Chapter 2 — of the CGBSC is adopted with the following amendments:

(a)

Section 202 (Definitions) is amended to delete and to replace each of the definitions for the following terms: Automatic Load Management System, Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable Space, and Electric Vehicle Charging Station; to add the following newly defined terms: Level 1 EV Space and Level 2 EV Ready Space; and to delete the defined term Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, as follows:

Automatic Load Management System (ALMS). A control system that allows multiple Level 2 EV chargers to share a circuit or panel and automatically reduce power at each charger, providing the opportunity to reduce electrical infrastructure costs and/or provide demand response capability. ALMS is only allowed for Level 2 EVCS, Level 2 EV Ready, and Level 1 EV Ready Spaces. ALMS systems must be designed to deliver at least 1.4kW per charger. The connected amperage on-site shall not be lower than the required connected amperage per Part 11 of the CGBSC for the relevant building types.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Capable Space. A parking space served by a designated electrical panel with sufficient capacity to provide 110/120 volts at 20 amperes to the parking space, with raceways connecting the electrical panel and parking space that are installed in areas that will be inaccessible in the future, such as trenched underground or where penetrations to walls, floors, or other construction would otherwise be required for future installation of branch circuits. Raceways must be at least 1 inch in diameter and may be sized for multiple circuits as allowed by the County Electrical Code. The panel circuit directory shall identify the spaces reserved for EV charging as "EV CAPABLE." Construction documents shall indicate future completion of the raceway from the panel to the parking space, using the installed raceway sections in the inaccessible areas.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS). A parking space that includes installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) with a minimum output of 30 amperes connected to a Level 2 EV Ready Space. EVCS installation may be used to satisfy a Level 2 EV Ready Circuit requirement.

Level 1 EV Ready Space. A parking space served by a complete electric circuit with a minimum of 110/120 volt, 20-ampere capacity, including electrical panel capacity; an overprotection device; a minimum 1 inch

diameter raceway that may include multiple circuits as allowed by the County Electrical Code; properly sized conductors; grounding and bonding; and either (a) a receptacle labeled "Electric Vehicle Outlet" with at least a ½ inch font adjacent to the parking space, or (b) labeled Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).

Level 2 EV Ready Space. A parking space served by a complete electric circuit with a minimum of 208/240 volt, 40-ampere capacity, including the required electrical panel capacity; an overcurrent protection device; a minimum 1 inch diameter raceway that may include multiple circuits as allowed by the County Electrical Code; properly sized conductors; grounding and bonding; and either (a) a receptacle labeled "Electric Vehicle Outlet" with a minimum ½ inch font, adjacent to the parking space, or a blank labeled Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) with a minimum output of 40 amperes.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.136, § 6, 12-13-22)

Sec. C3-33. - Chapter 4 amendments.

Chapter 4 of the CGBSC is adopted with the following amendments:

(a)

Section 4.106.4 (Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction) is amended to read as follows:

4.106.4. Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction. New construction shall comply with Sections 4.106.4.1, 4.106.4.2, or 4.106.4.3 to facilitate future installation and use of EV chargers.

Exceptions:

1.

Where this is no commercial power supply.

2.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) without additional parking spaces and without electrical panel upgrade or new panel installation. ADUs and JADUs without additional parking but with electrical panel upgrades or new panels must have reserved breakers and electrical capacity according to the requirements of Section 4.106.4.1.

(b)

Section 4.106.4.1 (New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

4.106.4.1. New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages. For any new dwelling units and for rebuilds of existing dwelling units, as defined in Section C1-22, that includes a panel upgrade or construction between the panel and parking area, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space and Level 1 EV Ready Space.

Exception: For each dwelling unit with only one parking space, install a Level 2 EV Ready Space.

(c)

Section 4.106.4.1.1 (Identification) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

4.106.4.1.1. Identification. The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as "Level 2 EV-Ready."

(d)

Section 4.106.4.2 (New multifamily dwellings) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

4.106.4.2. New multifamily dwellings. The following requirements shall apply to all new multifamily dwellings:

1.

For multifamily buildings with less than or equal to 20 dwelling units, one parking space per dwelling unit shall be provided with a Level 2 EV Ready Space.

Exception: Dwelling units without parking spaces do not need to be provided a Level 2 EV Ready Space.

2.

For multifamily buildings with more than 20 dwelling units:

a.

For the first 20 dwelling units, at least one parking space per dwelling unit shall be provided with a Level 2 EV Ready Space.

b.

Twenty-five percent of the remaining dwelling units with parking spaces shall be provided with at least one Level 2 EV Ready Space. Calculations for the required minimum number of Level 2 EV Ready Spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

c.

In addition, each dwelling unit with parking spaces that does not have at least one Level 2 EV Ready Space shall be provided with at least one Level 1 EV Ready Space.

Notes:

1.

Installation of Level 2 EV Ready Spaces above the minimum number required level may offset the minimum number of Level 1 EV Ready spaces required on a 1:1 basis.

2.

The requirements apply to multifamily buildings with parking spaces and includes spaces assigned or leased to individual dwelling units and unassigned residential parking.

3.

To adhere to accessibility requirements in accordance with California Building Code Chapters 11A and/or 11B, it is recommended that all accessible parking spaces for covered newly constructed multifamily dwellings are provided with Level 1 or Level 2 EV Ready Spaces.

(e)

Section 4.106.4.2.3 (EV space requirements) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

4.106.4.2.3. Automated Load Management Systems.

1.

As defined in Section 202, ALMS shall be allowed to meet the requirements of 4.106.4.2.

2.

Where ALMS serve Direct Current Fast Charging stations, the power demand from the Direct Current Fast Charging station shall be prioritized above Level 1 and Level 2 spaces.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.136, § 6, 12-13-22)

Sec. C3-34. - Chapter 5 amendments.

Chapter 5 of the CGBSC is adopted with the following amendments:

(a)

Section 5.106.5.3 (Electric vehicle (EV) charging) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

5.106.5.3. Electric vehicle (EV) charging. New construction shall comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 or Section 5.106.5.3.2 to facilitate future installation and use of EV chargers.

Exceptions:

1.

Where there is no commercial power supply.

2.

Installation of each Direct Current Fast Charger with the capacity to provide at least 80 kW output may substitute for 11 Level 2 EVCS spaces after a minimum of 11 Level 2 EVCS spaces are installed.

(b)

Section 5.106.5.3.1. (EV capable spaces) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

5.106.5.3.1. Office buildings. For any new nonresidential building designated primarily for office use:

1.

When 10 or more parking spaces are constructed, 20% of the available parking spaces on site shall be equipped with Level 2 EVCS.

2.

An additional 30% shall be at least EV Capable.

Notes:

1.

Calculations for the required minimum number of spaces equipped with Level 2 EVCS, Level 1 EV Ready spaces, and EV Capable spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

2.

Construction plans and specifications shall demonstrate that all raceways shall be a minimum of 1 inch and sufficient for installation of spaces.

3.

Electrical calculations shall substantiate the design of the electrical system, to include the rating of equipment and any on-site distribution transformers. The electrical system shall have sufficient capacity to simultaneously charge EVs at all required EV spaces, including Level 1 EV Ready and EV Capable spaces. Service panels or subpanels shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate the required number of dedicated branch circuits for the future installation of the EVSE.

4.

ALMS may be installed to increase the number of EV chargers or the amperage or voltage beyond the minimum requirements in this code. This option does not allow for installing less electrical panel capacity than would be required without ALMS.

(c)

Section 5.106.5.3.2 (Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

5.106.5.3.2. Nonresidential non-office buildings. For any new nonresidential building that is not designated primarily for office use (such as retail or institutional uses):

1.

When 10 or more parking spaces are constructed to serve the building, a minimum of 10% of the available parking spaces on site shall be equipped with Level 2 EVCS.

Calculations for the required minimum number of spaces equipped with Level 2 EVCS shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

(d)

Section 5.106.5.3.3 (Use of automatic load management systems (ALMS)) is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

5.106.5.3.3. Clean Air Vehicle Parking Designation. EVCS qualify as designated parking as described in Section 5.106.5.2 (Designated parking for clean air vehicles).

Notes:

1.

The California Department of Transportation adopts and publishes the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD) to provide uniform standards and specifications for all official traffic control devices in California. Zero Emission Vehicle Signs and Pavement Markings can be found in the New Policies & Directives number 13-01. www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/policy/13-01.pdf.

2.

See California Vehicle Code section 22511 for EV charging spaces signage in off-street parking facilities and for use of EV charging spaces.

3.

The Governor's Office of Planning and Research published a Zero Emission Vehicle Community Readiness Guidebook which provides helpful information for local governments, residents and businesses. www.opr.ca.gov/ docs/ZEV___Guidebook.pdf.

4.

California Building Code section 11B-812 requires that a facility providing EVCS for public and common use also provide one or more accessible EVCS as specified in Table l 1B-228.3.2.1.

5.

It is encouraged that where shared parking is provided, EV Ready spaces are designated with signage as "EV preferred."

(e)

A new section, Section 5.106.5.3.5 (Identification), is added to read as follows:

5.106.5.3.5. Identification. The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as "EV Ready."

(f)

A new section, Section 5.303.3.5 (Commercial Laundry Systems), is added to read as follows:

5.303.3.5. Commercial Laundry Systems. The installation or use of any new commercial laundry system that does not incorporate a recirculating water system is prohibited.

(g)

A new section, Section 5.303.3.6 (Commercial Conveyor Car Wash Systems), is added to read as follows:

5.303.3.6. Commercial Conveyor Car Wash Systems. The installation or use of any new non-recirculating water systems in commercial conveyor car wash systems is prohibited.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.136, § 6, 12-13-22)

Sec. C3-35. - Appendix A4 of Chapter 4 adopted and amended.

Appendix A4 (Residential Voluntary Measures) of Chapter 4 of the CGBSC is adopted with the following amendments:

(a)

Division A4.2 (Energy Efficiency) is deleted in its entirety.

(b)

Section A4.601.1 (Scope) is amended to read as follows:

A4.601.1. Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are mandatory for new single-family dwellings equal to or greater than 3,000 square feet in area and new multi-family residential buildings equal to or greater than 25,000 square feet in area. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating additional green building measures. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders, or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level.

(c)

Section A4.601.4.2 (Prerequisite and elective measures for Tier 1) is amended to delete subsection 2 (From Division A4.2, Energy Efficiency).

(d)

Section A4.601.5 (Tier 2) is deleted in its entirety.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.136, § 6, 12-13-22)

Sec. C3-36. - Appendix A5 of Chapter 5 adopted and amended.

Appendix A5 (Nonresidential Voluntary Measures) of Chapter 5 of the CGBSC is adopted with the following amendments:

(a)

Section A5.106.5.3 (Electric vehicle (EV) charging) is deleted in its entirety.

(b)

Division A5.2 (Energy Efficiency) is deleted in its entirety.

(c)

Section A5.601.1 (Scope) is amended to read as follows:

A5.601.1. Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are mandatory for new commercial buildings equal to or greater than 25,000 square feet in area. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating additional green building measures for newly constructed nonresidential buildings as well as additions. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders, or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level. Refer to the provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations scope and application.

(d)

Section A5.601.2.3 (Tier 1) is deleted in its entirety.

(e)

Section A5.601.3 (CALGreen Tier 2) is deleted in its entirety.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.136, § 6, 12-13-22)

Secs. C3-37—C3-42. - Reserved.

CHAPTER IV. - STREAMLINED PERMITTING FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Sec. C3-43. - Purpose and authority.

The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems that complies with the Solar Rights Act, as amended by Assembly Bill 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of such small residential rooftop solar energy systems while protecting public health and safety. This chapter shall apply to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the unincorporated area of the County. This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution, Government Code section 65850.5, and Health and Safety Code section 17959.1.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.126, § 1, 5-9-17)

Sec. C3-44. - Definitions.

The following definitions apply to this chapter:

(a)

Electronic submittal means the utilization of one or more of the following:

(1)

Email;

(2)

Internet.

(b)

Small residential rooftop solar energy system means 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 County and paragraph (iii) of subdivision (c) of Section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended from time to time.

(3)

A solar energy system that is installed on a legally established 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 Zoning Ordinance of the County of Santa Clara.

(c)

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 or cooling, or for water cooling.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.126, § 1, 5-9-17)

Sec. C3-45. - Requirements.

(a)

All small residential solar energy systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the State of California and the County of Santa Clara.

(b)

Small residential 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 as adopted and amended by the County of Santa Clara.

(c)

Small residential solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable 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. NS-1100.126, § 1, 5-9-17)

Sec. C3-46. - Checklists and standard plans.

(a)

The Building Official shall develop and adopt checklists and standard plans of all requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. The Building Official may adopt checklists and standard plans that substantially conform to the recommendations for expedited permitting contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.

(b)

The checklists and standards plans for small residential rooftop solar energy systems adopted by the Building Official, as well as any other required permitting documentation, shall be published on the County's website.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.126, § 1, 5-9-17)

Sec. C3-47. - Application review.

(a)

The applicant may submit the application and related documentation for a small residential rooftop solar energy system by electronic submittal, with all required permit processing and inspection fees, as adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. Electronic signatures shall be accepted by the Building Official on all electronic submittals in lieu of a wet signature.

(b)

An application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall be deemed complete when the Building Official, or designee, determines that the application and supporting documentation satisfies all of the information requirements in the checklists and standard plans, and meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements.

(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)

Applications for small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall be administratively reviewed and approved by the Building Official, or designee, as nondiscretionary permits within a reasonable time following receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the County's approved checklists, standard plans, and payment of all required permit processing and inspection fees. The approval shall not be deemed an approval for the applicant to violate any statute, code or ordinance, or applicable standard.

(e)

Approval of an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall not be based or conditioned on the approval of a solar energy system by an association, as that term is defined in Section 4080 of the Civil Code.

(f)

Approval does not authorize an application to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant shall obtain approval from the local utility provider.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.126, § 1, 5-9-17)

Sec. C3-48. - Inspection.

(a)

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

(b)

The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the Building Office and Fire Marshal, or designees.

(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 section.

(Ord. No. NS-1100.126, § 1, 5-9-17)