Chapter 15.16
SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
Sections:
15.16.010 Authority – Purpose – Applicability.
15.16.030 Requirements for expedited permitting.
15.16.010 Authority – Purpose – Applicability.
A. Authority. This chapter is adopted under the authority of Government Code Section 65850.5.
B. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
C. Applicability. This chapter applies to the permitting of a small residential rooftop solar energy system. (Ord. 16-04 § 1, 2016)
15.16.020 Definitions.
The following words and phrases as used in this chapter are defined as follows:
“Electronic submittal” means the utilization of one or more of the following:
1. E-mail;
2. The Internet;
3. Facsimile.
“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 the authority having jurisdiction.
“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 such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time. (Ord. 16-04 § 1, 2016)
15.16.030 Requirements for expedited permitting.
A. Application. An applicant for a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall submit a building permit application on the form provided by the city, accompanied by each item of information listed in the city’s small residential rooftop solar energy checklist. Both the application form and the checklist shall be available online.
The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the city’s building division by personal or electronic submittal together with any required permit processing and inspection fees. In the case of electronic submittal, the electronic signature of the applicant on all forms, applications and other documentation may be used in lieu of a wet signature.
An application that satisfies the information requirements in the checklist, as determined by the building official, shall be deemed complete. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, 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.
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 all required permits or authorizations within one to three business days of receipt of application.
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.
B. Inspection. When a building permit is issued for a small residential rooftop solar energy system, the city will require only one inspection (which may be a consolidated inspection by the building official). If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, the city may perform one or more subsequent inspections. (Ord. 16-04 § 1, 2016)