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Solar panels and EV chargers in Bell

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

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

What Bell's code says

Bell code What Bell's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Fast administrative review; electronic filing and signatures accepted; permits issue when the application meets the checklist and applicable laws.
    Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.
    § 15.40.030 · code text
    Upon confirmation by the building official that the permit application and supporting documents meet the requirements of the city checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws, the building official shall approve the application and issue all necessary permits.
  • The permit is issued within 2 weeks.
    Applies: Applies to EV charging station applications that meet the approved checklist and standard plan.
    § 17.76.120 · code text
    An application for an electric vehicle charging station that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan, the building division shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within two weeks.
Solar height and setbacks
  • Panels may not exceed the maximum legal building height.
    Applies: Required to qualify as a small rooftop home solar system for fast permitting.
    § 15.16.010 · code text
    A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.
Solar permit process
  • Administrative, nondiscretionary review; one inspection; apply by e-mail, city website or fax; electronic signatures accepted.
    Applies: Applies to small rooftop home solar systems.
    § 15.16.010 · code text
    Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents via e-mail, the city's website, or facsimile shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.
Review time
  • Within 3 business days.
    Applies: Applies to small rooftop home solar applications that meet the approved checklist and standard plan; the building department issues the permit.
    § 15.16.010 · code text
    The building department shall adopt an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite the approval of small residential rooftop solar energy system applications within 30 days of adoption of the ordinance codified in this section.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Bell's code: Administrative, nondiscretionary review; one inspection; apply by e-mail, city website or fax; electronic signatures accepted. (Applies to small rooftop home solar systems.) (§ 15.16.010); Fast administrative review; electronic filing and signatures accepted; permits issue when the application meets the checklist and applicable laws. (Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.) (§ 15.40.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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Bell Municipal Code — full text