Bakersfield Municipal Code Ch. 15.56 Permitting Small Residential Rooftop Solar Systems

The intent of this chapter is to adopt an option for expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act, as amended by Assembly Bill 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This chapter will increase the deployment of residential solar distributed generation, provide solar customers greater installation ease, improve the city’s and state’s ability to reach its clean energy goals, and generate much needed jobs in the city and state. The chapter allows the city to achieve these goals while protecting public health and safety. (Ord. 4827 § 1, 2015)

Whenever used in this chapter, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context, the words set out in this section shall have the following meanings:

A. “Electronic submittal” means the utilization of one or more of the following:

1. Email;

2. Internet;

3. Facsimile.

B. “Small residential rooftop solar energy system” means a solar energy system which meets 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: (1) conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the city; (2) all state and county health and safety standards; and (3) 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.

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 city.

C. “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. 4827 § 1, 2015)

A. All small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply with the applicable standards and requirements for solar energy systems as set forth in the Bakersfield Municipal Code, California Solar Permitting Guidebook, and city of Bakersfield website.

B. The small residential rooftop solar system permit process, standard plan(s), and checklist(s), shall substantially conform to the recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklists and standard plans, contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. (Ord. 4827 § 1, 2015)

A. The building director shall make the checklist and all permitting documentation required for a small residential rooftop solar energy system available on the city of Bakersfield website.

B. An applicant may submit the application and related documentation for a small residential rooftop solar energy system by electronic submittal, as specified on the city website. (Ord. 4827 § 1, 2015)

A. Upon confirmation that the application is complete, staff shall review the application to ensure that the small residential rooftop solar energy system meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements. 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.

B. Staff shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within a reasonable time following re- ceipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist, standard plan, and this chapter.

C. Staff’s approval of an application shall not be based or conditioned on the approval of an association, as defined in California Civil Code Section 4080. (Ord. 4827 § 1, 2015)

A. One inspection shall be required and performed by staff for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review in a timely manner. Systems with tile roofs shall be inspected in one of the following methods:

1. Solar installation employee shall be at the job site to meet the building inspector to uncover roof tiles to
expose roof flashings as requested by the building inspector.

2. Inspection is done in two parts, first a roof flashing inspection and then final inspection.

B. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized but need not conform to the requirements of this section. (Ord. 4827 § 1, 2015)