Solar panels and EV chargers in Santa Cruz County

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

What Santa Cruz County's code says

Santa Cruz County code What Santa Cruz County's code adds
EV charger permit	Streamlined permit: submit the checklist application, documents, and required permit processing and inspection fees. Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging stations. § 12.10.322 · code text Applicants must submit the completed checklist application and associated documentation to the Department with any required permit processing and inspection fees. Administrative approval and all required permits. Applies: Complete checklist application and documents. The charger may not be turned on or used until county inspection approval. § 12.10.322 · code text Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the checklist application and supporting documentation are complete, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations. Standard building permit plan review applies. Applies: Applies to applications that do not meet the checklist and are not resubmitted to meet it. § 12.10.322 · code text Applications that do not satisfy the requirements in the checklist will not be accepted for the streamlined process and applicants will be required to either resubmit an application that does satisfy the requirements or apply for plan review under the standard building permit process.
Solar permit process	Only 1 inspection. If the system fails, another inspection is allowed with added fees. Applies: Applies to small home rooftop solar systems eligible for the streamlined process. § 12.10.321 · code text For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for the streamlined process described in this chapter, only one inspection shall be provided for and the inspection will be completed in a timely manner. Streamlined permit: submit the County checklist application with documents and any permit and inspection fees. Applies: Rooftop solar on a permitted single-family home or duplex, at most 10 kW AC photovoltaic or 30 kW thermal, within the zone height limit. § 12.10.321 · code text The County's checklist application will include all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply in order to be eligible for the streamlined permitting process. The checklist application shall be published on the Department's website. Administrative approval and all required permits. Applies: Complete checklist application for a permitted single-family or duplex rooftop system within size and height limits. Grid connection needs separate county and utility approval. § 12.10.321 · code text Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the checklist application and supporting documentation are complete, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations.
Solar height and setbacks	The panel or array may not exceed the zone district's maximum height. Applies: Required for small home rooftop solar to qualify for the streamlined permit. § 12.10.321 · code text A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum height for the zone district.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Santa Cruz County?

Santa Cruz County's code: Only 1 inspection. If the system fails, another inspection is allowed with added fees. (Applies to small home rooftop solar systems eligible for the streamlined process.) (§ 12.10.321); Streamlined permit: submit the checklist application, documents, and required permit processing and inspection fees. (Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.) (§ 12.10.322).

Solar panels and EV chargers in Santa Cruz County

What Santa Cruz County's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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