This Chapter applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the City. The purpose of this Chapter is to create an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act, as amended by AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014), to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This Chapter encourages the use of small residential rooftop solar energy systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the City, and expanding the ability of property owners to install small rooftop solar energy systems. This Chapter allows the City to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety of the community.
(Ord. 747 § 4, 2022)
The definitions set forth below shall be applicable to the provisions in this Chapter.
"Electronic submittal"
means the utilization of one (1) or more of the following:
(1) 
Email;
(2) 
The Internet;
(3) 
Facsimile.
"Official"
means the City's Building Official.
"Small residential rooftop solar energy system"
means a solar energy system that meets all of the following:
(1) 
Is no larger than ten (10) kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty (30) kilowatts thermal;
(2) 
Conforms to all applicable State fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City, and all State and City health and safety standards;
(3) 
Conforms to 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;
(4) 
Is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling;
(5) 
The panel or module array does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the City.
"Solar energy system"
has the meaning set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 801.5 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.
(Ord. 747 § 4, 2022)
(a) 
A solar energy system that qualifies as a small residential rooftop solar energy system, as defined in this Chapter, shall be processed in accordance with the terms of this Chapter.
(b) 
A small residential rooftop solar energy system shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the State, City, and local fire department or district.
(c) 
The Official shall, prior to September 30, 2015, adopt an administrative, nondiscretionary expedited review process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems, which shall include standard plan(s) and checklist(s). The checklist(s) shall set forth all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems must comply to be eligible for expedited review.
(d) 
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.
(Ord. 747 § 4, 2022)
(a) 
All documents required for the submission of an expedited small residential rooftop solar energy system application shall be made available on a publicly accessible City website.
(b) 
Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by electronic means shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants. The City's website shall specify the permitted method of electronic document submission.
(c) 
An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.
(Ord. 747 § 4, 2022)
(a) 
An application that City staff determines satisfies the information requirements contained in the City's checklist(s) for expedited small residential rooftop solar system processing, including complete supporting documents, shall be deemed complete.
(b) 
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) 
After City staff deems an application complete, City staff shall review the application to determine whether the application meets local, State, and Federal health and safety requirements.
(d) 
City staff shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within a reasonable period of time after receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist, standard plan and this Chapter.
(e) 
The City shall not condition approval of an application on the approval of an association, as defined in Section 4080 of the Civil Code.
(Ord. 747 § 4, 2022)
(a) 
Only one (1) inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Division for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
(b) 
The inspection shall be done in a timely manner.
(c) 
If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized but the inspection timing need not conform to the requirements of this Chapter.
(Ord. 747 § 4, 2022)