Calaveras County, CA Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

" Subsection B governs solar specifically. 230(B)(1), a ground-mounted solar collector system cannot exceed twenty-five feet in height, or the maximum height allowed in the underlying base or overlay zone, whichever is lower, so a system in a zone with a thirty-five-foot cap is still held to twenty-five feet. Subsection B(2) sets the permit path: roof-mounted systems and ground-mounted systems built over an existing parking area are allowed outright in every zone with no use permit required. 30. This standard applies countywide to unincorporated Calaveras County: San Andreas, Murphys, Arnold, Copperopolis, Valley Springs, and Mokelumne Hill all fall under this rule because they are unincorporated.

Angels Camp is the county's only incorporated city and enforces its own municipal code instead. Commercial systems built primarily for off-site power sales, such as solar farms, are excluded from this rule and instead regulated as public works and utility facilities. The 25-foot cap and permit split reflect the county sending rooftop and over-parking solar through the building permit process alone while routing ground-mounted arrays through zoning review to check height, setbacks, and compatibility with surrounding parcels.