Bishop Municipal Code Ch. 15.12 Rooftop Solar Energy Systems

A. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

1. Electronic submittal means the utilization of email, the internet or facsimile.

2. Small residential rooftop solar energy system means all of the following:

a. A solar energy system that is no larger than ten kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal.

b. 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 Civil Code § 714(c)(3) as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.

c. A solar energy system that is installed on a single- or duplex-family dwelling.

d. A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.

3. Solar energy system has the same meaning set forth in Civil Code § 801.5(a)(1) and (2), as such subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.

B. Persons desiring to install small residential rooftop solar energy systems within the city must have a permit issued pursuant to this chapter.

C. The 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.

D. Reserved.

E. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:

1. 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

2. 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.

F. For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, 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 fire chief. 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 subsection.

G. 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.

H. 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 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.

(Code 1985, § 15.12.010; Ord. No. 549, § 1, 6-22-2015)