Chapter 8 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR

ENERGY SYSTEM REVIEW PROCESS

Section

4-8-1 Definitions

4-8-2 Applicability

4-8-3 Solar energy system requirements

4-8-4 Permit review

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL. The utilization of one or more of the following:

1. E-mail;

2. The internet; and

3. Facsimile.

SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. All of the following:

1. A solar energy system that is no larger than ten 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(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; and

4. A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the city’s maximum

legal building height.

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. Has the same meaning set forth in Cal. Civil Code § 801.5(a)(1) and (a)(2), as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered or redesignated from time to time.

(Ord. 624, passed 10-20-2015)

(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 hereof 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 solar energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.

(Ord. 624, passed 10-20-2015)

(A) All solar energy systems permitted under this chapter and application procedures shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the city.

(B) Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences and for heating water in commercial or swimming pool applications shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code.

(C) 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.

(D) Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall:

1. Verify, to the city’s reasonable satisfaction and at the applicant’s expense, 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;

2. At the applicant’s cost, verify to the city’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;

3. All documents required for the submission of a solar energy system application shall be made available on the city’s

publicly accessible website;

4. Applicants may submit the required permit application and documents in person at the city’s Building Department or

may use electronic submittal;

5. An applicant’s electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications and other documents in lieu of a wet

signature;

6. The city’s chief building official is hereby authorized by Council and shall adopt a standard plan and checklist of all

requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review;

7. The small residential rooftop solar energy system permit process, standard plan(s), and checklist(s) shall substantially

conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist 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; and

8. All fees prescribed for the permitting of small residential rooftop solar energy systems must comply with Cal. Gov’t Code

§§ 65850.55, 66015, 66016 and Cal. Health and Safety Code § 17951.

(E) An application that satisfies the information requirements in the checklist, as determined by the city, shall be deemed complete. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the city shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

(Ord. 624, passed 10-20-2015)

(A) 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, or their designees. 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 (A).

(B) Upon confirmation by the city of the application and supporting documents being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the city 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.

(C) The city’s review of the application shall be limited to review of whether the application meets all local, state and federal health and safety requirements.

(Ord. 624, passed 10-20-2015)