For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL: The utilization of electronic e-mail or submittal via the internet.
REASONABLE RESTRICTIONS ON A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: 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.
RESTRICTIONS THAT SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE COST OF THE SYSTEM OR DECREASE ITS EFFICIENCY OR SPECIFIED PERFORMANCE: A. For water heater systems or solar swimming pool heating systems: An amount exceeding ten percent (10%) of the cost of the system, but in no case more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding ten percent (10%), as originally specified and proposed.
B. For photovoltaic systems: An amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding ten percent (10%) as originally specified and proposed.
SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SYSTEM: All of the following:
A. A solar energy system that is no larger than ten (10) kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty (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 paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of section 714 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.
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.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM: 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 storage energy for space heating, space cooling, electricity generation or for 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 space heating, space cooling, electricity generation, or for water heating.
SPECIFIC ADVERSE IMPACT: 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. (Ord. 2016-10, 9-6-2016)