The City of Monterey has implemented an over-the-counter permitting process for electrification and retrofit projects, allowing homeowners and contractors to obtain approvals quickly without navigating complex discretionary review. This approach stands in contrast to jurisdictions where permit costs and complexity actively discourage upgrades — the City of Hollister, for example, charges $2,000 for a permit on a $5,000 retrofit project, a cost ratio that functions as a direct disincentive and pushes some homeowners to skip permits entirely, reducing both participation and safety oversight. The Monterey model demonstrates that streamlined local permitting is achievable and can meaningfully improve retrofit uptake.