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Mendocino County · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Mendocino County

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

Ask about solar panels and EV chargers in Mendocino County See coverage

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

What Mendocino County's code says

Mendocino County code What Mendocino County's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Expedited administrative approval and all required permits once the application is complete and consistent with the rules.
    Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.
    § 18.50.035 · code text
    Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the application is complete and meets the requirements of the checklist, and is consistent with this chapter, the building official shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations.
  • Electronic filing is offered, by a method the department chooses; electronic signatures may be used.
    Applies: Permit applications for electric vehicle charging stations.
    § 18.50.035 · code text
    The Department of Planning and Building Services shall provide for the electronic submittal of electric vehicle charging station permit applications, though the method of electronic submittal shall be at the Department's discretion and electronic submittal of applications is not required.
Solar permit process
  • Apply in person, by mail or electronically, with fees; complete applications meeting the checklist get administrative approval and all permits.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar energy systems; fees are the required processing and inspection fees.
    § 18.40.035 · code text
    The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the Department of Planning and Building Services in person, mailed, or electronic submittal together with any required permit processing and inspection fees.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Mendocino County's code: Apply in person, by mail or electronically, with fees; complete applications meeting the checklist get administrative approval and all permits. (Small residential rooftop solar energy systems; fees are the required processing and inspection fees.) (§ 18.40.035); Expedited administrative approval and all required permits once the application is complete and consistent with the rules. (Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.) (§ 18.50.035).

General information, not legal advice.

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Mendocino County Municipal Code — full text