Suisun City Municipal Code Ch. 15.04 Permits—uniform Codes

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), adopted Dec. 2, 2025, repealed the former Ch. 15.04, §§ 15.04.010—15.04.070, 15.04.075, 15.04.080, 15.04.090, 15.04.095, 15.04.100—15.04.190, 15.04.195, 15.04.200—15.04.230, 15.04.304, 15.04.310, 15.04.390, and 15.04.400, and enacted a new Ch. 15.04 as set out herein. The former Ch. 15.04 pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 724, § 2, adopted Sept. 3, 2013; Ord. No. 733, § 2, adopted Oct. 6, 2015; Ord. No. 752, § 2, adopted Nov. 20, 2018; Ord. No. 767, § 2, adopted Feb. 18, 2020; Ord. No. 771, § 4, adopted June 16, 2020; Ord. No. 786, §§ 2, 3, adopted July 6, 2021; Ord. No. 795, § 1, adopted July 26, 2022; Ord. No. 801, § 2, adopted Aug. 8, 2023; and Ord. No. 808, § 15, adopted Dec. 5, 2023.

This chapter is enacted for the purpose of adopting rules and regulations pursuant to the State Housing Law and the Health and Safety Code, for the protection of the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupant and the public governing the creation, construction, enlargement, conversion, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, occupancy, use, height, court area, sanitation, ventilation and maintenance of any building used for human habitation; provided, however, that nothing in the codes adopted in this chapter shall be construed to prevent any person from performing his own building, mechanical, plumbing or electrical work when performed with the permits in compliance with this chapter.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

Whenever any of the following names or terms are used in this chapter or in any of the codes adopted by reference by this chapter, unless the context directs otherwise, such names or terms so used shall have the meaning ascribed thereto by this section:

A. "Board of appeals," "housing advisory and appeals board" and any other reference to the appellate body, mean the board of appeals for the City of Suisun City made up of five building official members of the Napa-Solano Chapter of the International Code Council (NSICC) chosen on a case-by-case basis. The NSICC, an organization of building officials, building inspectors, and construction industry personnel, was formed in 1978 to help maintain consistent and uniform code enforcement and code interpretation within the jurisdictions of Napa and Solano Counties. Building officials from jurisdictions within Napa and Solano Counties and neighboring counties are members of the NSICC. Building official members of the NSICC are well versed in the technical and administrative provisions of construction codes.

B. The "accessibility appeals board" shall mean the board of appeals for the City of Suisun City plus an additional two members having demonstrated experience dealing with accessibility standards and their applications, appointed on a case-by-case basis.

C. All decisions by the board of appeals and by the accessibility appeals board shall be submitted in writing to the city council for final review. All actions found by the city council to be based on incomplete or inadequate analysis shall be referred back to the appropriate board for further deliberations.

D. "Building official," "plumbing official," "chief," "electrical inspector," "fire code official," "administrative authority" and similar references to a chief administrative position mean the chief building official of the City of Suisun City; provided, however, that:

1. Where such terms are used in connection with those duties imposed by statute or ordinance upon the county health officer the terms shall include the county health officer;

2. For the purpose of implementing the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, the term "authorized representative" of the "building official" shall refer to and include the director of environmental health and such personnel of the Solano County Department of Resource Management Environmental Health as the director may designate.

E. "Building department," "electrical department," "plumbing department," "department of fire prevention", "office of administrative authority" or "housing department" means the building department of the city.

F. "City clerk" means the ex officio clerk of the city council.

G. "City council" or "mayor" means the governing elected officials of the City of Suisun City.

H. "Fire chief" means the chief of the fire department of the city wherein a particular building is or is to be located, or, for any area not within the city limits, the same shall mean the county fire warden designated by the board of supervisors.

I. "Safety assessment" is a visual, non-destructive examination of a building or structure for the purpose of determining the condition for continued occupancy.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

Subject to the modifications and amendments contained in this chapter, the following primary and secondary codes are adopted and incorporated into the codes of the city by reference and as having the same legal effect as if their respective contents were set forth in this chapter and which may be amended from time to time:

A. The 2025 Edition of the California Building Code (CBC) (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is adopted by reference as the building code of the city.

B. The Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition, as published by the International Code Council and adopted by the State of California under Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations, is adopted by reference as the housing code of the city.

C. The 2025 Edition of the California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), including all appendices (Appendices A through S), is adopted by reference as the plumbing code of the city.

D. The 2025 Edition of the California Electric Code (Part 3 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is adopted by reference as the electrical code of the city.

E. The 2025 Edition of the California Mechanical Code (Part 4 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), including all appendices (Appendices A through J), is adopted by reference as the mechanical code of the city.

F. The Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, is adopted by reference as the dangerous buildings code of the city, with Section 205 amended to read as follows: Section 205.1. In order to provide for final interpretation of provisions of this code and to hear appeals provided for hereunder, there is hereby established a board of appeals as defined in city Code section 15.04.020. The building official shall be an ex officio member of, and shall act as, secretary to said board. The board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant, with a copy to the building official. Appeals to the board shall be processed in accordance with the provisions contained in Section 501 of this Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. Copies of all rules or regulations adopted by the board shall be delivered to the building official, who shall make them freely accessible to the public.

G. The California Referenced Standards Code, 2025 Edition (Part 12 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), is adopted by reference as the building standards of the city.

H. The 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code (Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), including Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix D and Appendix E, is adopted by reference as the fire code of the city.

I. The 2025 Edition of the California Administrative Code (Part 1 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is adopted by reference as the building standards administrative code of the city.

J. The 2025 Edition of the California Residential Code (CRC) (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), including Appendices BF (Patio Covers), BO (Existing Buildings and Structures), CI (Swimming Pool Safety Act), is adopted by reference as the residential code of the city.

K. The 2025 Edition of the California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is adopted by reference as the green building standards code of the city.

L. The 2025 Edition of the California Existing Building Code (Part 10 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is adopted by reference as the existing building code of the city.

M. The 2025 Edition of the California Historical Building Code (Part 8 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is adopted by reference as the historical building code of the city.

N. The 2025 Edition of the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code (Part 7 of the Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is adopted by reference as the wildland urban-interface code of the city.

O. The 2025 Edition of the California Energy Code (Part 6 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) is adopted by reference as the energy code of the city.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

The building official shall maintain at least one copy of each primary code adopted by reference, and each secondary code pertaining thereto. The building official shall maintain at least one copy of each primary code adopted by reference at the building inspection office for public inspection while this chapter is in force.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

It is unlawful for any person, including utility companies, to connect electric power lines or liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas sources permanently to any building or structure for which a permit is required by this chapter until the final inspection has been made and the approval signed by the building inspector. This section shall not prohibit the erection and use of temporary power poles approved by the power company during the course of construction, when approved by the building official.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

No building permit shall be issued for which an encroachment or grading permit is required, unless and until the requirements prerequisite to the encroachment or grading permit have been met.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

No building permit shall be issued unless and until the building official is satisfied that the construction authorized by the permit will not violate any existing law or ordinance.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

It shall be the responsibility of anyone engaging in construction or demolition work to restrict the hours of work activity on the site as follows.

A. No construction equipment shall be operated nor any outdoor construction, non-residential projects or repair work shall be permitted within 600 feet from any occupied residence except during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday.

B. Construction work hours on residential projects shall be from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

C. A request for an exception to the permitted construction hours and days may be granted by the chief building inspector for emergency work, to offset project delays due to inclement weather, for 24-hour construction projects, or other similar occurrences.

D. City projects determined by the director of public works to be emergencies shall be exempt from these provisions.

E. For construction work hours for earthwork, trenching, concrete or paving, see Section 15.12.320.

F. Interior work which would not create noise or disturbance noticeable to a reasonable person of normal sensitivity in the surrounding neighborhood shall not be subject to these restrictions.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. The building official shall review all codes newly adopted by the state pursuant to the State Housing Law, Section 17910 et seq. of the Health and Safety Code and shall:

1. Report such newly adopted codes to the city council and advise the board to schedule a hearing not less than 90 days from the date of report; and

2. Place copies of the codes to be considered by the board in the office of the city council, and in the building department for review by the general public.

B. The city council shall, upon the advice of the building official, schedule such public hearing to receive public testimony on the codes to be adopted by the board.

C. The clerk of the city council shall give notice of the time, place and subject matter of the public hearing scheduled on the matter by the council posting in three public places due to the fact that no newspaper is published or printed within the city limits.

D. The city council shall hold such public hearing at the date and time scheduled, and shall then adopt the code with amendments, if any.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building, structure or building service equipment or cause or permit the same to be done in violation of this chapter.

B. Any person, firm, corporation or other entity which violates any of the provisions of this chapter, including any of the codes adopted by reference, or who violates or fails to comply with any order made thereunder, or who builds in violation of any detailed statement of specification of plans submitted and approved thereunder, or any certificate or permit issued thereunder, and from which no appeal has been taken, or who fails to comply with such an order as affirmed or modified by the city council or by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be guilty of an infraction unless otherwise provided in this Code.

C. Any person, firm, corporation or other entity which is guilty of an infraction under this chapter is punishable pursuant to the fine amounts as set forth in Section 36900(c) of the Government Code relating to violations of building and safety codes, including any amendments or successor statutes thereto.

D. Any failure to correct the condition for which the infraction is imposed within a period of seven days after the issuance of a citation, and for each seven-day period thereafter may be treated as a separate and additional violation subject to the same penalties set forth herein.

E. In addition to the penalties set forth above, any violation beyond the third conviction within a one-year period, or any willful violation of this section which creates an immediate threat to the health, safety or welfare of the members of the public or the occupants of any structure in violation of this section, may be charged as a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Chapter 1.08 of this Code.

F. In addition to the penalties set forth herein, any person, firm, corporation or other entity guilty of a violation of this chapter shall be liable for such costs, expenses and disbursements paid or incurred by the city in correction, abatement and prosecution of the violation.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. Pursuant to Section 836.5 of the California Penal Code, the chief building official, any deputy or assistant building official, agent or other employee of the building department of Suisun City is authorized to enforce the provisions of this chapter and to arrest or issue citations to violators thereof.

B. The city manager shall have the power to designate by written order that particular officers and other individuals shall be authorized to enforce particular provisions of this chapter as described in subsection A of this section in addition to those persons set forth therein.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. Any contractor or subcontractor who applies for permits to do work within the city limits of the city shall be denied permits if he does not possess current valid city business licenses.

B. Any permits issued in error to anyone not licensed by the city shall be revoked until such time as all fees are paid and licenses are valid.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. Applications are to be signed by the property owner or a duly licensed contractor, engineer or architect.

B. With each application for a building permit, and when required by the building official for enforcement of any provisions of this chapter, three sets of plans and specifications shall be submitted. The building official may require plans and specifications to be prepared and designed by an engineer or architect licensed by the State of California to practice as such.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

All structures or buildings classified in occupancy groups A, B, E, F, H, I, M, S and R-1 shall be designed in accordance with the Building and Professional Codes of the State of California.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

Permits for all occupancy groups shall be valid for two years from the date of their issuance provided that the time limits of starting work or work stoppage are met. The permit documents and plans or a retrievable document image of the permit documents and plans will be retained as a permanent record for the life of the structure.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

Building permit fees shall be prescribed in the city's master fees schedule except buildings shall be valued as determined by the building official. The value to be used in computing the building permit and building plan review fees shall be the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued, as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems and any other permanent equipment.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

The city council shall establish a schedule of fees, as found in the master fees schedule, to be charged and collected for plan checking, inspection services performed, and for the issuance of permits. A copy of these fee schedules shall be kept in the office of the city clerk and shall be available for public inspection in all city offices where permits are issued.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

CBC Section 111.1 and CRC Section R110.1 are amended to read as follows:

No building or structure shall be used or occupied whole or in part without a certificate of occupancy. Such a certificate shall not be issued until compliance with all city requirements has been met. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. Occupying or using a structure without this approval constitutes a public nuisance.

Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits in accordance with CBC Section 105.2 or CRC Section R105.2.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

CBC Section 111.2 and CRC Section R110.2 are amended to add the following at the end of the first paragraph:

A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until all applicable city ordinances, resolutions, regulations and the conditional use permit conditions have been complied with.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

CBC Section 110.3.12 and CRC Section R109.1.6 are amended to read as follows:

The final inspection shall be made after final grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy. This shall mean all electrical, plumbing and mechanical complete and ready for occupancy, as well as all floor covering installed and painting completed, as well as any required exterior landscaping complete with house, sidewalks and streets cleaned.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. CBC Section 1505.1 and CRC Section R902.1 are amended to add the following at the end of the first paragraph:

All materials applied as roof covering shall have a fire rating of class "B" or better.

B. CBC Section 1512.1 and CRC Section R908.1 are amended to add the following at the end of the first paragraph:

All materials applied as roof covering for re-roofing shall have a fire rating of class "B" or better, when 50% or more of an existing roof is replaced within 1 year.

C. Section 903.2 of the CBC is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures, in which the total floor area of all floors exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet, shall be provided in the locations described in Section 903.2.1 through 903.2.12 and Sections 903.2.14 through 903.2.21.

D. Section 905.3.1 of the CBC is amended to read as follows:

905.3.1 Height. In other than Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies, Class III standpipe systems shall be installed throughout at each floor where any of the following occur:

1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

2. Buildings that are three or more stories in height.

3. Buildings where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

4. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

Exceptions:

1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

2. Class I standpipes are allowed in Group B and E occupancies.

3. Class I standpipes are allowed in parking garages.

4. Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.

5. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings where occupant-use hose lines will not be utilized by trained personnel or the fire department.

6. In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, it shall not be required to consider either of the following:

6.1. Recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less.

6.2. Conditions where topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. Section 307.1.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

307.1.1 Prohibited Open Burning. Open burning is prohibited in the City of Suisun City. Any burning, open or otherwise, that constitutes a nuisance which is injurious to health, or is indecent or offensive to the senses, or is offensive, or objectionable because of smoke emissions, or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous, shall be prohibited. The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment by the owner, occupant, responsible person, or the fire department of any burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.

B. Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures, in which the total floor area of all floors exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet, shall be provided in the locations described in Section 903.2.1 through 903.2.12 and Sections 903.2.14 through 903.2.21.

C. Section 905.3.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:

905.3.1 Height. In other than Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies, Class III standpipe systems be installed throughout at each floor where any of the following occur:

1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

2. Buildings that are three or more stories in height.

3. Buildings where the floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

4. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

Exceptions:

1. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

2. Class I standpipes are allowed in Group B and E occupancies.

3. Class I standpipes are allowed in parking garages.

4. Class I standpipes are allowed in basements equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.

5. Class I standpipes are allowed in buildings where occupant-use hose lines will not be utilized by trained personnel or the fire department.

6. In determining the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, it shall not be required to consider either of the following:

6.1. Recessed loading docks for four vehicles or less.

6.2. Conditions where topography makes access from the fire department vehicle to the building impractical or impossible.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide a process for appeals and modification requests for any orders or directives issued by the fire chief pursuant to their authority under the Suisun City Municipal Code and the fire code, as well as to provide an appeal process for cost recovery fee demands pursuant to Chapter 9.32 (First Responder Fee), and any other cost recovery or permit scheme pursuant to these codes, as may be adopted by the city council.

B. Modifications. The fire chief is authorized to modify the application of any of the provisions of the fire code upon application in writing by the property owner, or their duly authorized representative, where there are practical difficulties in the way of carrying out the provisions of the fire code, provided the fire chief finds that the spirit or intent of the fire code shall be complied with, public safety secured, and substantial justice done. The justification or reasons for such modifications, when granted or approved, and the decisions of fire chief shall be entered upon the records of the fire department, and a signed copy of such grant or approval shall be furnished to the applicant.

C. Appeals. The imposition of a cost recovery fee, order, or directive of the fire chief may be appealed by the person who the subject of the order. The fire chief shall issue the order in writing, mailed to the last known address of the property owner, specifying the grounds for order, based on a preponderance of the evidence.

D. Appeal Process.

1. Directives and Orders.

a. Any person who wishes to appeal an order or directive (collectively, "order") by the fire chief shall file a written appeal with the city clerk within 15 days after deposit of the order in the mail, specifying in detail the grounds for such appeal. The notice of appeal shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee as established in the city's master fee schedule. Failure to file a timely appeal will be considered a failure to exhaust administrative remedies for the purpose of seeking judicial review under subsection E of this section. In the event an appeal is timely filed, the order shall not be effective until a final decision has been rendered by the city manager.

b. The appeal shall be heard by the city manager. The city clerk shall provide at least ten days' prior written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing.

c. The decision of the city manager shall be rendered within 15 days from the close of the hearing and shall be mailed to the address provided by the appellant. The decision of the city manager shall be in writing, and shall articulate the grounds thereof. The decision of the city manager is final.

2. Cost Recovery Fees.

a. Any person who wishes to appeal a cost recovery fee by the fire chief shall file a written appeal with the city clerk within 30 days after deposit of the fee demand in the mail, specifying in detail the grounds for such appeal. The notice of appeal shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee as established in the city's master fee schedule. Failure to file a timely appeal will be considered a failure to exhaust administrative remedies for the purpose of seeking judicial review under subsection E of this section. In the event an appeal is timely filed, the order shall not be effective until a final decision has been rendered by the city council.

b. The appeal shall be heard by the city council. The city clerk shall provide at least ten days' prior written notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing.

c. The decision of the city council shall be rendered within 15 days from the close of the hearing and shall be mailed to the address provided by the appellant. The decision of the city council shall be in the form of a resolution.

E. The following procedures shall apply to appeal hearings:

1. All parties shall have the right to be represented by legal counsel, to call and examine witnesses, to introduce exhibits, to cross-examine opposing witnesses on any matter relevant to the issues, and to impeach any witness regardless of which party first called him or her to testify, and to rebut evidence.

2. The hearing is an informal quasi-judicial proceeding, and is not conducted according to technical rules relating to evidence and witness. Any relevant evidence that is determined to be reliable will be admitted, regardless of its admissibility in a civil action. Hearsay evidence will be allowed for the purpose of supplementing or explaining other evidence, but over timely objection such evidence will not be sufficient in itself to support a finding unless it would be admissible over objection in a civil action. The rules of privilege shall be effective to the extent they are otherwise required by stature to be recognized at the hearing. Irrelevant and unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded.

3. Any objections to the conduct of the hearing and/or to the introduction of evidence that are not timely made will be deemed waived. For the purposes of making a timely objection, an objection is timely if made before submission of the case for decision.

4. When a party does not proficiently speak or understand the English language the party may provide an interpreter at the party's own expense. An interpreter shall not have any involvement in the issues of the case prior to the hearing.

5. The decision of the city manager or city council, as applicable, shall be final and shall be subject to judicial review according to the provisions and time limits set forth in Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. Definitions. For the purposes of this residential solar projects section, the following definitions shall apply:

1. A "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; or

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.

2. A "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 30 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.

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

a. Email.

b. The internet.

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

5. "Building official" means the building official or his designee authorized to enforce this Code.

6. A "common interest development" means any of the following:

a. A community apartment project.

b. A condominium project.

c. A planned development.

d. A stock cooperative.

7. "Specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

8. "Reasonable restrictions" on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.

9. "Restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance" means:

a. For Water Heater Systems or Solar Swimming Pool Heating Systems. An amount exceeding ten percent of the cost of the system, but in no case more than $1,000.00, or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding ten percent, as originally specified and proposed.

b. For Photovoltaic Systems. An amount not to exceed $1,000.00 over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding ten percent, as originally specified and proposed.

B. Purpose. The purpose of the ordinance from which this section is derived is to adopt an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process 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. The ordinance from which this section is derived encourages 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. The ordinance from which this section is derived allows the city to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety.

C. Applicability.

1. This section applies to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the city.

2. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems legally established or permitted prior to the original effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived are not subject to the requirements of this section, 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.

D. Solar Energy System Requirements.

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

E. Duties of the Building Official.

1. All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application shall be made available on the publicly accessible city website.

2. Electronic submittals of the required permit application and documents by electronic means shall be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.

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

4. 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.

5. The small residential rooftop solar energy system permit process and city checklist 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.

6. All fees prescribed for the permitting of small residential rooftop solar energy systems must comply with Government Code Section 65850.55, Government Code Section 66015, Government Code Section 66016, and State Health and Safety Code Section 17951.

F. Permit Review and Inspection Requirements.

1. The building official shall adopt an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy systems within 30 days of the adoption on the ordinance from which this section is derived. The building official shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit the same day for applications that meet the requirements of the approved checklist or within three business days for electronic applications after receipt of a complete application. The building official may require an applicant to apply for a use permit if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety. Such decisions may be appealed to the city council consistent with the provisions of subsection (F)(3).

2. Review of the application shall be limited to the building official's review of whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements.

3. The building official may deny an application for the permit if the official makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Such decisions may be appealed to the city council by the applicant. Any such appeal shall be filed within ten days of the date of the building official's decision and shall state the reasons for the appeal. A fee is required for filing any such appeal as established by resolution of the city council. The appeal shall be set for hearing by the city council within 30 days. The city council may uphold, modify, or set aside the decision of the building official, and its decision shall be final. Failure to comply with the appeals process constitutes a failure to exhaust administrative remedies, and is a ban to bringing a civil action.

4. Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.

5. A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the city on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit. The city shall use its best efforts to ensure that the selected method, condition, or mitigation meets the conditions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 714 of the Civil Code defining restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance.

6. Whenever approval is required for the installation or use of a solar energy system, the application for approval shall be processed and approved by the appropriate approving entity in the same manner as an application for approval of an architectural modification to the property, and shall not be willfully avoided or delayed. For an approving entity that is an association, as defined in Section 4080 or 6528 of the California Civil Code, and that is not a public entity, both of the following shall apply:

a. The approval or denial of an application shall be in writing; and

b. If an application is not denied in writing within 45 days from the date of receipt of the application, the application shall be deemed approved, unless that delay is the result of a reasonable request for additional information.

7. 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.

8. 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 should include consolidated inspections. If inspection fails, a subsequent inspection is authorized, however the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this section.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)

A. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations while promoting public health and safety and preventing specific adverse impacts in the installation and use of such charging stations. This section is also intended to comply with California Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71, including successor statutes and amendments thereto.

B. Definitions. The following words and terms as used in this section shall have the meanings hereinafter respectively set forth:

"Building official" shall mean the building official for the City of Suisun City and shall include their designee.

"Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station" means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, including any amendment or successor statutes thereto, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle. Electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle charging supply equipment shall refer to equipment including, but not limited to, the following: conductors (including ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors), electric vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises wiring and the electric vehicle.

"Electronic submittal" shall include submittal of a document or application including, but not limited to, one of the following methods:

1. Electronic mail or email.

2. The internet.

3. Facsimile.

A "feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by a city, county, or city and county on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit.

"Specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

C. Expedited Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting. Electric vehicle charging stations which qualify for expedited permit processing, pursuant to Government Code Section 65850.7, including any amendment or successor statute thereto, shall be subject to the procedures set forth in this section.

D. Expedited Review Process. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, including any amendment or successor statutes thereto, the building official shall implement an expedited permit review process for electric vehicle charging stations and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with in order to be eligible for expedited review. The city's adopted checklist will be published on the city's publicly accessible website.

E. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Permit Application and Processing.

1. All electric vehicle charging stations shall be subject to the following standards:

a. An electric vehicle charging station shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability. Electric vehicle charging station systems and equipment shall also conform to all applicable provisions and requirements of the California Building Code.

b. The installation of electric vehicle charging station systems and equipment shall be in accordance with the city's adopted electric vehicle charging station checklist established by the building official.

c. All electric vehicle charging stations shall be installed only after approval by the building official and only after issuance of the necessary building permit and any and all other permits required by the city relating to the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical characteristics of the system.

2. Upon installation of an electric vehicle charging station, the applicant shall be responsible for obtaining authorization and approval to connect the electric vehicle charging station to the local utility provider's electricity grid. In the event the city owns or operates an electric utility into which connection is proposed by the applicant, the application shall demonstrate compliance with the city's utility interconnection policies prior to approval.

3. The building official shall condition the permit as they deem necessary in order to mitigate or avoid specific, adverse impacts of the charging station.

4. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, including any amendments or successor statutes thereto, the building official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080.

F. Permit Denial. If the building official makes a written finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact, the application shall be denied and the city may require the applicant to apply for a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 18.73.

G. Appeal to the Planning Commission. Any permit determination by the building official shall be final and effective unless appealed to the planning commission pursuant to Chapter 18.84.

(Ord. No. 821, § 4(Exh. A), 12-2-2025)