Solar Energy in Yolo County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Yolo County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Panel Permits

Small accessory solar systems up to 10 kW AC (or 30 kW thermal) in unincorporated Yolo County need only a Building Permit and Zoning Clearance under Sec. 8-2.1104, no discretionary hearing required. The Chief Building Official can still force a Use Permit if the installation poses a specific, adverse public-health or safety impact under state law.

Solar Panel Permits in Yolo County

Some Restrictions

Yolo County Code of Ordinances § 8-2.1104(d)(4)

Small accessory use roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar energy systems may be approved in all zones through the issuance of a Building Permit and a Zoning Clearance, provided the application meets setback and other standards, as provided in this Section. However, consistent with Section 65850.5 of the California Government Code, if the Chief Building Official has a good faith belief that the ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Expedited Solar Permitting

Small rooftop or ground-mounted solar systems up to 10 kW alternating current, or 30 kW thermal, are approved in every zone of unincorporated Yolo County through a ministerial Building Permit and Zoning Clearance, with no discretionary hearing, under Sec. 8-2.1104. The county can only force a Use Permit if the Building Official finds a specific, adverse health or safety impact.

Streamlined Permitting for Small Home Solar Systems

Few Restrictions

Yolo County Code of Ordinances § 8-2.1104(a)(4), (d)(4)

(4) To streamline the solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 21, Statutes 2014) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small accessory use solar energy systems, as defined below. ... (4) Small accessory use roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar energy systems may be approved in all zones through the issuance of a Building Permit ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Solar Energy by City in Yolo County

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

West SacramentoPop. 53,915

1 verified rule • Expedited Solar Permitting

All Yolo County ordinances

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