Truckee · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Truckee
Truckee sets its own permit steps for solar panels and EV chargers. The Building Official approves applications that meet the adopted checklist and issues the permits.
Key points
- Rooftop solar: City rule: small rooftop solar systems that meet the checklist get administrative approval and only one inspection, plus another if the system fails.
- Panel placement: City rule: on one- and two-family homes, panels may reach the roof ridge if the opposite roof side stays accessible for firefighting.
- EV chargers: City rule: EV charger applications may be made in person, by mail or electronically, and electronic signatures may be used.
Each rule below is marked Truckee code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Solar panels and EV chargers
Truckee code City rule: small rooftop solar systems that meet the checklist get administrative approval and only one inspection, plus another if the system fails. City rule: on one- and two-family homes, panels may reach the roof ridge if the opposite roof side stays accessible for firefighting. City rule: EV charger applications may be made in person, by mail or electronically, and electronic signatures may be used.
All 5 Truckee rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Family child care homes
| Zoning | A small or large family child care home is a residential use and a use by right under all local ordinances, including zoning |
|---|---|
| Business license or fee | A city or county may not charge a business license, fee or tax to run a family child care home |
| Local rules | Local limits on height, setbacks, lot size, health and safety must be the same as for every other home in the same zone |
| Small home | Up to eight children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there |
| Large home | 7 to 14 children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there |
Trash and recycling carts
| Sorting organics and green waste |
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Historic homes
| Mills Act tax incentive |
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Other Truckee rules on this
Truckee's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- When a grading permit is not needed (§ 15.03.160)
- Loud and unreasonable noise (Ch. 9.20)
- Facilities and traffic mitigation fees (Ch. 3.33)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a family child care home in Truckee?
California law sets this for every city, including Truckee: Zoning: A small or large family child care home is a residential use and a use by right under all local ordinances, including zoning (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(a)); Business license or fee: A city or county may not charge a business license, fee or tax to run a family child care home (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(b)); Local rules: Local limits on height, setbacks, lot size, health and safety must be the same as for every other home in the same zone (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(e)); Small home: Up to eight children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there (Health & Safety Code § 1596.78(c)); Large home: 7 to 14 children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there (Health & Safety Code § 1596.78(b)).
When can trash carts go out to the curb in Truckee?
Truckee's code: Separate organic waste, except food waste and food-soiled paper, from garbage. (Single-family owners and occupants. Use the curbside recycling container or yard waste container, or self-haul to a recycling facility.) (§ 6.01.070); Separate organic waste, except food waste and food-soiled paper, from garbage. (Owners, occupants and staff of multi-family units. Use available recycling containers or self-haul to a recycling facility.) (§ 6.01.070).
What rules apply to a historic home in Truckee?
Truckee's code: Owners may apply for a Mills Act contract. There is no application fee. (Qualified historical property. Apply by September 1 for the next tax year. The Council may approve or refuse.) (§ 3.36.040).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific Truckee property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
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