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Kern County · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Kern County

Kern County'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 Kern County Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Kern County's code says

Kern County code What Kern County's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Approved, with all needed permits issued, when the application meets the county checklist and health and safety standards.
    Applies: Applies to EV charging stations.
    § 17.58.040 · code text
    A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the county's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed.
  • Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are accepted.
    Applies: Applies to permit applications under the expedited permitting chapter.
    § 17.58.040 · code text
    the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter and associated supporting documentations.
Solar permit process
  • Administrative approval and all required permits once the complete application meets the checklist.
    Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems.
    § 17.57.040 · code text
    Upon confirmation by the building official of the application and supporting documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the building official shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations.
Review time
  • Plan review and permits within 1 business day, when reasonable.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems; walk-in applications.
    § 17.57.040 · code text
    For walk-in applications the building official shall perform a plan review and issue all required permits within one (1) business day when reasonable to do so.
  • Plan review and permits within 1 to 3 business days, when reasonable.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems; electronic submittals.
    § 17.57.040 · code text
    For electronic submittals, the building official shall perform a plan review and issue all required permits within one (1) to three (3) business days when reasonable to do so.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Kern County's code: Administrative approval and all required permits once the complete application meets the checklist. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems.) (§ 17.57.040); Approved, with all needed permits issued, when the application meets the county checklist and health and safety standards. (Applies to EV charging stations.) (§ 17.58.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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Kern County Municipal Code — full text