02 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND AB 2188, codified in Government Code Section 65850.5, requires all cities and counties to adopt an ordinance establishing an expedited permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems on or before September 30, 2015. The attached ordinance is intended to satisfy that requirement. Under state law, small residential rooftop solar energy systems are defined as those systems that: 1) are no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current in the case of photovoltaic or electric generating systems, or are no larger than 30 kilowatts thermal in the case of water heating systems; 2) conform to all applicable state, fire, structural, electrical and other building codes adopted by the local authority; 3) are installed on a single-family dwelling or duplex; and 4) do not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the local authority. Section 65850.5 also requires local agencies to provide an online checklist with all of the requirements with which small residential rooftop solar energy systems must comply and must accept and approve applications electronically. Pleasanton's Building Division has long had a practice in place which allows for an expedited review and approval of residential rooftop solar installations. For example, over the last 12 months, the Building Division has approved 319 permits for residential rooftop systems. Two hundred and fifty of those applications were approved within one day (the great majority being approved the same day at the counter) and only nine applications took more than a week to process (either because the submittal was incomplete or because the project was a larger installation). Currently, applicants may submit applications and plans over the counter or by facsimile or email. Staff recently began working on the City's website to enable applicants to be able to submit and receive approval of their applications online. DISCUSSION The City already has a practice of expediting small residential roof top solar installations at minimal cost to the applicant ($250 for systems up to 15 kilowatts) and the far majority of applications are approved over the counter the same day. The proposed ordinance will satisfy the requirements of AB 2188 and support the City's continued efforts to promote green building and alternative energy measures. Submitted by: Approved by: CvN�✓J-�-QT L.. Gerry Beaudin Julie Harry -man Nelson Fialho Director of Assistant City Attorney City Manager Community Development Enclosure: Proposed ordinance to amend Municipal Code Chapter 20.70 Expedited Permitting Process for Small Residential Rooftop Solar Systems Page 2 of 2