HomeMy WebLinkAbout52 - PH-2 - Expedited Permitting Procedures for Smal - 6/16/2015CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: JUNE 16, 2015 ITEM NUMBER: PH -2
SUBJECT: EXPEDITED PERMITTING PROCEDURES FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP
SOLAR SYSTEMS PER AB 2188
DATE: APRIL 15, 2015
FROM: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PRESENTATION KHANH NGUYEN, BUILDING OFFICIAL
BY:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: KHANH NGUYEN (714) 754-5604 or
khan h.nquyen(W-costamesaca.gov
SUMMARY:
Section 65850.5(a) of the California Government Code provides that it is the policy of the
State to promote and encourage the installation and use of solar energy systems by limiting
obstacles to their use and by minimizing the permitting costs of such systems. In furtherance
of that objective, Section 65850.5(g)(1) of the California Government Code requires that, on
or before September 30, 2015, every city, county, or city and county must adopt an
ordinance that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential
rooftop solar energy systems.
The City currently expedites the review of such applications by reviewing and permitting
applications that comply with the City residential solar checklist. If the plans and applications
for residential solar met all the requirements of the checklist, such applications are usually
approved within 3 business days, in many instances over the counter, depending on staffing
level. This process was developed several years ago, and was awarded the Mesa Green
Design Award by the City Planning Commission on March 11, 2013. The City, by current
process, already expedites the review of such applications.
The City, however, needs to adopt the ordinance mandated by Section 65850.5(g)(1). The
attached ordinance is intended to satisfy that requirement. The ordinance codifies the
requirements of Section 65850.5(g)(1), such as developing a checklist of all requirements
with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited
review, and authorizing the Building Official to administratively approve such applications.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Introduce the attached ordinance for first reading and set for second reading at the Council's
July 7, 2015 meeting.
FISCAL REVIEW
The adoption of the proposed Codes will not have any fiscal impact on the City's budget.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact as the costs would be recovered through existing
building permit fees. As noted, the Building Division is currently providing expedited
review and permitting for small residential rooftop solar systems since 2013.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has approved the Ordinance as to form.
CONCLUSION
By adopting the attached ordinance, the City will be in compliance with AB 2188.
KHANH NGUYEN, CBO
Building Official
ATTACHMENT
DISTRIBUTION
Ordinance No. 15 -
CEO
Assistant CEOs
City Attorney
Public Services Director
City Clerk (2)
Staff (4)
File (2)
GARY ARMSTRONG, AICP
Economic Development &
Development Services Director/
Deputy CEO