Solar Panels Permit Requirements in San Mateo County, CA
San Mateo County Planning and Building Department serves all UNINCORPORATED areas of San Mateo County, including the Midcoast communities of Montara (94037), Moss Beach (94038), El Granada (94018), Princeton, and Miramar. This record currently covers 94037 Montara only; other unincorporated Coastside ZIPs will be added in follow-up work. Incorporated cities (Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, Belmont, Burlingame, Foster City, Menlo Park, etc.) run their own building departments — confirm parcel is unincorporated before applying here. CRITICAL Coastside overlay: all of 94037 is in the California Coastal Zone, so nearly any development (new structure, major addition, grading, demolition, some remodels) requires a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) from SMC Planning under the Midcoast Local Coastal Program (Midcoast LCP, approved by California Coastal Commission August 2012). Only narrow exemptions apply; appeals go to the Coastal Commission. California 2025 Building Standards Code (CRC/CBC/CFC) took effect statewide 2026-01-01; state code is enforceable regardless of whether the County has signed its local 2025 adoption ordinance (historical adoption was Ord. 4873 on 2022 cycle). Portions of Montara (upslope toward Montara Mountain / McNee Ranch) are in CAL FIRE Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones; 2025 CRC Chapter 7A (ignition-resistant construction) applies. Seismic Design Category D; ultimate design wind ~110 mph. Parcels use septic (SMC Environmental Health Services, LAMP program) and private wells unless on Montara Water & Sanitary District (MWSD, 650-728-3358) sewer+water service. Online permits via Accela Citizen Access (ACA) at aca-prod.accela.com/smcgov. Fee schedules effective 2026-04-01. Building counter at 455 County Center, Redwood City.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified April 24, 2026 · How we research →
When you need a Solar Panels permit in San Mateo County
94037), a residential rooftop solar PV installation requires a building and electrical permit. CA SB 379 streamlines solar permitting in many CA jurisdictions; SMC participates in SolarAPP+. Like-for-like rooftop solar is typically a Coastal Development categorical exclusion. Rapid shutdown per NEC 690.12 applies. PG&E interconnection agreement required.
Solar Panels Permit Costs: San Mateo County vs. Nearby
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| San Mateo County | N/A |
| Los Angeles | $250 – $700 |
| Sacramento County | $250 – $700 |
| San Diego | $250 – $700 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all San Mateo County permit costs →
Zoning & HOA Considerations
Ground-mounted solar arrays are subject to zoning setback and height restrictions in most jurisdictions. Rooftop systems rarely trigger zoning review unless in a historic district. Check with your planning department for ground-mounted installations.
If you live in an HOA community: some HOAs restrict solar panel placement, visibility, and mounting style. Many states have solar access laws that limit HOA restrictions, but rules vary. Check both your CC&Rs and state solar rights laws before installing.
Estimated Project Timeline in San Mateo County
Here's a typical timeline for a solar panels project in San Mateo County, CA:
Timeline is based on San Mateo County's typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Contact San Mateo County's building department for current Solar Panels permit fee information. Fees typically vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Solar Panels projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit in San Mateo County can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Typical approval time for Solar Panels permits in San Mateo County is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.
Learn More About Solar Panels Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read Solar Panels Guide →