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Solar panels and EV chargers in Santa Monica

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

What Santa Monica's code says

Santa Monica code What Santa Monica's code adds
Solar height and setbacks
  • Up to 5 feet above the District height limit.
    Applies: Applies to photovoltaic solar systems on single-unit properties.
    § 9.21.150 · code text
    Photovoltaic solar energy systems may extend up to 5 feet above the height limit in the District in which it is located.
  • Up to 7 feet above the District height limit.
    Applies: Applies to solar water or pool heating systems on single-unit properties.
    § 9.21.150 · code text
    Solar water or swimming pool heating systems may extend up to 7 feet above the height limit in the District in which it is located;
  • Up to 5 feet above the roof surface.
    Applies: Applies to photovoltaic solar systems on all other properties.
    § 9.21.150 · code text
    Photovoltaic solar energy systems may extend up to 5 feet above the roof surface on which they are installed, even if this exceeds the maximum height limit in the District in which it is located.
  • Up to 7 feet above the roof surface.
    Applies: Applies to solar water or pool heating systems on all other properties.
    § 9.21.150 · code text
    Solar water or swimming pool heating systems may extend up to 7 feet above the roof surface on which they are installed even if this exceeds the maximum height limit in the District in which it is located.
  • At least 2 feet from any property line.
    Applies: Applies to solar equipment, other than collector panels, in the required side and rear setback.
    § 9.21.150 · code text
    Excluding solar collector panels, solar energy system equipment may be installed within the required side and rear setback but shall not be closer than 2 feet to any property line.
  • Up to 14 feet above the District height limit.
    Applies: Applies to installations approved through alternative review that do not meet the stated standards.
    § 9.21.150 · code text
    These reviewing bodies may authorize installations that exceed the height limit in the applicable District by a maximum of 14 feet.
Solar permit process
  • Exempt from Architectural Review Board review and approval.
    Applies: Applies to solar systems on existing buildings that meet the section's standards.
    § 9.21.150 · code text
    Solar energy systems proposed on existing buildings shall be exempt from review and approval by the Architectural Review Board, provided that the installations meet the standards in this Section.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Santa Monica's code: Exempt from Architectural Review Board review and approval. (Applies to solar systems on existing buildings that meet the section's standards.) (§ 9.21.150).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Santa Monica property

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

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Santa Monica Municipal Code — full text