The purpose of this chapter is to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting and inspection process that complies with Assembly Bill (AB) 2188 (Chapter 521) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems while protecting public health and safety.
(Ord. 17-12 § 1, 9/12/2017)
This chapter applies to the permitting and inspecting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the City of Santa Clarita.
(Ord. 17-12 § 1, 9/12/2017)
"Electronic submittal"
means the utilization of one (1) or more of the following:
1. 
The City of Santa Clarita's ePlans system.
2. 
Email.
3. 
The internet.
4. 
Facsimile.
"Small residential rooftop solar energy system"
means a solar energy system that meets all of the following:
1. 
The system is installed on the roof of a single or duplex family dwelling.
2. 
The system is no larger than ten (10) kilowatts (kW) alternating current nameplate rating or thirty (30) kW thermal.
(Ord. 17-12 § 1, 9/12/2017)
A. 
A solar energy system designed for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by:
1. 
The City of Santa Clarita Electrical Code.
2. 
The City of Santa Clarita Building Code.
3. 
The City of Santa Clarita Fire Code.
4. 
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
B. 
The module array or individual solar panel shall not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the Santa Clarita Municipal Code.
C. 
The system shall be tested and labeled by an accredited testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories, and be installed in accordance with any applicable rules of the Public Utilities Commission.
D. 
A solar energy system for heating water in a single-family residence and solar collectors used for heating water in swimming pool applications shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the City of Santa Clarita Plumbing and Mechanical Codes.
(Ord. 17-12 § 1, 9/12/2017)
All forms, checklists, or other documentation required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available to the public on the City of Santa Clarita's website. All required documents may be submitted either in paper hard copy format or as an electronic submittal.
(Ord. 17-12 § 1, 9/12/2017)
A. 
To be eligible for expedited solar photovoltaic (PV) permitting a small residential rooftop solar energy system must comply with all of the following requirements:
1. 
General Requirements.
a. 
The system size is ten (10) kW AC CEC rating or less.
b. 
The solar array is roof-mounted on a single or duplex family dwelling or accessory structure.
c. 
The solar panel/module arrays will not exceed the maximum legal building height.
d. 
The solar system is utility interactive and without battery storage.
e. 
A completed application for a permit from the City of Santa Clarita is attached with the required documentation.
2. 
Electrical Requirements.
a. 
No more than four (4) PV module strings are connected to each maximum power point tracking (MPPT) input where source circuit fusing is included in the inverter.
b. 
No more than two (2) strings per MPPT input where source circuit fusing is not included in the inverter.
c. 
Fuses (if needed) are rated to the series fuse rating of the PV module.
d. 
No more than one (1) noninverter-integrated DC combiner is utilized per inverter.
e. 
For central inverter systems, no more than two (2) inverters are utilized.
f. 
The PV system is interconnected to a single-phase AC service panel of nominal one hundred twenty/two hundred twenty (120/220) Vac with a bus bar rating of two hundred twenty-five (225) A or less.
g. 
The PV system is connected to the load side of the utility distribution equipment.
h. 
A solar PV standard plan and supporting documentation is completed and attached to the application.
3. 
Structural Requirements. The applicant has verified 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, dead, and live loads associated with the system to the roof and building structure and foundation. Supporting documentation is available if requested.
4. 
Fire Safety Requirements.
a. 
Clear access pathways are provided and shown on the roof plan around the rooftop system in accordance with Los Angeles County Fire Department requirements.
b. 
The fire classification of the solar system meets the requirements for a Class "B" roof or, if located in the City's Fire Zone, the requirements for a Class "A" roof.
c. 
Any new roofing installed shall meet or exceed the existing roof's fire safety classification for Class "A" or Class "B" materials.
d. 
A note must be shown on the plans that all required markings and labels will be provided to the building inspector in the field.
e. 
A diagram of the roof layout of all panels, modules, clear access pathways, and approximate locations of electrical disconnecting means and roof access points is completed and attached.
(Ord. 17-12 § 1, 9/12/2017)
A. 
An application with associated plans, drawings, and other documentation that satisfies all requirements set forth in the eligibility checklist for expedited permitting shall be deemed complete upon review of the associated documents by the Building Official. Such review shall be performed in a timely manner and in conformance with AB 2188. Should the application be deemed 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 confirmation by the Building Official of the application and supporting documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue a permit to perform the work.
C. 
Such approval for the installation of the solar PV system does not authorize an applicant to connect the 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.
D. 
The City of Santa Clarita shall not condition approval of an application on the approval of an association, as defined in Civil Code Section 4080.
(Ord. 17-12 § 1, 9/12/2017)
A. 
For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one (1) inspection shall be required. The inspection shall be performed in a timely manner and will be scheduled within two (2) business days of a request. A four (4) hour inspection window may be provided upon request.
B. 
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.
C. 
A reinspection fee may be assessed under any of the following conditions:
1. 
The installation is not complete and ready for inspection at the scheduled time.
2. 
The equipment is not open and accessible for the inspector to view at the time of inspection.
3. 
The inspection has failed on two (2) previous occasions.
(Ord. 17-12 § 1, 9/12/2017)