Solar panels and EV chargers in Santa Clara: the local rules

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

What Santa Clara's code says

Santa Clara code What Santa Clara's code adds
EV-ready new homes	1 Level 2 EV Ready Space and 1 Level 1 EV Ready Space. Applies: New one- and two-family homes and townhouses with private garages of 2 or more parking spaces. § 15.38.040 · code text In private garages with two or more parking spaces, install one Level 2 EV Ready Space and one Level 1 EV Ready Space. 1 Level 2 EV Ready Space. Applies: New one- and two-family homes and townhouses where a unit has only 1 parking space. § 15.38.040 · code text For each dwelling unit with only one parking space, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space. 25% of unassigned parking spaces must be Level 2 EV Ready. Applies: Spaces not assigned to a unit in new one- and two-family homes and townhouses. § 15.38.040 · code text 25% of the unassigned parking space(s) shall be Level 2 EV Ready Space(s). 75% of unassigned parking spaces must be Low Power Level 2 EV Ready. Applies: Spaces not assigned to a unit in new one- and two-family homes and townhouses. § 15.38.040 · code text 75% of the unassigned space(s) shall be Low Power Level 2 EV Ready Space(s). 1 Level 2 EV Ready Space per unit with parking. Applies: New apartment buildings under 20 units, and residential parts of mixed-use buildings under 20 units. § 15.38.040 · code text One parking space per dwelling unit with parking shall be provided with a Level 2 EV Ready Space.
EV charger permit	Apply electronically; electronic signatures are accepted. Applies: EV chargers that qualify for expedited permit processing. § 15.39.010 · code text the Building Official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review process for electric vehicle charging stations and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply in order to be eligible for expedited review. The Building Official approves and issues all needed permits when the application meets the city checklist and applicable laws. Applies: Permit applications that meet the city's adopted checklist. § 15.39.010 · code text A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed.
Solar permit process	Submit the application and documents with permit processing, plan review and inspection fees; only one inspection. Applies: Small home rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review. § 15.90.020 · code text The Building Official is authorized and directed to develop and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. The applicant shall submit the permit application and associated documentation to the City together with any required permit processing, plan review and inspection fees. Once the application is confirmed complete and meets the checklist, the Building Official approves it and issues all required permits. Applies: Small home rooftop solar systems. § 15.90.020 · code text Upon confirmation by the Building Official of the application and supporting documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the Building Official shall approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

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

New one- and two-family homes with 2 or more garage spaces need one Level 2 and one Level 1 EV Ready Space.

Solar panels and EV chargers in Santa Clara

Key points

What Santa Clara's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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