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Morro Bay · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Morro Bay

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

What Morro Bay's code says

Morro Bay code What Morro Bay's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Building permit issued within 5 business days of a complete application.
    Applies: Residential installations, with a complete application meeting the approved checklist and standard plan.
    § 14.43.060 · code text
    The building and safety division shall issue a building permit, the issuance of which is nondiscretionary within five business days for residential installations, and ten business days for commercial installations upon receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.
  • Administrative, nondiscretionary review process.
    § 14.43.060 · code text
    The building official shall implement an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of electric vehicle charging stations.
Solar permit process
  • Administrative, nondiscretionary review: permit issued when a complete application meets the checklist and city standard plan; 1 inspection.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
    § 14.42.060 · code text
    The building division shall adopt an administrative, nondiscretionary review process for the department to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy systems within thirty days of the adoption on this chapter.
Review time
  • Same day.
    Applies: Over-the-counter applications for small residential rooftop solar, once complete and meeting the approved checklist and city standard plan.
    § 14.42.060 · code text
    The department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit the same day for over-the-counter applications or within three business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and city standard plan.
  • 3 business days.
    Applies: Electronic applications for small residential rooftop solar, once complete and meeting the approved checklist and city standard plan.
    § 14.42.060 · code text
    The department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit the same day for over-the-counter applications or within three business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and city standard plan.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Morro Bay's code: Administrative, nondiscretionary review: permit issued when a complete application meets the checklist and city standard plan; 1 inspection. (Small residential rooftop solar energy systems.) (§ 14.42.060); Building permit issued within 5 business days of a complete application. (Residential installations, with a complete application meeting the approved checklist and standard plan.) (§ 14.43.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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

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Morro Bay Municipal Code — full text