HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - SMALL RESID ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY (2)Agenda Item• 5
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
Q;" AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
7,
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: a1
DATE: September 12, 2011
SUBJECT: SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO
PROVIDE AN EXPEDITED, STREAMLINED PERMITTING
PROCESS FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY
SYSTEMS
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTER: John Caprarelli
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council conduct a second reading and adopt an ordinance entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING
CHAPTER 25.03 TO TITLE 25 OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE
CONCERNING SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS."
BACKGROUND
At the August 22, 2011, City Council meeting, an ordinance was introduced and passed to a
second reading to create a streamlined, expedited permitting process for small residential rooftop
solar energy systems. At the meeting, a public hearing was held, in accordance with Government
Code Section 50022.3, to consider adoption of the ordinance. Public notice was duly given for
the public hearing in compliance with the State of California (State) law, and a copy of the
proposed codes and local amendments was made available for public review in the City Clerk's
office.
Assembly Bill 2188 requires local jurisdictions adopt an ordinance that creates a streamlined,
expedited permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems that substantially
conforms to recommendations contained in the current version of the California Solar Permitting
Guidebook published by the Governor's Office of Platming and Research.
Currently, the City of Santa Clarita (City) accepts and approves such applications at the City's
Permit Center and/or electronically through the City's website. The City has been proactive in
expediting the permitting process and providing timely inspections for such installations.
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By adopting this ordinance the City Council will continue to promote and encourage the
installation and use of solar energy systems within the City of Santa Clarita by minimizing
obstacles to the pen -nit and inspection process while meeting all health and safety requirements
of local, state, and federal law.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as directed by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no anticipated fiscal impact, as the costs would be recovered through existing building
pen -nit fees.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance
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ORDINANCE NO. 17 -
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 25.03 TO
TITLE 25 OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE
CONCERNING SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita seeks to advance the
installation and use of solar energy by all of its citizens, businesses, and industries; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita seeks to meet the energy and
environmental goals set by the State; and
WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the health, welfare, and safety of the people of the City
of Santa Clarita to provide an expedited permitting process to assure the effective deployment of
solar technology; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita seeks to implement Assembly
Bill 2188 (Chapter 52 1) through the creation of an expedited, streamlined permitting and
inspection process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 25.03 is added to read as follows:
25.03.010 Purpose R
25.03.020 Applicability
25.03.030 Definitions
25.03.040 Solar Energy System Requirements
25.03.050 Submittal Documents
25.03.060 Eligibility Checklist E
25.03.010 Plan Review and Permit Issuance
25.03.080 Inspections c
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25.03.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting and inspection 0
process that complies with Assembly Bill (AB) 2188 (Chapter 52 1) to achieve timely and cost- c
effective installations of small residential rooftop solar energy systems while protecting public t
health and safety.
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25.03.020 Applicabili
This chapter applies to the permitting and inspecting of all small residential rooftop solar energy
systems in the City of Santa Clarita.
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25.03.030 Definitions.
A. A "small residential rooftop solar energy system" means a solar energy system that meets
all of the following:
The system is installed on the roof of a single or duplex family dwelling.
2. The system is no larger than ld kilowatts (kW) alternating current nameplate rating or
30 kW thermal.
B. "Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one (1) or more of the following.
The City of Santa Clarita's ePlans system.
2. Email.
3. The Internet.
4. Facsimile.
25.03.040 Solar Eneray Svstem Requirements.
A. A solar energy system designed for producing electricity shall meet all applicable safety and
performance standards established by:
The City of Santa Clarita Electrical Code.
2. The City of Santa Clarita Building Code.
3. The City of Santa Clarita Fire Code.
4. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
B. The module array or individual solar panel shall not exceed the maximum legal building
height as defined by the Santa Clarita Municipal Code.
C. The system shall be tested and labeled by an accredited testing laboratory such as
Underwriters Laboratories, and be installed in accordance with any applicable rules of the
Public Utilities Commission.
D. A solar energy system for heating water in a single family residence and solar collectors
used for heating water in swimming pool applications shall be certified by an accredited
listing agency as defined by the City of Santa Clarita Plumbing and Mechanical Codes.
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25.03.050 Submittal Documents.
All farms, checklists, or other documentation required for the submission of an expedited solar
energy system application shall be made available to the public on the City of Santa Clarita's
website. All required documents may be submitted either in paper hard copy format or as an
electronic submittal.
25.03.060 Eligibility Checklist.
A. To be eligible for expedited solar photovoltaic (PV) permitting a small residential rooftop
solar energy system must comply with all of the following requirements:
1. General Requirements
a. The system size is 10 kW AC CEC rating or less.
b. The solar array is roof -mounted on a single or duplex family dwelling or accessory
structure.
c. The solar panel/module arrays will not exceed the maximum legal building height.
d. The solar system is utility interactive and without battery storage.
e. A completed application for a permit from the City of Santa Clarita is attached with
the required documentation.
2. Electrical Requirements
a. No more than four PV module strings are connected to each Maximum Power Point
Tracking (MPPT) input where source circuit fusing is included in the inverter.
No more than two strings per MPPT input where source circuit fusing is not included
in the inverter.
c. Fuses (if needed) are rated to the series fuse rating of the PV module.
d. No more than one noninverter-integrated DC combiner is utilized per inverter.
e. For central inverter systems, no more than two inverters are utilized.
f. The PV system is interconnected to a single-phase AC service panel of nominal
1201220 Vac with a bus bar rating of 225 A or less.
g. The PV system is connected to the load side of the utility distribution equipment.
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h. A Solar PV Standard Plan and supporting documentation is completed and attached
to the application.
3. Structural Requirements
The applicant has verified through the use of standard engineering evaluation techniques
that the support structure for the small residential rooftop solar energy system is stable
and adequate to transfer all wind, seismic, dead, and live loads associated with the
system to the roof and building structure and foundation. Supporting documentation is
available if requested.
4. Fire Safety Requirements
a. Clear access pathways are provided and shown on the roof plan around the rooftop
system in accordance with Los Angeles County Fire Department requirements.
b. The fire classification of the solar system meets the requirements for a Class `B' roof
or, if located in the City's Fire Zane, the requirements for a Class `A' roof.
c. Any new roofing installed shall meet or exceed the existing roof's fire safety
classification for Class `A' or Class `B' materials.
d. A note must be shown on the plans that all required markings and labels will be
provided to the building inspector in the field.
e. A diagram of the roof layout of all panels, modules, clear access pathways, and
approximate locations of electrical disconnecting means and roof access points is
completed and attached.
25.03.010 Plan Review and Permit Issuance.
A. An application with associated plans, drawings, and other documentation that satisfies all
requirements set forth in the eligibility checklist for expedited permitting shall be deemed N
complete upon review of the associated documents by the Building Official. Such review '—
shall be performed in a timely manner and in conformance with AB 2188. Should the c
application be deemed incomplete, the Building Official shall issue a written correction
notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to T
be eligible for expedited permit issuance. O
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B. Upon confirmation by the Building Official of the application and supporting t
documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the Building R
Official shall administratively approve the application and issue a permit to perform the Q
work.
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C. Such approval for the installation of the solar PV system does not authorize an applicant to
connect the energy system to the local utility provider's electricity grid. The applicant is
responsible for obtaining such approval or permission from the local utility provider.
D. The City of Santa Clarita shall not condition approval of an application on the approval of
an association, as defined in Section 4080 of the Civil Code.
25.03.080 Inspections.
A. For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one
(1) inspection shall be required. The inspection shall be performed in a timely manner and
will be scheduled within two (2) business days of a request. A four (4) hour inspection
window may be provided upon request.
B. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is
authorized; however, the subsequent inspection need not conform to the requirements of this
subsection.
C. A re -inspection fee may be assessed under any of the following conditions:
1. The installation is not complete and ready for inspection at the scheduled time.
2. The equipment is not open and accessible for the inspector to view at the time of
inspection.
3. The inspection has failed on two (2) previous occasions.
SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall be in full farce and effect thirty (30) days from its
passage and adoption.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and shall cause
the same to be published as required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this day of 2011.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
DATE:
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES } ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA }
I, Mary Cusick, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance 17- was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a
regular meeting of the City Council on the day of 2017. That thereafter, said
Ordinance was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day
of 2017, by the following vote, to wit.
AYES. COUNCILMEMBERS.
NOES. COUNCILMEMBERS.
ABSENT. COUNCILMEMBERS.
AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the foregoing is the original of Ordinance and
was published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806).
CITY CLERK
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