It is the purpose of this chapter to comply with Government
Code Section 65850.5, which requires the city to adopt an ordinance
that creates an expedited and streamlined permitting process for small
residential rooftop solar energy systems.
(Ord. 833 § 2, 2022)
The following words and phrases as used in this section are
defined as follows:
"Association"
means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association
created for the purpose of managing a common interest development.
"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 (3) of subdivision (c) of Section
714 of the
Civil Code.
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 as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.
"Specific, adverse impact"
means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and 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. 833 § 2, 2022)
Consistent with
Government Code Section 65850.5, the building
official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review
process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems and adopt
a checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop
solar energy systems must comply in order to be eligible for expedited
review. The expedited administrative permit review process and checklist
may refer to the recommendations in the checklist prescribed by the
most current version of the "California Solar Permitting Guidebook"
adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The city's
adopted checklist must be published on the city's website. Only one
inspection may be required, which is to be done in a timely manner
and may include a consolidated inspection by the building official
and fire chief. If a 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 section.
(Ord. 833 § 2, 2022)
Consistent with
Government Code Section 65850.5, the building
official must allow for electronic submittal of permit applications
covered by this chapter and associated supporting documentation. In
accepting such permit applications, the building official will also
accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other
documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.
(Ord. 833 § 2, 2022)
Consistent with
Government Code Section 65850.5, the building
official must not condition the approval for any small residential
rooftop solar energy system permit on the approval of such a system
by an association, as that term is defined herein.
(Ord. 833 § 2, 2022)
It is the intent of this chapter to encourage the installation
of small residential rooftop solar energy systems by removing obstacles
to permitting for such solar systems so long as the action does not
supersede the building official's authority to address higher priority
life-safety situations. Each application will be reviewed for compliance
with all applicable local, state and federal health and safety requirements.
Applicable local laws are limited to those standards and regulations
necessary to ensure that the small residential rooftop solar energy
system will not have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health
or safety.
(Ord. 833 § 2, 2022)
A small residential rooftop solar energy system, must meet the
following requirements to be eligible for the issuance of a permit:
A. Meet
all applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed
by state and local permitting authorities;
B. Systems
for heating water in single family residences and solar collectors
use for heating water in commercial or swimming pool applications
must be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined in the
California Plumbing and Mechanical Codes;
C. Systems
for producing electricity must meet all applicable safety and performance
standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories
such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of
the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.
(Ord. 833 § 2, 2022)