Skip to content

Walnut Creek · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek's own rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text for every value.

Ask about solar panels and EV chargers in Walnut Creek See coverage

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

What Walnut Creek's code says

Walnut Creek code What Walnut Creek's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Expedited, nondiscretionary administrative review; apply over the counter, by mail or electronically.
    Applies: Applies to permits to install an EV charging station.
    § 9-0.5.309 · code text
    An applicant may submit a permit application and associated documentation over-the-counter, by mail, or through electronic submittal, using the electronic submittal method(s) specified on the City's website.
  • Approved administratively when complete and meeting local, State and federal health and safety requirements.
    Applies: EV charging station permits, absent findings of a specific, adverse impact.
    § 9-0.5.309 · code text
    Upon confirmation that the application is complete, the Building Official shall review the application to ensure the electric vehicle charging station meets local, State, and federal health and safety requirements. Absent any specific, adverse impact findings, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue the permit.
Solar height and setbacks
  • Panels may not exceed the City's maximum legal building height to qualify for the expedited permit.
    Applies: Small rooftop solar, up to 10 kilowatts AC or 30 kilowatts thermal, on a single-family home or duplex.
    § 9-0.5.308 · code text
    Contains a solar panel or module array that does not exceed the City's maximum legal building height.
Solar permit process
  • To the extent possible, permit issued the same day over the counter, or within 3 business days if electronic.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems meeting the approved checklist and standard plan; apply in person or electronically.
    § 9-0.5.308 · code text
    Applicants may submit the required permit application and documents in person at Building Division's public counters or via electronic submission.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Walnut Creek's code: To the extent possible, permit issued the same day over the counter, or within 3 business days if electronic. (Small residential rooftop solar systems meeting the approved checklist and standard plan; apply in person or electronically.) (§ 9-0.5.308); Expedited, nondiscretionary administrative review; apply over the counter, by mail or electronically. (Applies to permits to install an EV charging station.) (§ 9-0.5.309).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Walnut Creek property

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

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in Walnut Creek

All building on your lot rules in Walnut Creek

Fences and walls in Walnut Creek

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Walnut Creek

Running a business from home in Walnut Creek

Lot splits under SB 9 in Walnut Creek

RV and boat parking in Walnut Creek

Tree removal in Walnut Creek

Building on a hillside in Walnut Creek

Affordable units in new housing (inclusionary) in Walnut Creek

Signs on homes in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek Municipal Code — full text