A. 
"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 electrical generation, space heating or cooling, or for water heating.
B. 
"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 State fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City of Claremont.
3. 
A solar energy system that is installed on the roof 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 Claremont Municipal Code.
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The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and 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 solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the City of Claremont, and expanding the ability of property owners to install solar energy systems. This chapter allows the City of Claremont to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety.
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This chapter applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the City of Claremont. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter are not subject to the requirements of this chapter unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type or components of a small rooftop energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.
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A. 
All solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards, and requirements imposed by the State of California, the City of Claremont and Los Angeles County Fire Department.
B. 
Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences and for heating water in commercial or swimming pool applications shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Codes.
C. 
Solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electrical Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.
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A. 
All documents required for submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available on the publicly accessible City of Claremont website.
B. 
Electronic plan check submittal (email, the Internet, facsimile) will be made available for all small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
C. 
Electronic signatures will be accepted on forms and documents.
D. 
The City of Claremont shall 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.
E. 
The small residential rooftop solar system permit process, standard plan(s), and checklist 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.
F. 
All fees prescribed for the permitting of small residential rooftop solar energy systems must comply with Government Code Sections 65850.555, 66015, 66016, and State Health and Safety Code Section 17951.
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A. 
The City of Claremont Building Division shall issue a permit for a small residential rooftop solar system within three days of receipt of a complete application that meets all the requirements of the expedited approved checklist and standard plan and does not have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety.
B. 
Review of the permit application shall be limited to the Building Official's review of whether the application meets local, State and Federal health and safety requirements.
C. 
The City shall not condition approval of an application on the approval of an association, as defined in Section 4080 of the Civil Code.
D. 
If an application is deemed incomplete, a written plan check correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance shall be given to the applicant for resubmission.
E. 
Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Division for small residential roof-top solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
F. 
The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and should include consolidated inspections. An inspection will be scheduled within two business days of a request and provide a two-hour inspection window.
G. 
If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized but need not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
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If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this chapter is for any reason held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining portions of this chapter shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect.
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