The purpose of this chapter is to adopt a solar permitting process
that complies with California Government Code Section 65850.5.
(Ord. 1299 § 1, 9/28/15)
For purposes of this chapter, the terms "solar energy system,"
"small residential rooftop solar energy system," and "electronic submittal"
shall have the same meaning as set forth in Government Code Section
65850.5.
(Ord. 1299 § 1, 9/28/15)
A.
The
City's Building and Safety Division shall develop a checklist (handout)
of the requirements which small residential rooftop solar energy systems
shall comply with to be eligible for review.
B.
The
small residential rooftop solar system permit process 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.
C.
All
documents required for the submission of a solar energy system application
shall be made available on the City's website.
D.
Electronic
submittal of the required permit application and documents shall be
made available to all applicants for small residential rooftop solar
energy system permits.
E.
In
the case of electronic submittal, an applicant's electronic signature
shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents
in lieu of a wet signature. For purposes of this section, the City
will accept as an electronic signature the electronic copy of the
signature, such as a facsimile image or an electronic image (such
as a PDF), of an applicant's written signature. Licensed Design Professional
State Regulated Stamps are still required.
(Ord. 1299 § 1, 9/28/15)
A.
Upon
receipt of an incomplete application, the Building Official shall
issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the
application and any additional information required to be eligible
for permit issuance.
B.
Review
of an application shall be limited to the Building Official's review
of whether the application meets the checklist and California Building
Standards Code requirements. However, if the Building Official makes
a finding, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system
could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety,
the applicant may be required to apply for a "use" permit.
C.
In
the case that a "use" permit to install a solar energy system is required,
its application may not be denied unless written findings are made
based upon substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installation
would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety,
and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid
the specific, adverse impact. The findings shall include the basis
for the rejection of potential feasible alternatives of preventing
the adverse impact.
D.
In
most cases only one consolidated inspection shall be required and
shall be performed, in a timely manner, for small residential rooftop
solar energy systems. If a small residential rooftop solar energy
system fails an inspection, subsequent inspection(s) shall be authorized
but need not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
E.
The
Building Official shall not condition approval for any solar energy
system on the approval of a solar energy system by an association,
as that term is defined in Section 4080 of the California Civil Code.
(Ord. 1299 § 1, 9/28/15)
