Skip to content

Buellton · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Buellton

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

Ask about solar panels and EV chargers in Buellton See coverage

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

What Buellton's code says

Buellton code What Buellton's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Exempt from land use permits unless a zoning clearance is required.
    Applies: A zoning clearance is required only if the city finds a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety.
    § 19.06.280 · code text
    Charging stations shall be exempt from land use permit requirements, as set forth in Section 19.02.030 of this title, unless a zoning clearance is required per this section.
  • Approved administratively.
    Applies: The application meets the checklist's information requirements.
    § 19.06.280 · code text
    An application that satisfies the information requirements in the checklist, as determined by the city, shall be deemed complete and administratively approved.
  • No permit is needed.
    Applies: Routine operations and maintenance, or like-kind replacement of charging station parts.
    § 19.06.280 · code text
    Routine operations and maintenance or like-kind replacements of the components of an electric vehicle charging station shall not be subject to permitting.
  • A permit is needed only if changes materially alter the station's size, type or components.
    Applies: Charging stations legally set up or permitted before this rule took effect.
    § 19.06.280 · code text
    All electric vehicle charging stations legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section shall not require a permit issued under this section unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of an electric vehicle charging station.
Solar permit process
  • No zoning clearance required.
    Applies: Solar panels on the roof of an existing building or structure.
    § 19.06.190 · code text
    When solar panels are located on the roof of an existing building or structure, no zoning clearance shall be required.
  • Zoning clearance required.
    Applies: Solar panels on the ground.
    § 19.06.190 · code text
    When solar panels are located on the ground they shall be classified as accessory structures, and shall require zoning clearance (Section 19.08.100).

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Buellton's code: No zoning clearance required. (Solar panels on the roof of an existing building or structure.) (§ 19.06.190); Exempt from land use permits unless a zoning clearance is required. (A zoning clearance is required only if the city finds a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety.) (§ 19.06.280).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Buellton property

Ask GoCodebook how Buellton'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 Buellton

All building on your lot rules in Buellton

Fences and walls in Buellton

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in Buellton

Running a business from home in Buellton

Grading and erosion control in Buellton

Buellton Municipal Code — full text