Colton Municipal Code Ch. 15.60 Permitting Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy System

The intent and purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This Chapter is designed to encourage 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. No. O-09-15, § 1, 8-4-2015)

A. "Association" means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development.

B. "Building department" means the Building and Safety Division of the Development Services Department for the City of Colton.

C. "Building official" means the Building Official for the City of Colton.

D. "City" means the City of Colton.

E. "Common interest development" means any of the following:

1. A community apartment project.

2. A condominium project.

3. A planned development.

4. A stock cooperative.

F. "Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following:

1. Email

2. The Internet

3. Facsimile

G. "Expedited permitting," and "expedited review," means the process outlined in Sec. 15.60.060 entitled "Expedited permit review and inspection requirements."

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

1. A solar energy system that is not 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 City 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 of Colton.

I. "Solar energy system" means either of the following:

1. Any solar collector or other solar energy device whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating, space cooling, electric generation, or water heating.

2. Any structural design feature of a building whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation, space heating, space cooling or water heating.

(Ord. No. O-09-15, § 1, 8-4-2015)

This chapter applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the City. 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 a small rooftop energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements with no structural alterations Shall not require a permit.

(Ord. No. O-09-15, § 1, 8-4-2015)

A. A small residential rooftop solar energy systems Shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the City and the State of California.

B. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems for heating water Shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code.

C. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems for producing electricity Shall meet 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.

(Ord. No. O-09-15, § 1, 8-4-2015)

A. All documents required for the submission of an expedited small residential rooftop solar energy system application Shall be made available on the City's publicly accessible website.

B. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents via email, the City's website, or facsimile Shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.

C. 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. Electronic signatures Shall be accepted by the City on all electronic submittals in lieu of a wet signature, in conformance with California Government Code § 16.5 and 2 California Code of Regulations § 22000 et seq.

(Ord. No. O-09-15, § 1, 8-4-2015)

A. The Building Department Shall adopt a standard plan and checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems Shall comply in order to be eligible for expedited permitting. The permitting process, including the standard plans and checklist, Shall substantially conform to the recommendations for expedited permitting set forth in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.

B. An application that City staff determines satisfies the information requirements contained in the City's checklist(s) for expedited small residential rooftop solar system processing, including complete supporting documents, Shall be deemed complete.

C. If an application is deemed incomplete, a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance Shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission.

D. After City staff deems an application complete, City staff Shall review the application to determine whether the application meets applicable local and State codes and regulations.

E. City staff Shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within a reasonable period of time after receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist, standard plan and this article.

F. The City Shall not condition approval of an application on the approval of an association, as defined in this chapter.

(Ord. No. O-09-15, § 1, 8-4-2015)

A. Only one inspection Shall be required and performed by the Building Department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.

B. The inspection Shall be done in a timely manner and should include consolidated inspections. An inspection will be scheduled within two business days of a request.

C. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized but need not conform to the requirements of this chapter.

(Ord. No. O-09-15, § 1, 8-4-2015)