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Butte County · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Butte County

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

Ask about solar panels and EV chargers in Butte County See coverage

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

What Butte County's code says

Butte County code What Butte County's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Approved administratively when the Building Official finds the application meets the checklist; apply in person, by mail or electronically.
    Applies: Electric vehicle charging stations.
    § 26-113 · code text
    An application that satisfies the requirements in the checklist, as determined by the Building Official, shall be deemed complete.
  • A building permit is required to install an electric vehicle charging station.
    § 26-112 · code text
    A building permit is required to install an electric vehicle charging station. An application for a building permit to install an electric vehicle charging station shall be processed in accordance with Section 65850.7 of the Government Code.
Solar permit process
  • Approved administratively when it meets the checklist and structural criteria; only one inspection; apply in person, by mail or electronically.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.
    § 26-103 · code text
    The county is adopting the ordinance from which this article is derived in order to create an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
  • A building permit is required to install a small residential rooftop solar system.
    § 26-102 · code text
    A building permit is required to install a small residential rooftop solar energy system. An application for a building permit to install a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall be processed in accordance with Section 65850.5 of the Government Code.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Butte County's code: Approved administratively when it meets the checklist and structural criteria; only one inspection; apply in person, by mail or electronically. (Small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.) (§ 26-103); Approved administratively when the Building Official finds the application meets the checklist; apply in person, by mail or electronically. (Electric vehicle charging stations.) (§ 26-113).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Butte County property

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

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Butte County Municipal Code — full text