Solar panels and EV chargers in Placer County

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

What Placer County's code says

Placer County code What Placer County's code adds
EV charger permit	Expedited administrative permit review. Applies: Electric vehicle charging stations. § 15.04.160 · code text the building official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review process for electric vehicle charging stations Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are accepted. Applies: EV charging station permit applications. § 15.04.160 · code text the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this section and associated supporting documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the building official shall also accept electronic signatures
Solar height and setbacks	At least 7.5 feet. Applies: Side or rear setback for ground-mounted solar 6 feet tall or less on residential parcels, unless the zone allows less. § 17.56.350 · code text Systems which are six feet tall or less: seven and one-half feet At least 10 feet. Applies: Side or rear setback for ground-mounted solar 8 feet tall or less on residential parcels, unless the zone allows less. § 17.56.350 · code text Systems which are eight feet tall or less: Ten feet At least 15 feet. Applies: Side or rear setback for ground-mounted solar 10 feet tall or less on residential parcels, unless the zone allows less. § 17.56.350 · code text Systems which are 10 feet tall or less: 15 feet At least 15 feet. Applies: Side or rear setback for ground-mounted solar over 10 and under 15 feet tall on residential parcels. § 17.56.350 · code text Systems which are more than 10 feet tall and less than 15 feet tall: 15 feet
Solar permit process	The expedited permit covers systems up to 10 kilowatts AC nameplate or 30 kilowatts thermal. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems. § 15.04.150 · code text A solar energy system that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal. Electronic submittal by email or internet; only one inspection. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar permit applicants. § 15.04.150 · code text Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by email or the Internet shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.
Review time	Same day over the counter, or 1 to 3 business days for electronic applications. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar, once the application is complete. § 15.04.150 · code text Once deemed complete, the building services division shall issue a building permit, the issuance of which is nondiscretionary, on the same day for over-the-counter applications or within one to three business days for electronic applications.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Ground solar side/rear setback: 7.5 feet minimum for 6 feet tall or less (zone may allow less); taller needs 10 to 15 feet.

Solar panels and EV chargers in Placer County

Key points

What Placer County's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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