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Solar panels and EV chargers in Redlands

Redlands's own rules on solar panels and ev chargers, with the code text for every value, and the state law underneath.

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

What Redlands's code says

Redlands code What Redlands's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Reviewed administratively as a nondiscretionary permit.
    § 15.58.060 · code text
    The application shall be administratively reviewed by the chief building official as a nondiscretionary permit.
  • The permit can be issued once the chief building official finds the application meets all checklist requirements.
    Applies: Applies to EV charging station applications.
    § 15.58.060 · code text
    An application for an electric vehicle charging station shall be deemed complete and the permit available for issuance, when the chief building official determines that the application satisfies all the requirements found in the checklist.
Solar height and setbacks
  • May go anywhere on the roof if parallel to it and within 12 inches of the roof surface.
    Applies: Applies to flat plate solar systems.
    § 18.172.050 · code text
    Flat type absorber style solar energy systems may be mounted at any location of a roof when mounted parallel with the roof surface and the entire unit is within twelve inches (12") of the roof surface.
  • Only on rear roof areas below the peak line, and where least visible from a public street when possible.
    Applies: Non-flat-plate systems, flat plate units not parallel and within 12 inches of the roof, or units on racks.
    § 18.172.050 · code text
    However, nonflat plate absorber type solar energy systems (i.e., coiled tubing, parabolic reflectors, tank type absorber units, and other type units), flat plate absorber style units not parallel and within twelve inches (12") of the roof surface, or absorber units mounted on racks shall be mounted only on the rear portions of the roof below the peak line, and when possible located where least visible from a public street.
  • Must not be visible from 6 feet above a street or sidewalk, unless screened by a parapet or matching screen.
    Applies: Applies to flat roofs (slopes less than 2 vertical to 12 horizontal).
    § 18.172.050 · code text
    Any type of solar energy system may be placed on flat roofs (slopes less than 2 vertical to 12 horizontal), provided the solar energy system is so located that it is not visible from any point six feet (6') above a street or sidewalk, or is screened from view by a parapet wall or screening that is architecturally compatible with the balance of the structure.
Solar permit process
  • Administrative, nondiscretionary review; a permit issues when a complete application meets the checklist and standard plan; 1 inspection.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems.
    § 18.172.070 · code text
    The building and safety division shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit the same day for over the counter applications or within one to three (3) business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.
Review time
  • The permit is issued the same day.
    Applies: Applies to complete over-the-counter applications that meet the approved checklist and standard plan.
    § 18.172.070 · code text
    The building and safety division shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit the same day for over the counter applications or within one to three (3) business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.
  • The permit is issued within 1 to 3 business days.
    Applies: Applies to complete electronic applications that meet the approved checklist and standard plan.
    § 18.172.070 · code text
    The building and safety division shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit the same day for over the counter applications or within one to three (3) business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Redlands's code: Reviewed administratively as a nondiscretionary permit. (§ 15.58.060); The permit can be issued once the chief building official finds the application meets all checklist requirements. (Applies to EV charging station applications.) (§ 15.58.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Redlands's solar panels and ev chargers rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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