Building on your lot in Tustin

Each rule below is marked Tustin 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

Tustin code What Tustin's code adds
EV charger permit	A permit is required. Applies: Applies to EV charging stations; routine operation, maintenance or like-kind replacements are exempt. § 8302 · code text All electric vehicle charging stations shall require a permit issued by the Building Division that complies with the City's adopted California Building Codes, and issued pursuant to this Ordinance. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit. Apply in person or electronically; permit processing and inspection fees are required. Applies: Applies to expedited EV charging station applications. § 8303 · code text The applicant may submit the application and related documentation for an electric vehicle charging station in person or by electronic submittal, with all required permit processing and inspection fees, as specified on the Building Division's website. Reviewed administratively as a nondiscretionary permit within a reasonable time after a complete application. Applies: The application must meet the checklist and standard plans, with all permit fees paid. § 8303 · code text Applications for electric vehicle charging stations shall be administratively reviewed and acted upon by the Building Division as nondiscretionary permits within a reasonable time following receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the Building Division's approved checklist, standard plans, and payment of all required permit plan check, processing and inspection fees.
Review time	The permit application is handled within 3 business days. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar; a complete application that meets the approved checklist and standard plan. § 8205 · code text When a complete application is submitted that meets the Building Division's approved checklist and standard plan, the Building Division shall accommodate a building permit application within three (3) business days.

Pets, chickens and bees

Tustin code What Tustin's code adds
Large animals	Equines, cattle, pigs, sheep or goats are allowed only in the R-A District and, where guidelines allow, PC Districts. Applies: Applies within the city limits. § 4222 · code text It shall be unlawful to keep any equine, bovine, swine, sheep or goat within the corporate city limits, except in the R-A District and, where authorized by development guidelines, PC Districts.
Permit	A use permit is required for equines, cattle, pigs, sheep or goats. Applies: Applies in the R-A District and in PC Districts where development guidelines allow them. § 4222 · code text A use permit shall be required for the keeping of such animals within these districts.

Other Tustin rules on this

Tustin's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.

Two-unit homes and urban lot splits (SB 9) (§ 9280) — single-family zones only
Parcel maps for urban lot splits (§ 9329)

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: permit applications for small rooftop solar systems are handled within 3 business days when complete and meeting the checklist. City rule: EV charging stations need a permit; routine maintenance and like-kind replacements are exempt.

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Tustin?

City rule: horses, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats are allowed only in the R-A District and, where guidelines allow, PC Districts. City rule: keeping these animals in the R-A or PC Districts also requires a use permit.

General information, not legal advice.