The intent and purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014, California Government Code Section 65850.5) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This chapter is designed to encourage the use of solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the City, and expanding the ability of property owners to install solar energy systems. This chapter allows the City to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety.
(2860 § 1, 2015)
A. 
This chapter applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the City.
B. 
Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter are not subject to the requirements of this chapter unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of a small rooftop energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.
(2860 § 1, 2015)
"Association"
means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development.
"Common interest development"
means any of the following:
1. 
A community apartment project.
2. 
A condominium project.
3. 
A planned development.
4. 
A stock cooperative.
"Electronic submittal"
means the utilization of one or more of the following:
1. 
Email.
2. 
The Internet.
3. 
Facsimile.
"Expedited permitting" and "expedited review"
means the process outlined in Section 18.56.060 Permit Review and Inspection Requirements.
"Small residential rooftop solar energy system"
means all of the following:
1. 
A solar energy system that is not larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal.
2. 
A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City and all State of California health and safety standards.
3. 
A solar energy system that is installed on a single-or two-family (duplex) dwelling.
4. 
A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the City of Garden Grove.
"Solar energy system"
means either of the following:
1. 
Any solar collector or other solar energy device whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating, space cooling, electric generation, or water heating.
2. 
Any structural design feature of a building whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation, space heating, space cooling or water heating.
(2860 § 1, 2015)
A. 
All solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the City and the State of California.
B. 
Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences and for heating water in commercial buildings, or swimming pool applications shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing Code and the California Mechanical Code.
C. 
Solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.
(2860 § 1, 2015)
A. 
All documents required for the submission of an expedited small residential rooftop solar energy system application shall be made available on the City's publicly accessible website.
B. 
Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents via email, the City's website, or facsimile shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.
C. 
An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.
D. 
The Building Services Division shall adopt a standard plan and checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.
E. 
The small residential rooftop solar system permit process, standard plans, and checklist shall substantially conform to the recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
F. 
All fees prescribed for the permitting of small residential rooftop solar energy systems must comply with Government Code Sections 65850.55 and 66015, and Health and Safety Code Section 17951.
(2860 § 1, 2015)
A. 
The Building Services Division shall implement an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite the approval of small residential rooftop solar energy system applications.
B. 
Review of the application shall be limited to the Building Official's review of whether the application meets local, state and federal health and safety requirements.
C. 
For an application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan for a small residential rooftop solar energy system, the Building Services Division shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within three business days.
D. 
The City shall not condition the issuance of a building permit on the approval of an association as defined in Section 4080 of the Civil Code.
E. 
If an application is deemed incomplete, a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission.
F. 
Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Services Division for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
1. 
The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and should include consolidated inspections. An inspection will be scheduled within two business days of a request.
2. 
If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized, but need not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
(2860 § 1, 2015)