Chapter 17.86

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AND EXPEDITED BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

The definitions set forth in this part shall govern the application and interpretation of this chapter.

(Ord. 29601.)

Parts:

• 1 Purpose

• 2 Definitions

"Building official" means the chief building official, or a regularly authorized deputy. (Ord. 29601.)

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§ 17.86.400

"Electronic submittal" means the utilization of electronic e-mail or submittal via the internet. (Ord. 29601.)

Part 3

REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Sections:

"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 thirty 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 all state and city health and safety standards.

• 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 city.

• (Ord. 29601.)

• A. All solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the city.

• B. Solar energy systems for heating water in singlefamily 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.

• (Ord. 29601.)

"Solar energy system" means either of the following:

• A. 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.

• B. 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 or cooling, or for water heating.

• (Ord. 29601.)

Part 4

EXPEDITED BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS FOR SMALL SOLAR RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Sections:

• A. This part applies to the issuance of building permits for small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the city. All requirements of

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§ 17.86.400

building permit applications in Title 24 for small residential rooftop solar energy systems that are not addressed in this part shall remain in effect.

• B. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in 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 residential rooftop energy system. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements for small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall not require a permit.

• (Ord. 29601.)

• A. All documents required for the submission of an expedited small residential rooftop solar energy system building permit application shall be made available on the city website.

• B. Electronic submittal of the required building permit application and documents by email, or the Internet when in operation shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.

• C. The building official shall adopt a checklist of all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.

• D. The small residential rooftop solar system permit process and checklist 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.

• (Ord. 29601.)

cations or complete online applications that meet the requirements of the approved checklist and Part 3 of this chapter.

• B. If an application is deemed incomplete, the building official shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation or payment of fees required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission.

• C. Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the building official for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.

• D. The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and should include consolidated inspections.

• E. 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 section.

• (Ord. 29601.)