Sacramento requires building permits for solar panel installations under City Code Title 15 and complies with the California Solar Permitting Guidebook (AB 2188) for streamlined residential solar permitting. Residential rooftop solar systems up to 10 kW qualify for an expedited over-the-counter permit process. The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) provides net metering and interconnection services for solar customers.
AB 2188 requires California cities to provide streamlined permitting for small residential rooftop solar systems. Sacramento's Building Division processes qualifying solar permits within 1-3 business days through the electronic plan review system. Systems must comply with California Building Code structural requirements, electrical code, and fire setback requirements. SMUD offers various solar incentive programs and net metering rates. New residential construction in California must include solar panels under the 2019 Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
Installing solar panels without a permit can result in fines, required removal, and inability to receive utility incentives or net metering credits. Unpermitted systems may also create problems when selling the property.
Sacramento, CA
The City of Sacramento does not have a stand-alone movable tiny house (THOW) ordinance like neighboring West Sacramento's Ordinance 24-9. Tiny homes are only...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento regulates carports under City Code Chapter 17.624 (Residential Accessory Structure and Use Regulations). Attached carports are governed by section...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools when water exceeds 18 inches deep. A building permit, manufacturer's specs, retractable ladd...
Sacramento, CA
Per Sacramento City Code 9.16.090, all pools and spas need a 60-inch barrier with a self-latching gate. New or remodeled pools at single-family homes must ha...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento sheds under 120 sq ft don't need a building permit (Sac. City Code §15.20). Max 18 ft overall height, 10 ft wall height, min 4 ft from main house,...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento enforces both state law (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929) and Sacramento City Code 15.64.070, which require every swimming pool or spa t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle panel permits.
See how Sacramento's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.