Part I — Administration

Note: Former Art. 15.04, derived from Ord. 6171-B; Ord. 6255-B; and Ord. 6317-B, was repealed by Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025.

This article is applicable in all the unincorporated areas within Placer County. This article shall apply to all new construction, alterations, repairs, relocations, or reconstruction of any building or structure or any portion thereof, including any electrical, mechanical, gas, plumbing, or fire protection equipment installed on any property or used on or within any building. (Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

The purpose of this article is to adopt by reference the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, subject to the definitions, clarifications, and the amendments set forth in this article. The purpose of this article is also to provide minimum requirements and standards for the protection of the public safety, health, property and welfare of the county of Placer. The ordinance codified in this article is adopted under the authority of Government Code Section 50022.2 and Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Chapter 1, Division I and Division II of the California Building Code (CBC), Volume 1, 2025 Edition, is hereby adopted, as amended below, as the generally applicable administrative provisions of this article. Chapter 1, Division I and Division II, of the California Residential Code (CRC), 2025 Edition, are hereby adopted as amended below, as administrative provisions applicable to projects subject to the California Residential Code. Chapter 1, Division I and Division II of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC), 2025 Edition, are hereby adopted as amended below, as administrative provisions applicable to projects subject to the California Existing Building Code.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Chapter 1, Division II of the California Building Code (CBC), Volume 1, 2025 Edition, Chapter 1, Division II of the 2025 California Residential Code, and Chapter 1, Division II of the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) adopted in Section 15.04.030, are hereby amended as set out in Sections 15.04.050 through 15.04.160.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 101.1 - Title. Replace Section 101.1 of the CBC, R101 of the CRC, and 101.1 of the CEBC with the following:

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Placer County, CA

BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

§ 15.04.050

§ 15.04.070

Section 101.1 - Title. These regulations of Article 15.04 shall be known as the Placer County Building and Construction Code, hereinafter referenced as "this code." (Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 102.2 - Other laws. Add the following subsection to Section 102.2 of the CBC:

Section 102.2.1 Conflicts with other laws or rules. In the event of any conflict between this code and any law, rule or regulation of the state of California, that requirement which establishes the higher standard of safety shall govern. Failure to comply with such standard of safety shall be a violation of this code.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 103 - Code Compliance Agency. Replace Sections 103.1 of the CBC, R103.1 of the CRC and 103.1 of the CEBC:

Section 103.1/R103.1 - Creation of Agency. The Placer County Building Services Division is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the chief building official. The term "building official" shall mean a designee of the chief building official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration, and enforcement of the provisions of the code.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 105.1 - Required. Add the following subsection to Section 105.1 of the CBC, CRC, and CEBC:

Section 105.1.3 - Compliance by special districts. Each special district within the county of Placer with an elected governing board, including, but not limited to, utility districts, cemetery districts, recreation and park districts, and sanitary districts, shall comply with this code, as heretofore or hereafter adopted by ordinance of the Placer County board of supervisors; provided however, that if the Placer County board of supervisors has delegated authority to such special districts to self-regulate with respect to this code for their own projects, such special districts are not required to obtain a permit from, pay fees to, or obtain inspections by the building services division of the county of Placer. Special districts which are subject to this code shall pay the normal fees and obtain all required permits.

Exception: As otherwise exempted in Section 105.2.2 of the CBC, CRC, or CEBC.

Section 105.1 - Required. Add the following amended subsection to Section 105.1 of the CBC, CRC, and CEBC:

• B. For projects where all lots are owned by the subdivision developer and have not been sold to separate lot owners, once the permit applications have met all other requirements for permit issuance, early building permits with a restriction of non-occupancy of the structure may be issued by the building services division if the following conditions are met, as determined by the engineering and surveying division:

  1. The final map of the subdivision or planned unit development has been approved by the board of supervisors and duly recorded.

  2. All pad grading required by the county has been completed.

  3. Roads serving the building lot have been paved.

  4. All underground utilities are installed to the lot lines.

  5. Utility systems have passed all required tests.

  6. The subdivision developer has executed a release to the satisfaction of the county specifically authorizing the issuance of early building permits. This release shall be in the form of a letter of responsibility that shall also be signed by the serving fire entity. The release shall hold the county, the serving fire entity, and utility companies harmless from any and all liability from damages or losses resulting from early building permit issuance. The release shall also provide that the county will hold the subdivision developer responsible for all improvements regardless of the presence of house contractors, material suppliers, tradesmen, or public in the subdivision. The release shall also hold the county harmless in the event that the subdivision improvements are not completed, and the construction of the home or other structure is delayed and/or prohibited.

  7. Property corners have been established by a licensed surveyor and the proposed location of all structures and required setbacks have been established on a site plan prepared by a licensed engineer and submitted for county approval.

  8. The building services division shall have approved a complete set of building plans.

  9. For projects above the elevation of five thousand (5,000) feet, each building permit issued under this subsection shall contain the following note: "It is expressly understood that no construction except the foundation level, rough framing, and roof sheeting of the structure will be permitted until all of the conditions of approval relating to the subdivision shall have been met." A processing fee, payable to the engineering and surveying division, shall be charged for each permit for preparing documents and processing permits under this subsection ("high elevation processing fee"). The high elevation processing fee shall be in addition to any other required fees as prescribed in the engineering and surveying division fee schedule.

  10. Any required Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), for lots specifically affected, in accordance with Placer County Code Section 15.52.150 has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

• C. For projects where lots have been sold by the subdivision developer to individual lot

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Placer County, CA

BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

§ 15.04.070

§ 15.04.070

owners, once the permit applications have met all other requirements for permit issuance, early building permits with a restriction of non-occupancy of the structure may be issued by the building services division if the following conditions are met as determined by the engineering and surveying division:

1. The final map of the subdivision or planned unit development has been approved by the board of supervisors and duly recorded.

2. All pad grading required by the county has been completed.

3. Roads serving the building lot and firefighting water service have been constructed to a standard approved by the serving fire district and the county.

4. The subdivision developer and the owner of record of the lot have each executed a release to the satisfaction of the county specifically authorizing the issuance of early building permits. This release shall be in the form of a letter of responsibility that shall also be signed by the serving fire entity. The release shall hold the county, the serving fire entity and utility companies harmless from any and all liability from damages or losses resulting from early building permit issuance. The release shall also provide that the county will hold the subdivision developer responsible for all improvements regardless of the presence of house contractors, material suppliers, tradesmen, or public in the subdivision. The release shall also hold the county harmless in the event that the subdivision improvements are not completed, and the construction of the home or other structure is delayed and/or prohibited.

5. Property corners have been established by a licensed surveyor and the proposed location of all structures and required setbacks have been established on a site plan prepared by a licensed engineer and submitted for county approval.

6. At the discretion of the County, security in the form of cash, certificate of deposit, letter of credit, or as approved by the Placer County community development resource agency (CDRA) director, shall be deposited with the county. This security shall be in an amount equal to one hundred twenty-five (125) percent of the value of the unfinished infrastructure required under the subdivision agreement for the project. The amount of the deposit shall be based on an estimate prepared by a registered civil engineer and approved by CDRA. The final amount shall be determined solely by CDRA. An additional agreement shall be entered into between the county and the subdivider (and the property owner if a lot has been sold) to establish the terms of the release of any deposits required under this section. This section is not intended to apply to production home developers.

7. The building services division shall have approved a complete set of building plans.

8. The local serving fire district shall indicate, in writing, that it is satisfied with the provisions for fire protection.

9. For projects above the elevation of five thousand (5,000) feet, each early building permit issued under this subsection shall contain the following note: "It is expressly understood that no construction except the foundation, rough framing and roof sheeting of the structure will be permitted until all of the conditions of approval relating to the subdivision shall have been met." A processing fee, payable to the engineering and surveying division, shall be charged for each permit for preparing

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Placer County, CA § 15.04.070

PLACER COUNTY CODE

§ 15.04.070

documents and processing permits under this subsection ("high elevation processing fee"). The high elevation processing fee shall be in addition to any other required fees as prescribed in the engineering and surveying division fee schedule.

10. Any required Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA), for lots specifically affected, in accordance with Placer County Code Section 15.52.150 has been approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

• D. For the construction of model homes at all elevations, building permits that have met all other requirements for permit issuance may be issued by the building services division provided the following conditions are met as determined by the engineering and surveying division (model home permits will be conditionally issued with a restriction of nonoccupancy of the structure):

  1. Conditions of subsections B.2, B.6, B.7, and B.10 of this section have been satisfied.

  2. All underground utility crossings within roadways have been installed and waterlines and fire hydrants serving proposed model construction have been installed to the satisfaction of the serving fire protection entity or the developer can provide written evidence from the serving fire protection entity that adequate fire protection can be provided for the model homes.

  3. Developer agrees in writing to remove landscaping and level the multipurpose easement to sidewalk grade at developer's own expense as required by the utility companies prior to utility trenching operations.

  4. Developer agrees in writing not to convey title to model homes for occupancy prior to utilities and improvements being fully installed and accepted.

  5. Developer agrees in writing that a model home shall not be used for offices nor will public foot traffic be allowed through such homes until a "temporary certificate of occupancy" has been issued by the building services division, and, further, that before a model home can be used for residence purposes a permanent certificate of occupancy must be obtained.

  6. Developer agrees in writing that model homes shall not be connected to sewer laterals until all required sewer line testing has been completed.

  7. Until such time as the utilities are installed and passed to the lot lines, the developer shall provide written evidence that the county has been named as an additional insured on the developer's liability insurance in an amount to be determined.

• E. Early building permits issued under subsection B or C of this section shall be limited to twenty (20) percent of the total number of lots in a subdivision or phase for projects of twenty (20) or more lots unless a greater percentage not to exceed fifty (50) percent is requested with justification provided in writing by the subdivision developer and approval received by the community development resource agency (CDRA) director. For subdivisions of less than twenty (20) lots, the maximum number of early building permits under subsection B or C of this section shall be limited to four. The maximum number of model home building permits issued under subsection D of this section for each phase of a subdivision shall equal ten (10) percent of the number of lots shown on the final map of the phase or a total of fifteen (15) building permits, whichever is less; except that for

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Placer County, CA

BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

§ 15.04.070

§ 15.04.070

subdivisions having less than thirty (30) lots the maximum number of model permits will be three. The number of allowable early building permits and model home permits are calculated separately, and a computed fractional number will be rounded up to the next whole number. Limitations based on any separate agreement between the county and subdivision developer may otherwise restrict the allowable number of model or early building permits eligible for release.

• F. For all permits issued under subsection B or C of this section, no certificate of occupancy may be issued until the subdivision improvements are accepted by the board of supervisors and the final inspection of the structure(s) is completed. Each permit issued pursuant to the provisions of subsection B or C of this section shall contain the following note: "Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until all subdivision improvements have been approved by the board of supervisors and other agencies involved. No occupancy is allowed until such approvals are given."

• G. The conditions contained in this section may be applied to subdivision phases as approved by the county planning commission.

Section 105.1 - Required. Add the following subsection to Section 105.1 of the CBC:

Section 105.1.5 - Building permits on agricultural and conservation property. No building permit shall be issued for a site or building which does not comply with the provisions of Section 16.04.060 of the Placer County Code.

Section 105.2 - Work exempt from permit. Add the following amendments to Section 105.2 of the CBC, CRC, and CEBC:

Building:

Item 1, to be replaced as follows:

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, when meeting Placer County Planning Services/zoning setback requirements, and the height does not exceed 12 feet measured in accordance with the Placer County Zoning Ordinance. A permit is required for any electrical, mechanical or plumbing work installed.

Item 2, to be replaced as follows:

Wire fences not over 12 feet in height for residential and agricultural uses and other fences not over 7 feet in height.

Item 7, to be replaced as follows:

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work, except when the cabinet work contains plumbing, electrical or is required to be accessible per CBC chapter 11.

Items 14 to 20, to be added as follows:

14. Agricultural buildings or structures as defined in Section 202 and appendix C of the CBC, on any property of 10 or more acres zoned F, RF, FOR, AE, or RA, or any property under a contract pursuant to the California Land Conservation Act, when such property and building(s) are primarily used for agricultural purposes or when

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Placer County, CA § 15.04.070

PLACER COUNTY CODE

§ 15.04.070

such buildings or structures are necessary to the agricultural development or use of such property. The provisions of this section shall not include the owner's or lessee's dwelling or private garage, any human habitation which is held out for rent, lease, or sale. An owner or lessee of such property may obtain the services of the building services division for buildings herein exempt, provided he/she applies for a building permit and pays the fees therefore. All buildings exempted under this section shall obtain a setback verification permit and shall still be governed by the provisions of the Placer County Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes. A setback verification permit for an agriculturally exempt structure will be issued for an agricultural building on lands meeting the requirements noted above, upon presentation of an acceptable plot plan (2 copies), a departmental approval form indicating planning services division approval, which may also require approval by the agricultural commissioner, and payment of the current prescribed recording and handling fee. All agricultural structures exempted herein shall comply with all applicable California Building Code requirements in effect at the time of application.

15. Temporary second exit seasonal snow tunnels for dwellings which comply with Placer County zoning requirements are temporary buildings and are exempted from building permit requirements.

16. Gantry cranes and similar equipment used in conjunction with a valid building permit and removed upon expiration of the permit or completion of the work covered by the permit.

17. Radio and television antennas which do not exceed 45 feet in height and ground supported dish antennas not exceeding 15 feet in height above finished grade in any position.

18. Temporary sheds, self-contained portable offices, or storage buildings, and other structures incidental to and for work authorized by a valid building permit, or when such structures are used in conjunction with a Federal, State, or Local infrastructure improvement project (such as road, sewer, and water line projects) when approved by the chief building official. Such structures must be removed upon expiration of the permit or completion of the work covered by the permit.

her structures incidental to and for work authorized by a valid building permit, or when such structures are used in conjunction with a Federal, State, or Local infrastructure improvement project (such as road, sewer, and water line projects) when approved by the chief building official. Such structures must be removed upon expiration of the permit or completion of the work covered by the permit.

19. Repairs which involve only the replacement of component parts or existing work with similar materials only for the purpose of maintenance and which do not aggregate over $2,500 in valuation in any 12-month period and do not affect any electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems nor more than two squares of roofing.

20. Free-standing membrane type structures are exempt from Placer County permitting requirements when ALL of the following criteria are met:

• a. Structures are pre-manufactured and of the free-standing type with membrane covers as roofing and siding material: A nonpressurized building wherein the structure is composed of rigid framework to support a tensioned membrane which provides the weather barrier, composed entirely of factory-built metal, plastic, or fabric to shelter household items, vehicles, used as patio shades, and similar.

• b. Is not greater than 200 square feet in area.

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Placer County, CA

BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

§ 15.04.070

§ 15.04.070

• c. When the structure is portable, meaning the structure is constructed without a permanent foundation and is capable of being moved intact.

• d. When meeting Placer County Code Chapter 17 setback requirements.

• e. When maintaining a minimum clearance of 10 feet from other buildings and a minimum of 5 feet from property lines, or Placer County Code Chapter 17 setback requirements, whichever is greater.

• f. When the maximum height does not exceed 12 feet measured to the structure ridge from the lowest adjacent grade.

• g. When the structure is properly anchored to earth/grade/hard surface per the manufacturer's recommendations.

• h. When not used as a residence, living quarters or other uses except as noted in subsection 20.a above; and

• i. When there are no electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems.

Note: In the Tahoe basin, all membrane-covered frame structures must not create land coverage as defined by TRPA.

Section 105.3 - Application for permit. Add the following to Section 105.3.1 of the CBC, CRC, and CEBC:

• a. Prior to the issuance of any building permit, approval from either the fire district, Placer County fire or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is required for fire code items adopted by State law, county code, or by the fire district when ratified by the board of supervisors.

• b. Prior to issuance of any building permit, a certificate of compliance is required from school districts and from fire districts, Placer County fire or CAL FIRE, where a capital facilities plan has been approved by the board of supervisors, except where exempt by State law.

Section R106.1.1 - information on construction documents. Add the following to Section R106.1.1 of the CRC:

Where applicable, the construction documents shall provide the information specified in Section 1603 of the California Building Code.

Section R106.1.1 - Information on construction documents. Add the following subsection to

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Placer County, CA

BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

§ 15.04.080

§ 15.04.110

Section R106.1.1 of the CRC:

Section R106.1.1.1 - Residential standard plans. Subsequent standard plans applied for off a previously approved master plan require another application and master plan when the standard plan differs from the prior set of master plans that were submitted; including but not limited to: design review changes, different snow load, different topography, different soil conditions, and/or the building is different in any respect. Master plans and associated standard plans shall comply with the building standards in effect at the time of permit application unless explicitly exempted under State Law. The standard plan approval shall be reviewed one year from date of application to verify compliance with any newly enacted requirements, which may be subject to additional plan review and associated fees.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 109 - Fees. Add the following subsection to Section 109.2 of the CBC and R108.2 to the CRC:

Sections 109.2.1 and R108.2.1 - Permit fee exemption/or deed-restricted accessory and junior accessory dwelling units. To qualify for fee exemption under this section, an accessory or junior accessory dwelling unit must be restricted for affordability as verified by the county housing specialist and in accordance with current State Department of Housing and Community Development requirements, as provided under Placer County Code, Chapter 17, Article 17.56, Section 17.56.200. Verification of deed restriction must be rendered in writing from the planning division to the building services division prior to the issuance of any permits. Deed restriction under this section exempts the unit from processing, plan check, inspection, and building permit fees.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 110.1 - General. Add the following to Section 110.1 of the CBC:

Except where special inspection is specified in Chapter 17 of the CBC, the chief building official may authorize alternative inspection procedures requiring declarations from duly licensed professionals.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 111.1 - Change of Occupancy. Add the following to Section 111.1 of the CBC:

Certificates of occupancy will not be issued without approvals of all applicable agencies, county departments, and either the fire district, Placer County fire or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Such a certificate shall not be issued until compliance with all county requirements has been met. Occupying or using a structure without this approval shall constitute a violation of this code and will be deemed a public nuisance.

Section 111.2 - Certificate issued. Add the following to Section 111.2 of the CBC:

Certificates of occupancy will not be issued without approvals of all applicable agencies, county departments, and either the fire district, Placer County fire or the California Department of

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Placer County, CA

PLACER COUNTY CODE

§ 15.04.110

§ 15.04.130

Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Such a certificate shall not be issued until compliance with all county requirements has been met. Occupying or using a structure without this approval shall constitute a violation of this code and will be deemed a public nuisance.

The certificate of occupancy shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the chief building official.

Exception: The certificate of occupancy need not be posted in Group U and Group R-3 occupancies.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 113/R112 - Means of appeals. Replace the phrase "means of appeals" in CBC Section 113, CEBC Section 113, and CRC Section 112, with "building board of appeals."

Section 113.1/R112.1 - General. Replace the phrase "board of appeals" with "building board of appeals."

Section 113.2/R112.2 - Limitations on authority. Add the following to Section 113.2 of the CBC/ CEBC, and Section 112.2 of the CRC:

Appeals of decisions of the chief building official shall be submitted to the building services division on forms provided by the division and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable fee as required by the building services division fee schedule. All appeals shall be filed within 30 days of the date of the decision of the chief building official, except as otherwise noted herein. (Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 113.3 - Qualifications. Replace Section 113.3 of the CBC with the following section:

Section 113.3 - Composition — Appointment. The building board of appeals shall consist of nine members, not officials of the county, appointed by the board of supervisors. The members shall be qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction. Two members shall be physically disabled persons; two members shall be fire officials or fire marshals in the unincorporated county; and the remaining five members shall be appointed based on residency — one from each of the five supervisorial districts. With the exception of the fire official/marshal members, all members shall reside in the unincorporated county.

Section 113 - Board of appeals. Add the following subsections to Section 113 of the CBC/CEBC and Section R112 of the CRC:

Section 113.5/R112.5 - Terms of Office — Removal of members — Vacancies. For nondisabled members, the term of office shall be four years and until the first appointment and qualification of his or her successor. The first members of the board shall classify themselves by lot so that the term of office of two members is two years and of three members four years. For disabled and fire official members, the term of office shall be four years and until the first appointment and qualification of his or her successor. The first members representing each group shall classify themselves by lot so that the term of office of one member is two years and of the other member four years. Any member, even though he or she serves for a term, may be removed

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BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

§ 15.04.130

§ 15.04.150

by the appointing authority without cause. A vacancy is filled only for the unexpired term.

Section 113.6/R113.6 - Compensation of members — Traveling expenses. All members of the building board of appeals shall serve without compensation. The members of the board shall receive their actual and necessary travel expenses to and from the place of meeting of the board and while traveling in connection with the business of the board.

Section 113.7/R113.7 - Powers and duties. The building board of appeals shall:

• 1 Hear and determine appeals from code interpretations of the chief building official or designee. Determination of appeal by building board of appeals is final.

• 2 Act as an advisory body to the board of supervisors on all matters pertaining to the construction industry.

• 3 Promulgate reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its hearings and meetings. (Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Section 114.1 - Unlawful acts. Add the following to Section 114.1 of the CBC/CEBC and Section R113.1 of the CRC:

Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, although the first offense may be handled as an infraction pursuant to Placer County Code, Chapter 1, Article 1.24, Section 1.24.010. Each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this code is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction of any such violations, such person shall be punished by a fine of not more than the maximum amount permissible under state law or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. Any penalties under this or other codes do not waive any requirements for code compliance.

Section 114.4 - Violation penalties. Add the following to Section 114.4 of the CBC/CEBC and Section R113.4 of the CRC:

These include, but are not limited to, the penalty provisions outlined in Placer County Code, Chapter 1, Article 1.24, Section 1.24.010 and Chapter 17, Article 17.62.

Section 114.4 - Violation penalties. Add the following subsection to Section 114.4 of the CBC/ CEBC and Section R113.4 of the CRC:

Section 114.4.1 - Violation recordation. When any building is constructed, altered, converted or maintained in violation of the provisions of this code, the enforcement agency, after giving the owner written notice and a reasonable time to correct the violation, may record notice of the violation in the county recorder's office. (Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Add the following section to the CBC and CRC:

Sections 120 and R120 - Expedited permit process for small residential rooftop solar

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Placer County, CA § 15.04.150

PLACER COUNTY CODE

• A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to provide an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014, California Government Code Section 65850.5) in order to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This section encourages the use of solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the county, and expanding the ability of property owners to install solar energy systems. This section allows the county to achieve these goals while protecting the public's health and safety.

• B. Definitions. As used in this section:

"Electronic submittal" means the utilization of electronic e-mail or submittal via the internet.

"Reasonable restrictions" on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.

"Restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance" means:

1. For water heater systems or solar swimming pool heating systems: an amount exceeding 10% of the cost of the system, but in no case more than $1,000.00, or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding 10%, as originally specified and proposed.

2. For photovoltaic systems: an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding 10% as originally specified and proposed.

"Small residential rooftop solar energy system" means all of the following:

1. A solar energy system that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal.

2. A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the county and paragraph (iii) of subdivision(c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or designated from time to time.

• A solar energy system that is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling.

4. A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.

"Solar energy system" has the same meaning set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 801.5 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or designated from time to time.

"Specific adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

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BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

§ 15.04.150

§ 15.04.150

• C. Applicability.

1. This section applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems under the jurisdiction of the county.

   2. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section are not subject to the requirements of this section unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of a small rooftop energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.

• D. Solar Energy System Requirements.

  1. All small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the county.

  2. Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code.

  3. Solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.

• E.

Applications and Documents.

1. All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available on the county website.

2. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by email or the Internet shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.

3. The county's building services division shall adopt and post on the county's website a standard plan and checklist of all requirements ("Expedited Application Requirements") with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. Said plan and checklist shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard plans contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.

4. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:

   • a. Verify, to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction and through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques, that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is stable and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building foundation; and

   • b. At the applicant's expense, verify, to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction and

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Placer County, CA § 15.04.150

PLACER COUNTY CODE

§ 15.04.150

using standard electrical inspection techniques, that the existing electrical system including existing line, load, ground and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads.

• F.

Permit Review and Inspection Requirements.

1. An application that satisfies all the requirements of the expedited application requirements, as determined by the chief building official or designee shall be deemed complete.

2. Once deemed complete, the building services division shall issue a building permit, the issuance of which is nondiscretionary, on the same day for over-the-counter applications or within one to three business days for electronic applications. The issuance of said permit does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid until inspected and authorization to do so is demonstrated by the chief building official or designee. The applicant is further responsible for obtaining such approval or permission to connect from the local utility provider.

3. Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the building services division for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the building official and fire chief, and/or their designated representatives. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized, however the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this subsection.

4. If the building official determines an application is incomplete, the chief building official or designee shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. Said written correction notice shall be issued within five business days of the date of determination of an incomplete application.

5. The chief building official or designee may require an applicant to apply for a limited review permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon public health and safety. Such decision may be appealed by the applicant to the CDRA director subject to the provisions of subsection G.

6. If a limited review permit is required, the chief building official may deny such application if it makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. "A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" includes, but is not limited to, any cost- effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the county on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit. The county shall use its best efforts to ensure the selected method, condition, or mitigation meets the conditions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 714 of the Civil Code defining restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance. Such findings shall

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Placer County, CA

BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

§ 15.04.150

§ 15.04.160

include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Such decision may be appealed by the applicant to the CDRA director subject to the provisions of subsection G.

7. Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.

• G. Appeals.

  1. The applicant may appeal decisions rendered pursuant to subsection F.4 or F.5 upon payment of the appeal fee, submittal of an appeal application to the CDRA front counter within 10 calendar days of the date of the decision.

2. The decision of the CDRA director on an appeal is final.

(Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

Add the following section to the CBC and CRC:

Sections 130 and R130 - Expedited permit process for electric vehicle charging stations.

• A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process that complies with Section 65850.7 of the California Government Code in order to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging stations. This section encourages the use of electric vehicle charging stations by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the county, and expanding the ability of property owners and agricultural and business concerns to install electric vehicle charging stations. This section allows the county to achieve these goals while protecting the public's health and safety.

• B. Definitions. As used in this section:

"Association" means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development as set forth in California Civil Code, Section 4080.

"Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station" means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, as it reads on the effective date of this chapter, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

"Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following mechanisms to submit documents required for a building permit:

1. Electronic mail or email.

• The internet.

• Facsimile.

"Specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

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Placer County, CA § 15.04.160

PLACER COUNTY CODE

§ 15.04.160

• C. Expedited Review Process. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review process for electric vehicle charging stations, and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with in order to be eligible for expedited review. The expedited, streamlined permit review process and checklist may refer to the recommendations in the checklist prescribed by the most current version of the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The county's adopted checklist shall be published on the county's website and may be modified by the building official as needed without additional authorization from the board of supervisors.

f the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The county's adopted checklist shall be published on the county's website and may be modified by the building official as needed without additional authorization from the board of supervisors.

• D. Electronic Submittals. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this section and associated supporting documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the building official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.

• E. Association Approval. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, unless the county makes a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety.

• F. Permit Application Processing.

  1. Application completion. A permit application submitted to the building official shall be deemed complete if, after the applicable time period described in paragraph (2) has elapsed, both of the following are true:

     • a. The building official has not deemed the application complete, consistent with the county's adopted checklist.

     • b. The building official has not issued a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and identifying any additional information explicitly necessary for the building official to complete a review limited to whether the electric vehicle charging station meets all health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law.

  2. For purposes of paragraph (1), "applicable time period means" either of the following:

     • a. Five business days after submission, if the application is for at least one, but not more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.

     • b. Ten business days after submission, if the application is for more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.

  3. Application approval. A permit application shall be deemed approved, and all necessary permits shall be issued if the applicable time period described in Subsection F.4 has elapsed and all of the following are true:

     • a. The building official has not administratively approved the application.

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BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

§ 15.04.160

§ 15.04.170

  - b. The building official has not made a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety or require the applicant to apply for a use permit.

• c. The building official has not denied the permit for a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact.

  - d. An appeal of the building official's decision has not been made to the planning commission. 
  

  4. For purposes of subsection F.3, "applicable time period means" either of the following:

     • a. Twenty business days after the application was deemed complete, if the application is for at least 1, but not more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.

     • b. Forty business days after the application was deemed complete, if the application is for more than 25 electric vehicle charging stations at a single site.

     • c. approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the county.

• G. Technical Review. It is the intent of this section to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting for charging stations so long as the expedited process does not supersede the building official's authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. If the building official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as defined in this section, the county may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.

• H. Appeals. A building official's decision on a permit application covered by this section may be appealed to the Building Board of Appeals. All appeals shall be filed within 30 days of the date of the decision of the building official.

• (Ord. 6345-B, 11/18/2025)

§ 15.04.170. through § 15.04.200. (Reserved)

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Placer County, CA