Chapter 4 — STATE REQUIRED STREAMLINED PERMITTING

The purpose of this chapter is to establish expedited, streamlined electric vehicle charging stations permitting process to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging stations, and, to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicle charging stations and to limit obstacles to their use.

This chapter applies to the permitting of all electric vehicle charging stations in the City. Electric vehicle charging stations legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of this chapter are not subject to the requirements of this chapter unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of the electric vehicle charging stations in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance shall not require a permit. (Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)

For the purpose of this Article, words and terms used in this Article shall have the meanings set forth in this Section. Where terms are not defined in this Section and are defined elsewhere in this Code, or the Building Code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in such codes. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this Section, such terms shall have their ordinary accepted meanings such as the context implies.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT (EVSE) or ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION. Consists of the conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors and the electric vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises wiring and the electric vehicle. (Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)

The application for permit shall meet the requirements of section 8400.1 and may be submitted electronically through the online submittal system maintained by the Building Official.

Prior to applying for an expedited permit, the applicant shall verify that the installation meets all criteria in Section 8400.3. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, a written correction notice shall be issued detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

Upon approval of a permit application by the Building Official, a permit, as applicable, will be issued for work described in the application.

Permit fees for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations or EVSEs shall be charged according to the applicable fees prescribed in Article 8, Chapter 1, Section 8105 of this Code, or if a different fee has been adopted by resolution of the City Council.

• (Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)

• (a) General. The design of electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with this Section to qualify for expedited permit issuance.

• (b) Plug-in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist. The permit application for the electric vehicle charging stations must comply with the requirements of the plug-in electric vehicle infrastructure permitting checklist, which is contained in the most current version of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research of the State of California and as adopted by the Building Official.

• (c) Minimum Electric Vehicle Charging Station Standards. The electric vehicle charging station or EVSE shall be identified and listed for the application as referenced in the Electrical Code.

• (d) Compliance with Laws. The electric vehicle charging station or EVSE shall also comply with all other applicable City of Carson Codes and California Health and Safety Laws.

• (Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)

All construction or work for electric vehicle charging stations for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official and such construction work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the Building Official as specified in Article 8 Chapter 1 Building Code Administration of this code. (Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)

The purpose of this chapter is to establish an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with Civil Code Section 714 and Government Code Section 65850.5 to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This chapter encourages the use of solar systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the City, and expanding the ability of property owners to install solar energy systems. This chapter allows the City to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety.

(Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)

• (a) This chapter applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the City.

• (b) Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of this chapter are not subject to the requirements of this chapter unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of the small rooftop energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance shall not require a permit. (Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)

The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:

• (a) "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 Civil Code Section 714(c)(3), 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.

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

• (Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)

• (a) All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available on the City's website.

• (b) 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.

• (c) An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.

• (d) The City's Building Division shall adopt a checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.

• (e) The small residential rooftop solar system permit process, and checklist(s) shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.

• (f) All plan review and permit fees shall be as adopted by separate resolution and/or ordinance. Plan checking fees shall be paid at the time of plan review submittal. Permit fees shall be paid at the time of permit issuance. Any such fees must comply with Government Code Sections65850.55 and 66015, and any other applicable state laws.

• (Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)

• (a) 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.

• (b) 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.

• (c) 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.

• (d) 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.

• (Ord. 25-2520, 11/5/2025)