Source: https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/ElkGrove/html/ElkGrove16/ElkGrove1605.html
Timestamp: 2020-07-06 20:47:07
Document Index: 391929898

Matched Legal Cases: ['§2', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2', '§2']

Chapter 16.05 SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS
16.05.010 Purpose and intent.
16.05.040 Solar energy system requirements.
16.05.050 Applications and documents.
16.05.060 Permit review and inspection requirements.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an expedited, streamlined solar permitting process that complies with the Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014, California Gov’t Code Section 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 public health and safety. [Ord. 12-2015 §2, eff. 8-7-2015]
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.
3. A solar energy system that is installed on a single or two (2) family dwelling.
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.
1. For water heater systems or solar swimming pool heating systems: an amount exceeding ten (10%) percent of the cost of the system, but in no case more than One Thousand and no/100ths ($1,000.00) Dollars, or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding ten (10%) percent, as originally specified and proposed.
2. For photovoltaic systems: an amount not to exceed One Thousand and no/100ths ($1,000.00) Dollars over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding ten (10%) percent as originally specified and proposed. [Ord. 12-2015 §2, eff. 8-7-2015]
C. A certificate of appropriateness and/or architectural review may be required for properties deemed historically significant as determined by the Development Services Director. [Ord. 12-2015 §2, eff. 8-7-2015]
C. Solar energy systems for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability. [Ord. 12-2015 §2, eff. 8-7-2015]
A. All documents required for the submission of an expedited solar energy system application will be made available on the City website.
B. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by email or the Internet will be made available to all small residential rooftop solar energy system permit applicants.
C. The City’s Building Department will adopt a standard plan and checklist for all requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.
D. The small residential rooftop solar system permit process, standard plan(s), and checklist(s) shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the checklist and standard plans contained in the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. [Ord. 12-2015 §2, eff. 8-7-2015]
A. The City Manager or his or her designee shall implement an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of small residential rooftop solar energy systems. The Building Department shall issue a building permit, the issuance of which is nondiscretionary, on the same day for over-the-counter applications or within one (1) to three (3) business days for electronic applications upon receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.
C. If a minor use permit is required, the City may deny such application if it makes written findings based upon substantive 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, as defined, the adverse impact. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact. Such decisions may be appealed to the Planning Commission.
G. Only one (1) inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.
I. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized. [Ord. 12-2015 §2, eff. 8-7-2015]