Skip to content

San Diego · Building on your lot

Solar panels and EV chargers in San Diego

San Diego's own rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text for every value.

Ask about solar panels and EV chargers in San Diego See coverage

Each rule below links to the section of the San Diego Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What San Diego's code says

San Diego code What San Diego's code adds
EV charger permit
  • An Electrical Permit is required; approved unless there is substantial evidence of a specific health or safety harm.
    Applies: EV charging stations; a Building Permit may also be needed to alter a structure or move an accessible parking space.
    § 141.0419 · code text
    A Building Permit may be required if alterations will be made to an existing structure or to modify or relocate an existing disabled accessible parking space serving the premises.
Solar height and setbacks
  • May extend into required side and rear yards.
    Applies: Accessory solar firmly attached to an allowed structure, or stand-alone systems meeting city rules; Mission Beach and sensitive or historic land rules apply.
    § 141.0418 · code text
    (A) Solar energy systems may encroach into required side yards and rear yards where securely attached to a previously conforming structure or other structure that is permitted to project or encroach into the required setback or angled building envelope plane in accordance with Section 131.0461. Stand alone solar energy systems may encroach into required side yards and rear yards in compliance with Section 131.0461. Ch. Art. Div. 14 1 4 24 San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14: General Regulations (2-2025)
  • Panels cannot be taller than the existing structure.
    Applies: Panels on a previously conforming structure already over the height limit in the Coastal or Clairemont Mesa Height Limit Overlay Zone.
    § 141.0418 · code text
    the proposed solar panels do not exceed the height of the existing structure
Solar permit process
  • A Process One construction permit, including an Electrical Permit, is required.
    Applies: Residential solar in zones that allow it; structural work also needs a Combination Building Permit.
    § 141.0418 · code text
    decided in accordance with Process One shall be required for the installation of a solar energy system, in accordance with the following: (A) An Electrical Permit is required for a solar energy system. A Combination Building Permit and Electrical Permit is required if the scope of work also includes the development of a new structure or requires structural modifications to an existing structure to support the solar energy system.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

San Diego's code: A Process One construction permit, including an Electrical Permit, is required. (Residential solar in zones that allow it; structural work also needs a Combination Building Permit.) (§ 141.0418); An Electrical Permit is required; approved unless there is substantial evidence of a specific health or safety harm. (EV charging stations; a Building Permit may also be needed to alter a structure or move an accessible parking space.) (§ 141.0419).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific San Diego property

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

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in San Diego

All building on your lot rules in San Diego

Fences and walls in San Diego

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures in San Diego

Running a business from home in San Diego

Lot splits under SB 9 in San Diego

RV and boat parking in San Diego

Pets, chickens and bees in San Diego

San Diego Municipal Code — full text