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San Clemente · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in San Clemente

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

What San Clemente's code says

San Clemente code What San Clemente's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Administrative review by the Building Official; the permit can be issued once the application meets all checklist requirements.
    Applies: EV charging system permit applications.
    § 15.19.060 · code text
    The application shall be administratively reviewed by the Building Official as a nondiscretionary permit.
  • You can apply electronically.
    Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.
    § 15.19.050 · code text
    The Building Official shall allow the electronic submittal of the electric vehicle charging station application.
  • Approval is required before the station is installed or used.
    Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.
    § 15.19.050 · code text
    Electric vehicle charging stations cannot be installed or utilized until approval is granted by the Building Official.
Solar height and setbacks
  • The panel or module array cannot be taller than the maximum legal building height.
    Applies: To qualify a small residential rooftop solar system for the expedited permit.
    § 15.04.080 · code text
    The panel or module array does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the City.
Solar permit process
  • Expedited administrative review using the City's checklist and standard plans.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar (up to 10 kW AC or 30 kW thermal) on a single-family home or duplex.
    § 15.04.080 · code text
    The intent and purpose of this section is to provide for an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act, as amended by AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014), to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
  • A permit is issued when a complete application meets the checklist and standard plan; electronic filing available, except fees.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar, unless the Director decides a use permit is needed.
    § 15.04.080 · code text
    Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents, excluding permit fees, by electronic means shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in San Clemente?

San Clemente's code: Expedited administrative review using the City's checklist and standard plans. (Small residential rooftop solar (up to 10 kW AC or 30 kW thermal) on a single-family home or duplex.) (§ 15.04.080); Administrative review by the Building Official; the permit can be issued once the application meets all checklist requirements. (EV charging system permit applications.) (§ 15.19.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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San Clemente Municipal Code — full text