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Rancho Santa Margarita · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Rancho Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita's own rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text for every value.

Ask about solar panels and EV chargers in Rancho Santa Margarita See coverage

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

What Rancho Santa Margarita's code says

Rancho Santa Margarita code What Rancho Santa Margarita's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Administrative, nondiscretionary approval with all needed permits when the application meets the City checklist.
    Applies: Applies to EV charging stations.
    § 10.10.060 · code text
    Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the application and supporting documents meet the requirements of the City's checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code § 65850.7, approve the application and issue all necessary permits.
Solar permit process
  • Administrative, nondiscretionary review; permit issues when the application meets checklist and standard plan; 1 inspection, scheduled within 2 business days.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.
    § 10.08.060 · code text
    Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
Review time
  • The permit is issued within 3 business days.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar applications that meet the City's checklist and standard plan.
    § 10.08.060 · code text
    For an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system that meets the requirements of the City's checklist and standard plan, the Building Department shall issue a building permit or other non-discretionary permit or authorization within three business days.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Rancho Santa Margarita's code: Administrative, nondiscretionary review; permit issues when the application meets checklist and standard plan; 1 inspection, scheduled within 2 business days. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.) (§ 10.08.060); Administrative, nondiscretionary approval with all needed permits when the application meets the City checklist. (Applies to EV charging stations.) (§ 10.10.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code — full text