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Building on your lot in Truckee

Truckee sets its own permit steps for solar panels and EV chargers. The Building Official approves applications that meet the adopted checklist and issues the permits.

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Key points

  • Rooftop solar: City rule: small rooftop solar systems that meet the checklist get administrative approval and only one inspection, plus another if the system fails.
  • Panel placement: City rule: on one- and two-family homes, panels may reach the roof ridge if the opposite roof side stays accessible for firefighting.
  • EV chargers: City rule: EV charger applications may be made in person, by mail or electronically, and electronic signatures may be used.

Each rule below is marked Truckee code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Truckee code What Truckee's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Apply in person, by mail or electronically; electronic signatures may be used.
    Applies: Applies to EV charging station installations.
    § 15.02.090 · code text
    The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the Town's building division by personal, mailed, or electronic submittal together with any required permit processing and inspection fees.
  • The Building Official approves the application and issues all needed permits.
    Applies: Applies when the application meets the Town checklist, laws and safety standards.
    § 15.02.090 · code text
    Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the Town's adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, approve the application and issue all necessary permits.
Solar height and setbacks
  • Panels may go up to the roof ridge if the other side of the roof stays open for firefighting.
    Applies: Applies to solar panels on one- and two-family homes.
    § 15.03.180 · code text
    The Building Division may permit solar panels to be mounted no higher than the ridge of the roof so long as the opposite side of the roof is accessible for fire ground activities.
Solar permit process
  • Only 1 inspection is required; another is allowed if the system fails.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.
    § 15.02.080 · code text
    For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the Town's building official and a representative of the Truckee Fire Protection District.
  • The building official administratively approves the complete application and issues all required permits.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems that meet the checklist.
    § 15.02.080 · 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 administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: small rooftop solar systems that meet the checklist get administrative approval and only one inspection, plus another if the system fails. City rule: on one- and two-family homes, panels may reach the roof ridge if the opposite roof side stays accessible for firefighting. City rule: EV charger applications may be made in person, by mail or electronically, and electronic signatures may be used.

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.

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Truckee Municipal Code — full text

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