The purpose of this chapter is to provide an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. The provisions herein encourage the use of solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the Town of Yountville, and expanding the ability of property owners to install solar energy systems. This chapter allows these goals to be achieved while protecting the public health and safety.
(Ord. 16-455)
A. 
This chapter applies to the permitting of small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the Town of Yountville.
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.
C. 
Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a building permit.
(Ord. 16-455)
"Solar energy system"
means either of the following:
1. 
A 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. 
A 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 or cooling, or for water heating.
"Small residential rooftop solar energy system"
means all of the following:
1. 
A solar energy system that is no 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 Town and all State and Town health and safety standards.
3. 
A solar energy system that is installed on a single-family or duplex-family dwelling.
4. 
A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum building height allowed by the Yountville Municipal Code.
(Ord. 16-455)
A. 
All solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the State and the Town.
B. 
Solar energy systems for heating water shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and 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.
(Ord. 16-455)
A. 
Within 30 days of the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the Planning and Building Department shall adopt an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy system applications.
B. 
The Planning and Building Department 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.
C. 
The small residential rooftop solar system permit process, standard plan(s), and checklist(s) shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard plans contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
D. 
All documents required for the submission of a building permit application for an expedited solar energy system shall be made available on the publicly-accessible portion of the Town of Yountville website.
(Ord. 16-455)
The following provisions shall apply to submittal, review, issuance and inspection of building permits for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
A. 
Submittal.
1. 
The required building permit application and other documents may be electronically submitted by email or facsimile.
2. 
An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.
B. 
Review.
1. 
Review of the building permit application shall be limited to the Building Official's review of whether the application meets local, State, and Federal health and safety requirements.
2. 
The Building Official may not condition approval of a building permit application on the approval of an association, as defined by Civil Code Section 4080.
3. 
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.
C. 
Issuance. The Planning and Building Department shall issue a building permit within five business days of determining that an application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan is complete.
D. 
Fees. All fees prescribed for the permitting of small residential rooftop solar energy system shall comply with Government Code Section 65850.55, Government Code Section 66015, Government Code Section 66016, and State Health and Safety Code Section 17951.
E. 
Inspections.
1. 
Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. A separate fire inspection may be performed by the Fire Department. The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and inspections shall be consolidated when feasible.
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.
(Ord. 16-455)