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, Cal. Gov’t Code, § 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 the public health and safety.
(Ord. 927 C.S., passed 8-19-15)
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.
(D) SPECIFIC, ADVERSE IMPACT. Means a significant, quantifiable, direct, 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.
(E) 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.
(F) RESTRICTIONS THAT DO NOT SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE COST OF THE SYSTEM OR DECREASE ITS EFFICIENCY OR SPECIFIED PERFORMANCE. Means:
(1) For water heater systems or solar swimming pool heating systems: an amount exceeding 10% of the cost of the system, but in no case more than $1,000, or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding 10%, as originally specified and proposed.
(2) For Photovoltaic Systems: an amount not to exceed $1,000 over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding 10% as originally specified and proposed.
(Ord. 927 C.S., passed 8-19-15)
(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.
(C) A use permit and/or architectural review may be required for properties on the city's list of historic resources as deemed necessary by the Community Development Director.
(Ord. 927 C.S., passed 8-19-15)
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