Solar Energy in Sacramento County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Sacramento County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Panel Permits

Rooftop or ground-mounted solar for a home in unincorporated Sacramento County needs only a standard planning application packet with safety certification and utility consent -- Accessory I systems are exempt from Design Review and processed as a routine building permit.

Sacramento County Solar Panel Permit Process

Light Restrictions

Sacramento County Zoning Code Sec. 3.6.6.C.2.b

Standard application packet required for all planning applications. Required certifications for safety. No grid-intertied solar system shall be approved until evidence has been given to the Planning Director that the owner has obtained the consent of the utility company for the customer's intent to install an interconnected customer-owned generator. Off-grid systems are exempt from this require...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

HOA Restrictions

California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs and CC&Rs from banning or unreasonably restricting solar panel installation. Restrictions that increase cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10 percent are void. HOAs must approve or deny solar applications within 45 days.

Solar Energy: Hoa Restrictions

Few Restrictions

California Civil Code § 714

(a) Any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale of, or any interest in, real property, and any provision of a governing document, as defined in Section 4150 or 6552, that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable. (b) This secti...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗