This chapter provides for the expedited permitting processing for small residential rooftop solar systems.
(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
As used in this chapter:
"Electronic submittal"
means the utilization of one or more of the following methods of submittal, including electronic mail (e-mail), the Internet, or facsimile.
"Small residential rooftop solar energy systems"
shall have the same meaning as provided in the Solar Rights Act, Government Code Section 65850.5(j)(3), as the same may be amended from time to time.
"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 the same may be amended from time to time.
(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, install, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, move or remove a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall first make an application to the Building Official and obtain the permit required by this chapter.
(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
A. 
An application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall be made on a form furnished by the Building Official. The City's Building Official is delegated authority to develop and adopt a standard plan and checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. The small residential rooftop solar energy system 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. Notwithstanding, at a minimum, the information furnished by the applicant shall include:
1. 
Verification of the applicant's reasonable satisfaction 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; and
2. 
Verification of the applicant's reasonable satisfaction using 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.
B. 
All requirements for the submission of a small residential rooftop solar energy system application shall be made available by the Building Official on the City's website.
C. 
The application and associated documentation may be submitted to the City's Building Division in person, mail, or by electronic submittal together with the required permit processing fee. In the case of electronic submittal, the electronic signature of the application on all forms, applications, and other documentation may be used in lieu of a wet signature.
(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable processing fee in an amount established by resolution of the City Council.
(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
A. 
The Building Official shall deem complete an application that satisfies the information requirements in the standard plan and checklist. If the Building Official deems the application 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.
B. 
Upon determination by the Building Official that the application and supporting documentation is complete and meets the requirements of the checklist and standard plan, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue the 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.
(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
A. 
Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Official for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the Building Official and Fire Chief.
B. 
If the small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized; however the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
(Ord. 15-1669 § 1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)