Antioch Municipal Code Ch. 20 Small Rooftop Solar Systems

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: email, the Internet, 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 Cal Civil Code § 714, as such section 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 Cal. Civil Code § 801.5 as that section may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.

(Ord. 2106-C-S, passed 8-11-15)

Cal. Government Code § 65850.5 provides that local agencies shall develop a checklist of all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply with to conform with expedited review. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to develop and adopt such a checklist. The checklist shall be published on the City's website.

(Ord. 2106-C-S, passed 8-11-15)

Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:

(A) Verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction 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 and dead and live loads associated with the system to the building foundation; and

(B) At the applicant's cost, verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction using standard electrical inspection techniques that the existing electrical system including existing line, load, ground and bonding wiring as well as main panel and subpanel sizes are adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new photovoltaic electrical loads.

(Ord. 2106-C-S, passed 8-11-15)

(A) An applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the City's Building Division by personal, mailed, 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.

(B) 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. The determination of incompleteness may be appealed to the Board of Administrative Appeals.

(C) 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. Such approval does not authorize the 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.

(D) Fees for permitting small rooftop residential energy systems shall comply with Cal. Government Code §§ 65850, 66015, 66016 and Cal. Health and Safety Code § 17951.

(Ord. 2106-C-S, passed 8-11-15)

For a small residential rooftop solar energy system, only one inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the Building Official and the Fire Chief or his/her designee. If the system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized.

(Ord. 2106-C-S, passed 8-11-15)