Yuba City Municipal Code Ch. 15 Expedited Permit Process for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Systems

The purpose of the chapter is to provide an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014, California Government Code Section 65850.5) in order to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This chapter 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. This chapter allows the City to achieve these goals while protecting public health and safety.

(Ord. No. 001-17, § 2(Exh. A), 1-17-2017; Ord. No. 006-19, § 2(Exh. A), 11-19-2019)

As used in this chapter:

(a) 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 heating.

(b) Small residential rooftop solar energy system means all of the following:

(1) A solar energy system that is no larger than 10 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 all state and City health and safety standards.

(3) A solar energy system that is installed on a single- or two-family dwelling.

(4) A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the City.

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

(Ord. No. 001-17, § 2(Exh. A), 1-17-2017; Ord. No. 006-19, § 2(Exh. A), 11-19-2019)

(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 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 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.

(Ord. No. 001-17, § 2(Exh. A), 1-17-2017; Ord. No. 006-19, § 2(Exh. A), 11-19-2019)

(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 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.

(Ord. No. 001-17, § 2(Exh. A), 1-17-2017; Ord. No. 006-19, § 2(Exh. A), 11-19-2019)

(a) All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application will be made available on the City website.

(b) Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by email, or the Internet will be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.

(c) The City's Development Services Department will adopt a standard plan and checklist for 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, 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.

(Ord. No. 001-17, § 2(Exh. A), 1-17-2017; Ord. No. 006-19, § 2(Exh. A), 11-19-2019)

(a) The Development Services Director or his or her designee shall implement an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. The Building Department shall issue a building permit, the issuance of which is nondiscretionary, within a timely manner, upon receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.

(b) Review of the application shall be limited to the City's review of whether the application meets local, State, and federal health and safety requirements.

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

(d) 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.

(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.

(Ord. No. 001-17, § 2(Exh. A), 1-17-2017; Ord. No. 006-19, § 2(Exh. A), 11-19-2019)