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 city's website;
3. 
Facsimile.
"Small residential rooftop solar energy system"
means 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 and paragraph (iii) of subdivision (c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or re-designated from time to time.
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 in the residential zone the property is located within.
5. 
"Solar energy system" has the same 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. 1763 § 2, 2015)
The applicant shall submit the permit application and associated documentation (checklist) to the city's building division in person, by mail, or by electronic submission together with any required permit processing and inspection fees. In the case of electronic submittal, the electronic signature of the applicant on all forms, applications and other documentation may be used in lieu of an actual signature.
(Ord. 1763 § 2, 2015)
Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:
A. 
Verify through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is stable and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building foundation through the use of the checklist referenced in Section 15.69.020; and
B. 
Verify through the use of standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system including existing line, load, ground and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads through the use of the checklist referenced in Section 15.69.020.
(Ord. 1763 § 2, 2015)
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 chief building official. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection/inspections is/are required to final the system.
(Ord. 1763 § 2, 2015)
An application that satisfies the information requirements in the checklist, as determined by the chief building official, shall be deemed complete. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the chief 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.
(Ord. 1763 § 2, 2015)
Upon confirmation by the chief building official of the application and supporting documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the chief building official shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant is responsible for obtaining such approval or permission from the local utility provider. Conditions imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety at the lowest cost possible.
(Ord. 1763 § 2, 2015)
The chief building official may deny the installation of a solar energy system subject to findings, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact. The findings shall include the basis for rejection of potential feasible alternatives of preventing the adverse impact. The decision of the chief building official may be appealed to the planning commission.
(Ord. 1763 § 2, 2015)