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Portola Valley · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Portola Valley

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

What Portola Valley's code says

Portola Valley code What Portola Valley's code adds
EV charger permit
  • The building official issues all needed permits when the application is complete and meets the town's checklist.
    Applies: Applies when the application meets the town's adopted checklist.
    § 15.22.040 · code text
    A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the town's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed.
  • Electronic submittal is allowed, and electronic signatures are accepted.
    Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging permit applications.
    § 15.22.040 · code text
    The building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter and associated supporting documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the building official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.
Solar permit process
  • Expedited, nondiscretionary review, including Woodside Fire Protection District review.
    Applies: Applies to small home rooftop solar energy systems.
    § 15.21.060 · code text
    The building department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within three business days of receipt of a complete application including review by Woodside Fire Protection District if the application meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.
  • 1 building department inspection and 1 separate Woodside Fire Protection District inspection.
    Applies: Applies to small home rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
    § 15.21.060 · code text
    Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the building department and one separate inspection is required by the Woodside Fire Protection District for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
  • The inspection is scheduled within 2 business days of a request.
    Applies: Applies to inspecting an eligible small home rooftop solar system.
    § 15.21.060 · code text
    An inspection will be scheduled within two business days of a request and provide a two- to three-hour inspection window.
Review time
  • The permit is issued within 3 business days.
    Applies: Complete applications meeting the approved checklist and standard plan, including Woodside Fire Protection District review.
    § 15.21.060 · code text
    The building department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within three business days of receipt of a complete application including review by Woodside Fire Protection District if the application meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Portola Valley?

Portola Valley's code: Expedited, nondiscretionary review, including Woodside Fire Protection District review. (Applies to small home rooftop solar energy systems.) (§ 15.21.060); The building official issues all needed permits when the application is complete and meets the town's checklist. (Applies when the application meets the town's adopted checklist.) (§ 15.22.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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Portola Valley Municipal Code — full text