Solar panels and EV chargers in Laguna Beach

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

What Laguna Beach's code says

Laguna Beach code What Laguna Beach's code adds
EV charger permit	Administrative, nondiscretionary review. The building division issues all needed permits when the application meets the city's checklist. Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging station applications. § 14.85.060 · code text The building division shall implement an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite the approval of electric vehicle charging station applications.
Solar permit process	Administrative, nondiscretionary review. A permit is issued when the application meets the checklist and standard plan; only 1 inspection. Applies: Applies to small home rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. § 14.84.070 · code text Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the building division for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. The inspection is scheduled within 2 business days of a request. Applies: Applies to small home rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. § 14.84.070 · code text An inspection will be scheduled within two business days of a request. The permit fee may not exceed 10% of the original system cost, and never more than $1,000. Applies: Applies to small home rooftop solar energy systems. § 14.84.060 · code text The fee established for building permits shall not exceed ten percent of the original system cost, but in no case more than one thousand dollars. The fee may be waived. Applies: Applies when the system is designed and installed with no significant aesthetic or view impact on surrounding properties. § 14.84.060 · code text However, payment of the fee may be waived upon the written determination of the director of community development that the proposed system is designed and will be installed in a manner that results in no significant aesthetic or view impacts to surrounding properties.
Review time	The permit is issued within 3 business days. Applies: Applies to small home rooftop solar that meets the approved checklist and standard plan. § 14.84.070 · code text For an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan, the building department shall issue a building permit or other non-discretionary permit within three business days.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Laguna Beach's code: Administrative, nondiscretionary review. A permit is issued when the application meets the checklist and standard plan; only 1 inspection. (Applies to small home rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.) (§ 14.84.070); Administrative, nondiscretionary review. The building division issues all needed permits when the application meets the city's checklist. (Applies to electric vehicle charging station applications.) (§ 14.85.060).

Solar panels and EV chargers in Laguna Beach

What Laguna Beach's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Laguna Beach property

More on building on your lot in Laguna Beach