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

National City's code: Administrative, nondiscretionary review; the building official issues all permits when a complete application meets the checklist; only 1 inspection. (Small residential rooftop solar energy systems.) (§ 15.81.060); The building official administratively approves and issues permits when the application is complete and meets health and safety rules. (EV charging stations. Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are accepted.) (§ 15.82.030).

Solar panels and EV chargers in National City

National City code What National City's code adds
EV charger permit	The building official administratively approves and issues permits when the application is complete and meets health and safety rules. Applies: EV charging stations. Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are accepted. § 15.82.030 · code text An application that satisfies the requirements of the eligibility checklists, as determined by the building official, shall be deemed complete and eligible for the expedited permitting process.
Solar height and setbacks	No limit on the percentage of roof covered. § 18.30.300 · code text Solar collectors are permitted outright as an accessory use to any principal use subject to the following standards: Solar collectors are not considered as "reflective roofing materials" and there is no limit to the specific percentage of roof coverage. Up to 5 feet above the zone's height limit. Applies: Single-family photovoltaic solar systems, except in the coastal zone. § 18.30.300 · code text Single-family: Except within the coastal zone, photovoltaic solar energy systems may extend up to five feet above the height limit in the zoning district. Up to 7 feet above the zone's height limit. Applies: Single-family solar water or pool heating systems, except in the coastal zone. § 18.30.300 · code text Solar water or swimming pool heating systems may extend up to seven feet above the height limit in the zoning district; Up to 5 feet above the roof surface they sit on. Applies: Photovoltaic systems on properties other than single-family, except in the coastal zone. § 18.30.300 · code text Except within the coastal zone, photovoltaic solar energy systems may extend up to five feet above the roof surface on which they are installed, even if this exceeds the maximum height limit in the district in which it is located. Up to 7 feet above the roof surface they sit on. Applies: Solar water or pool heating on properties other than single-family, except in the coastal zone. § 18.30.300 · code text Solar water or swimming pool heating systems may extend up to seven feet above the roof surface on which they are installed even if this exceeds the maximum height limit in the district in which it is located. At least 3 feet from any property line. Applies: Solar equipment, other than collector panels, in required side and rear yards. § 18.30.300 · code text Excluding solar collector panels, solar energy system equipment may be installed within the required side and rear yard but shall not be closer than three feet to any property line. At most 6 feet high. Applies: Solar panels not on the roof of a main building, garage or accessory structure, on lots next to RS-1 and RS-2 zones. § 18.30.300 · code text Solar collector panels, not located on the rooftop of a primary structure, garage, or accessory structure on lots adjacent to RS-1 and RS-2 zones shall be limited to a maximum height of six feet.
Solar permit process	Administrative, nondiscretionary review; the building official issues all permits when a complete application meets the checklist; only 1 inspection. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar energy systems. § 15.81.060 · code text The planning and building department shall implement an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy systems.

Solar panels and EV chargers in National City

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