Solar panels and EV chargers in Richmond

Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, permit applications may be submitted electronically, including electronic signatures that comply with state law on all forms, applications, and other documentation.

(a) Process and Checklist. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for the timely and cost-effective installation of 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 expedited, streamlined permitting process and checklist may refer to the recommendations contained in the most current version of the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" as published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The City's adopted checklist shall be published on the City's website. (b) Application Process. (1) Prior to submitting an application for processing, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have specific, adverse impact to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to: electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking. (2) A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the City adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, approve the application and issue all necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the City. If the Building Official or his/her designee determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. (3) Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, permit applications may be submitted electronically, including electronic signatures that comply with state law on all forms, applications, and other documentation.

The City of Richmond Planning and Building Services Department shall use an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy systems on or before September 30, 2015. The department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within three business days of receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.

Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Official or his/her designee for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. An inspection will be scheduled within two (2) business days of a request and provide a four-hour inspection window.

The department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit within three business days of receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.