrate directly with the City’s new permit tracking system while eliminating redundant data entry along with streamlining internal workflows.

In addition, Symbium will provide tech support and automatic system updates in response to any changes.