Mono County · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Mono County
Mono County's code applies only in unincorporated areas of the county. There it gives small rooftop solar systems an expedited permit process and approves electric vehicle charging stations against a county checklist.
Key points
- Rooftop solar: Rooftop solar up to 10 kW AC or 30 kW thermal on single or duplex homes, within the height limit, gets an expedited permit.
- EV chargers: The county building official issues EV charger permits when the application meets the county checklist; routine maintenance needs no permit.
Each rule below is marked Mono County code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Mono County's code applies in the unincorporated areas of the county. Cities in Mono County have their own codes and their own pages.
Solar panels and EV chargers
Mono County code Rooftop solar up to 10 kW AC or 30 kW thermal on single or duplex homes, within the height limit, gets an expedited permit. The county building official issues EV charger permits when the application meets the county checklist; routine maintenance needs no permit.
All 3 Mono County rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Noise and construction hours
Mono County code 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Not allowed at any time.
All 9 Mono County rules on noise and construction hours, with the code text →
Family child care homes
| Zoning | A small or large family child care home is a residential use and a use by right under all local ordinances, including zoning |
|---|---|
| Business license or fee | A city or county may not charge a business license, fee or tax to run a family child care home |
| Local rules | Local limits on height, setbacks, lot size, health and safety must be the same as for every other home in the same zone |
| Small home | Up to eight children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there |
| Large home | 7 to 14 children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there |
Trash and recycling carts
| Where carts are kept |
|
|---|
Other Mono County rules on this
Mono County's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Grading and land clearing permits (Ch. 13.08)
- Fire mitigation fee on new building (§ 15.30.020)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a family child care home in Mono County?
California law sets this for every city, including Mono County: Zoning: A small or large family child care home is a residential use and a use by right under all local ordinances, including zoning (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(a)); Business license or fee: A city or county may not charge a business license, fee or tax to run a family child care home (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(b)); Local rules: Local limits on height, setbacks, lot size, health and safety must be the same as for every other home in the same zone (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(e)); Small home: Up to eight children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there (Health & Safety Code § 1596.78(c)); Large home: 7 to 14 children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there (Health & Safety Code § 1596.78(b)).
When can trash carts go out to the curb in Mono County?
Mono County's code: Keep containers away from the street or right-of-way, in an enclosed structure or against a structure side to prevent tipping. (On days other than collection day; movable containers with a capacity under 96 gallons.) (§ 12.04.010).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific Mono County property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question