§ 8-8

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 shall not require a permit. (§ 2, Ord. 3026, eff. October 1, 2015)

(a) “Small residential rooftop solar energy system” means solar energy system which meets all of the following: (1) Is no larger than ten (10) kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty (30) kilowatts thermal; (2) Conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City, and all state and City health and safety standards; (3) Conforms to 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; (4) Is installed on a single or duplex family dwelling; (5) The panel or module array does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the City. (a) Solar energy systems for heating water in single-family residences or 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 Codes. (b) 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. (§ 2, Ord. 3026, eff. October 1, 2015)

(a) A checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review and all documents required for the submission of an expedited small residential rooftop solar energy system shall be made available on the City’s publicly accessible website.

(b) Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents via email, or facsimile shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants. Website applications may be allowed at such time in the future that the technology is made available by the City. (c) An applicant’s electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature. (d) The Building Department 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. (e) The small residential rooftop solar energy system permit process, standard plans, and checklist shall substantially conform to the recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. (§ 2, Ord. 3026, eff. October 1, 2015)

(a) The Building Department shall adopt an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite the approval of small residential rooftop solar energy system applications within thirty (30) days of the adoption of this chapter. (b) An application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan shall be deemed complete, and the Building Department shall issue a building permit or other non-discretionary permit within three (3) business days. (c) Review of the application shall be limited to the Building Official’s review of whether the applicant meets local, state and federal health and safety requirements. (d) If an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system 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 permitting shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission. (e) Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. (f) The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and should include consolidated inspections. (g) 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. (§ 2, Ord. 3026, eff. October 1, 2015)

CHAPTER 9: ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

CHAPTER 9: ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

8-9.01 Applicability and purpose 8-9.02 Electric vehicle charging stations requirements 8-9.03 Duties of the Building Department 8-9.04 Expedited permit review and inspection requirements