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Fresno County · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Fresno County

Fresno County's code applies only in unincorporated areas of the county. There it sets permit rules for small residential rooftop solar systems and electric vehicle charging stations.

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Key points

  • Rooftop solar: Expedited county permits cover rooftop solar up to 10 kW AC or 30 kW thermal on single or duplex homes within zone height limits.
  • EV chargers: The county issues EV charger permits when the application meets its checklist; inspection approval is required before the station is energized or used.

Each rule below is marked Fresno County code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

Fresno County's code applies in the unincorporated areas of the county. Cities in Fresno County have their own codes and their own pages.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Fresno County code What Fresno County's code adds
EV charger permit
  • The Building Official approves and issues all permits when the application meets the checklist; electronic filing and signatures are accepted.
    Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging stations; the application must also meet applicable laws and health and safety standards.
    § 15.80.030 · code text
    A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed.
  • Permits issue on approval, but the charger may not be powered or used until it passes inspection.
    Applies: Applies to approved electric vehicle charging station permits.
    § 15.80.030 · code text
    Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until inspection approval is granted by the County of Fresno.
Solar height and setbacks
  • Panels may not exceed the zone's maximum legal building height to qualify for the fast permit.
    Applies: Applies to small rooftop solar (up to 10 kilowatts AC or 30 kilowatts thermal) on a single-family or duplex home.
    § 15.18.030 · code text
    A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the zoning district in which the solar energy system is proposed to be installed.
Solar permit process
  • A building permit is required; you may apply by e-mail, internet or fax.
    Applies: Applies to small rooftop solar on a single-family or duplex home.
    § 15.18.030 · code text
    A building permit is required to install a solar energy system.
  • Approved or denied in writing; permits issue once the application is complete, meets building codes, and required fees are paid.
    Applies: Applies to small rooftop home solar systems.
    § 15.18.030 · code text
    The department shall then promptly approve or deny the application in writing.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Expedited county permits cover rooftop solar up to 10 kW AC or 30 kW thermal on single or duplex homes within zone height limits. The county issues EV charger permits when the application meets its checklist; inspection approval is required before the station is energized or used.

General information, not legal advice.

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Fresno County Municipal Code — full text

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Buying & selling in Fresno County

Fresno County overview