Solar Energy in San Mateo County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in San Mateo County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Panel Permits

Unincorporated San Mateo County uses expedited solar permitting under California AB 2188 (Solar Rights Act). Residential rooftop systems under 10 kW qualify for same-day online permits through SolarAPP+ or the County Building Division. Fire setbacks per CFC Chapter 11B.

solar-energy/panel-permits

Some Restrictions

California Government Code § 65850.5 (AB 2188)

(b) A city or county shall administratively approve applications to install solar energy systems through the issuance of a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. Review of the application to install a solar energy system shall be limited to the building official’s review of whether it meets all health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law. The requirements of loc...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

HOA Restrictions

California Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) strongly limits HOA authority to restrict solar panels. HOAs in unincorporated San Mateo County (Emerald Hills, West Menlo Park subdivisions) cannot effectively prohibit solar or impose costs over $1,000 or reduce efficiency over 10%.

solar-energy/hoa-restrictions

Few Restrictions

California Civil Code § 714

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 ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Solar Energy by City in San Mateo County

2 cities in San Mateo County have their own solar energy rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

San MateoPop. 105,661

1 verified rule • HOA Restrictions

Redwood CityPop. 84,518

2 verified rules • Expedited Solar Permitting, Panel Permits

All San Mateo County ordinances

See every category we cover for San Mateo County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

San Mateo County Ordinance Hub →