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Arcadia · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Arcadia

Arcadia's own rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text for every value.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Arcadia Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Arcadia's code says

Arcadia code What Arcadia's code adds
Solar height and setbacks
  • At most 6 feet tall.
    Applies: Applies to ground-mounted or freestanding solar structures.
    § 9103.01.100 · code text
    All ground-mounted or freestanding solar structures shall not exceed a height of six (6) feet.
  • Follow accessory-structure setbacks in single-family zones and main-building setbacks in multifamily zones; keep out of the front yard.
    Applies: Applies to ground-mounted systems and freestanding solar structures.
    § 9103.01.100 · code text
    Ground-mounted systems and freestanding solar structures shall conform to the setback requirements for any accessory structure in single-family residential zones and the same as the main structure in multifamily residential zones and shall be located outside of the front yard area and to minimize their visibility from any public right-of-way.
Review time
  • The permit is issued the same day over the counter, or within 1-3 business days for electronic applications.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems with a complete application that meets the approved checklist and standard plan.
    § 8956 · code text
    The Building Department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit the same day for over-the-counter applications or within 1-3 business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.
Solar permit process
  • Expedited administrative, nondiscretionary review by Community Development; no Site Plan and Design Review; only 1 inspection.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
    § 9103.01.110 · code text
    Review of the application to install a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall be limited to an expedited administrative, nondiscretionary review by the Community Development Department.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Arcadia?

Arcadia's code: Expedited administrative, nondiscretionary review by Community Development; no Site Plan and Design Review; only 1 inspection. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar energy systems.) (§ 9103.01.110); The permit is issued the same day over the counter, or within 1-3 business days for electronic applications. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems with a complete application that meets the approved checklist and standard plan.) (§ 8956).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Arcadia's solar panels and EV chargers rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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Arcadia Municipal Code — full text