§ 11-111. SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM REVIEW PROCESS.

(a)

Definitions. The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:

(1)

"Electronic Submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following:

(i)

Fax;

(ii)

E-mail;

(iii)

Internet.

(2)

"Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy System" means:

(i)

A solar energy system that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or 30 kilowatts thermal.

(ii)

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 (iii) 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.

(iii)

A solar energy system that is installed on a single or duplex family dwelling.

(iv)

A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the authority having jurisdiction.

(3)

"Expedited Solar Permitting Process" shall mean an application for a permit with a processing timeline not to exceed 3 days.

(b)

Permit Application Process. Section 65850.5 of the California Government Code provides that, on or before September 30, 2015, every city, county, or city and county shall adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems.

The following procedures outline the application process for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems:

(1)

Permit applications shall be submitted at the building permit counter. With respect to Electronic Submittals, applications may be filed by the defined methods that are available at the time as provided by the City permitting system.

(2)

An Eligibility Checklist for Expedited Solar Photovoltaic Permitting shall be completed by the applicant to determine if the proposed project qualifies for the expedited process.

(3)

Processing times shall be dependent on the number of applications provided at the time of submittal. Reasonable time to process large volumes of permit applications from an individual applicant shall be allowed.

(c)

Inspections. For a Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy System eligible for expedited review, only one inspection shall be required and may include a consolidated inspection. If a Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy System fails the inspection, a subsequent inspection(s) is authorized, however the subsequent inspection(s) need not conform to the requirement of this subdivision.

(Added Ord. 2015-26, § 1, eff. 9-28-15)