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, California
Government Code Section
65850.5) in order to achieve timely and cost effective installations
of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This chapter encourages
the use of solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing
costs to property owners and the City and expanding the availability
of solar energy system installations to property owners. This chapter
allows the City to achieve these goals while protecting the public
health and safety.
(Ord. 4048 § 2, 2015)
As used in this chapter:
"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 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 City and all State and City health and safety standards.
(3)
A solar energy system that is installed on the roof-top of a
single- or duplex-family dwelling.
(4)
A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum
legal building height as defined by the City Zoning Code.
"Specific adverse impact"
means a specific, quantifiable, direct, unavoidable impact
based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety
standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the
application was deemed complete.
(Ord. 4048 § 2, 2015)