This section sets forth requirements for permitting of solar energy systems installed on roofs.
(A) Administrative permit requirements. Rooftop solar energy systems shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1) Rooftop energy systems may be installed upon issuance of an administrative permit in compliance with Chapter 16.238.
(2) Applications for rooftop energy systems may be submitted electronically, and an electronic signature shall be accepted in lieu of a wet signature.
(3) A complete application meeting the requirements of the city’s approved streamlined solar permitting checklist shall be approved in accordance with Chapter 16.40 upon successful completion of an inspection by the Director or his or her designee. No more than one inspection shall be required except where the system fails an initial inspection or a separate fire safety inspection is required.
(4) Notwithstanding § 16.238.07, review of an application for an administrative permit for a rooftop energy system shall be limited to a determination of whether the system meets all health and safety requirements of federal and state law, and local standards and regulations necessary to ensure that the proposed system will not have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety.
(5) Notwithstanding subparagraph (4) above, a conditional use permit shall be required where the Director finds, based on substantial evidence, that the solar energy system could have specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. If the Director finds that a conditional use permit is required, such permit shall not be denied unless the Director makes written findings based on substantial evidence in the record that the proposed system would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid that impact.
(6) Any conditions imposed on a permit to install a rooftop energy system shall be designed to mitigate specific, adverse impacts upon the public health and safety at the lowest cost possible.
(7) Development standards. Rooftop energy systems shall conform to all applicable height standards as set forth in Title 16 of the Santa Paula Municipal Code.
(Ord. 1257, passed 10-19-15)