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Rancho Palos Verdes · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in Rancho Palos Verdes

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

What Rancho Palos Verdes's code says

Rancho Palos Verdes code What Rancho Palos Verdes's code adds
EV charger permit
  • A building permit and any plumbing, electrical or mechanical permits the city requires.
    Applies: Applies to all EV charging stations.
    § 15.44.010 · code text
    All electric vehicle charging stations shall be installed only after approval by the building official and only after issuance of the necessary building permit and any and all other permits required by the city relating to the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical characteristics of the system.
Solar height and setbacks
  • Must not extend into a setback area.
    Applies: Applies to ground-mounted energy systems.
    § 17.83.050 · code text
    Installation of renewable energy systems are permitted in any zoning district through a minor site plan review application, provided that such systems do not encroach into a setback area or exceed 12 feet in height, as measured from existing grade.
  • No more than 12 feet high, measured from existing grade.
    Applies: Applies to ground-mounted energy systems.
    § 17.83.050 · code text
    Installation of renewable energy systems are permitted in any zoning district through a minor site plan review application, provided that such systems do not encroach into a setback area or exceed 12 feet in height, as measured from existing grade.
Solar permit process
  • May be installed after the needed building permits are obtained from the city.
    Applies: Applies to roof-mounted renewable energy systems.
    § 17.83.050 · code text
    Any roof-mounted renewable energy system may be installed after the applicable building permits have been obtained from the city.
  • A minor site plan review application.
    Applies: Applies to ground-mounted energy systems.
    § 17.83.050 · code text
    Installation of renewable energy systems are permitted in any zoning district through a minor site plan review application, provided that such systems do not encroach into a setback area or exceed 12 feet in height, as measured from existing grade.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Rancho Palos Verdes?

Rancho Palos Verdes's code: May be installed after the needed building permits are obtained from the city. (Applies to roof-mounted renewable energy systems.) (§ 17.83.050); A building permit and any plumbing, electrical or mechanical permits the city requires. (Applies to all EV charging stations.) (§ 15.44.010).

General information, not legal advice.

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Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — full text