The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with AB2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014), Civil Code Section 714 and Government Code Section 65850.5.
(Ord. 3100-16 § 39)
The following words and phrases as used in this chapter are defined as follows:
"Electronic submittal"
means the utilization of one or more of the following:
(1) 
E-mail.
(2) 
The Internet.
(3) 
Facsimile.
"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 space heating, space cooling, electric generation, or water heating.
"Small residential rooftop solar energy system"
qualifies as such if it meets all of the following:
(1) 
A solar energy system that is no larger than ten kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty 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.
(3) 
A solar energy system that is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling.
(4) 
A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height.
(Ord. 3100-16 § 39)
(a) 
The building official is authorized and directed to develop and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. The applicant shall submit the permit application and associated documentation to the city together with any required permit processing, plan review and inspection fees. Application submittal may be made in person or electronically.
(b) 
The building official shall determine the completion of an application. Upon confirmation by the building official of the application and supporting documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the building official shall approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations. If an application is deemed incomplete, the building official shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.
(c) 
For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the building official and fire chief. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized.
(Ord. 3100-16 § 39)