Chapter 15.59
SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR PERMITTING PROCEDURES
Sections:
15.59.010 Purpose.
Section 65850.5 of the California Government Code provides that, on or before September 30, 2015, every city, county, or city and county shall adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems. (Ord. 780 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015).
15.59.020 Definitions.
“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 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 (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. 780 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015).
15.59.030 Permitting process.
The expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply with the applicable requirements contained in this title, Buildings and Construction, and all of the following:
A. The department shall develop a checklist of all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.
B. The checklist and required permitting documentation shall be published on a publicly accessible Internet website.
C. As allowed by available resources, the department shall allow for electronic submittal of a permit application and associated documentation and shall allow electronic signature in lieu of a wet signature.
D. Upon confirmation, by the department that the application and supporting documentation are complete and meet all requirements of the California Building Standards Codes, the department shall approve the application and issue all required permits. (Ord. 780 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015).
15.59.040 Inspection process.
Small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited, streamlined permitting process shall only require one inspection, unless the installation is found to be out of compliance with the California Building Standards Codes or a separate fire safety inspection is required. Inspection requests shall be made in compliance with this title, Buildings and Construction. (Ord. 780 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015).