The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:
"Advanced energy storage"
means an energy storage system, as defined in Section 2835 of the Public Utilities Code, as well as an energy storage system that is designed to provide backup energy services in the event of a grid outage, that is limited to both of the following:
1. 
Electrochemical energy storage in non-venting packages.
2. 
Customer sited installations.
"Association,"
when used as a noun, means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development.
"Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station"
means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with the California Electrical Code, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.
"Electronic submittal"
means the utilization of one or more of the following: electronic mail (i.e., "email), the city's website operated through the internet, or telefacsimile.
"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 paragraph (iii) of subdivision (c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.
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 title 17 of this code.
"Solar energy system"
has the same meaning set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of section 801.5 of the California Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.
(Ord. 5053 § 2, 2016)
A. 
This chapter applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and advanced energy storage systems in the city of El Cajon.
B. 
Small residential rooftop solar energy systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and advanced energy storage systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of 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, electric vehicle charging stations, or advanced energy storage systems in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.
(Ord. 5053 § 2, 2016)
A. 
All solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state, federal government, and the city of El Cajon.
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 Code.
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 Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.
(Ord. 5053 § 2, 2016)
A. 
All advanced energy storage systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state, federal government, and the city of El Cajon.
B. 
All advanced energy storage systems shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Electrical Code.
C. 
All advanced energy storage systems shall 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. 5053 § 2, 2016)
A. 
All electric vehicle charging systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state, federal government, and the city of El Cajon.
B. 
All electric vehicle charging systems shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Electrical Code.
C. 
All electric vehicle charging systems shall 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. 5053 § 2, 2016)
A. 
All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system, electric vehicle charging station, or advanced energy storage system shall be made available to the public on the city of El Cajon website.
B. 
Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system, electric vehicle charging station, and advanced energy storage system permit applicants.
C. 
An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.
D. 
The Building and Fire Safety Division shall maintain a standard plan and checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems, electric vehicle charging stations, or advanced energy storage systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.
(Ord. 5053 § 2, 2016)
A. 
The Building and Fire Safety Division shall issue a building permit in a timely manner after receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan, as well as all applicable local, state and federal requirements for health and safety.
B. 
Review of the application shall be limited to the building official's review of whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements.
C. 
Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.
D. 
No approval of any association is required for the issuance of a permit for a solar energy permit, electric vehicle charging station, or advanced energy storage system.
E. 
If an application is deemed incomplete or requires corrections to be addressed, a written or emailed correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission. If the building official finds that the installation of a solar energy system, electric vehicle charging station, or advanced energy storage system will have a specific, adverse, impact upon the public health or safety, requiring a conditional use permit or minor conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 17.50 of this code the decision shall be in writing, and may be appealed to the Planning Commission as provided in Chapter 17.30. If a minor conditional use permit is required by the building official, based on findings that the solar energy system, electric vehicle charging station, or advanced energy storage system will have a specific, adverse, impact upon the public health or safety, and the director of community development finds that there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse, impact, and denies application for a minor conditional use permit, the director's decision may be appealed to the Planning Commission as provided in Chapter 17.30.
F. 
For a small residential rooftop solar energy system one consolidated building inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, re-inspections are required. For inspection of electric vehicle charging stations and advanced energy storage systems, final approval shall be granted with the fewest inspections possible to ascertain the safety and code compliance of the system.
(Ord. 5053 § 2, 2016)