(A) The Building Department shall implement the following administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite the approval of small residential rooftop solar energy system applications.
(1) Review of an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system shall be limited to the Building Official’s review of whether the applicant meets local, state and federal health and safety requirements.
(2) For an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system that meets the requirements of the city’s checklist and standard plan, the Building Department shall issue a non-discretionary permit within a timely manner of the filing of the application and payment of the permit fee.
(3) For solar installations on historic resources and/or buildings of historic merit, as identified by the city, there shall be a review by the City Preservation Architect to ensure that the solar system will not compromise the historical integrity of said resource.
(4) If an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system 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 permitting shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission.
(B) The Director may require an applicant to apply for a site plan review if the Director finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety. The Director shall issue such a decision in writing within a timely manner of an application meeting the requirements of the city’s checklist and standard plan.
(C) The Director may not deny an application for the use permit unless the Director makes written findings based upon substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact.
(D) Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.
(E) Approval of an application shall not be conditioned upon the approval of an association, as defined in Cal. Civil Code § 4080.
(F) Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
(G) The inspection shall be done in a timely manner and should include consolidated inspections. An inspection will be scheduled within a timely manner of a request.
(H) If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized but need not conform to the requirements of this section.
(Ord. 620-C.S., passed 9-1-15)