(a) An application that satisfies the information requirements in the eligibility checklist and standard plan, as determined by the building official, shall be deemed complete. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the building official shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.
(b) The building official may require an applicant to apply for a use permit if the official makes written findings, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety. The building official's findings may be appealed to the Planning and Transportation Commission under Section 18.78.030 of this Code.
(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) "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 California Civil Code defining restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance.
(e) The city shall not condition the approval of an application on the approval of an association, as defined in Section 4080 of the California Civil Code.
(f) Issuance of the permit does not authorize an applicant to connect the small residential rooftop energy system to City of Palo Alto Utilities' electricity grid. The applicant is responsible for obtaining such approval or permission from City of Palo Alto Utilities before requesting a building inspection.
(g) For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one consolidated inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner. This inspection shall encompass all applicable local, state, and federal health and safety regulations including fire department regulations. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized; however the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this section.
(Ord. 5353 § 1 (part), 2015)