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Solar panels and EV chargers in Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs'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 Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Desert Hot Springs's code says

Desert Hot Springs code What Desert Hot Springs's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Administrative, nondiscretionary review; approved if it meets the checklist and has no specific, adverse impact on public health or safety.
    Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.
    § 15.34.060 · code text
    The Building Official shall implement an administrative review process to expedite approval of electric vehicle charging stations. Where the application meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standards and there are no specific, adverse impacts upon public health or safety, the Building and Safety Division shall complete the building permit approval process, which is nondiscretionary.
  • A permit is required before installing, operating, or maintaining an EV charging station.
    § 15.34.060 · code text
    It shall be unlawful for any person to install, operate, or maintain an electric vehicle charging station without such a permit for such work, and the permit shall be secured from the Building Official by the owner or the owner’s agent.
Solar permit process
  • Administrative, non-discretionary review; the city issues a building permit when the application meets its checklist.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems that meet the city-approved checklist.
    § 15.36.050 · code text
    For an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system that meets the requirements of the City-approved checklist, the City will issue a building permit or other non-discretionary permit.
  • Only one inspection is required.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.
    § 15.36.050 · code text
    Only one inspection will be required and performed by the City for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Desert Hot Springs?

Desert Hot Springs's code: Administrative, non-discretionary review; the city issues a building permit when the application meets its checklist. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems that meet the city-approved checklist.) (§ 15.36.050); Administrative, nondiscretionary review; approved if it meets the checklist and has no specific, adverse impact on public health or safety. (Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.) (§ 15.34.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code — full text