Chapter 14.70
SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM PERMIT STREAMLINING
Sections:
14.70.030 Checklist and electronic submittal.
14.70.040 Completeness review and correction notice.
14.70.060 Consistency with state law.
14.70.070 Post-approval requirements.
14.70.010 Applicability.
This chapter applies to small residential rooftop solar energy systems meeting SB 379 size thresholds, as defined in California Government Code Section 65850.5, installed on one- and two-family dwellings within the city. (Ord. 2026-04 § 2, 2026)
14.70.020 Ministerial review.
A. The city shall implement a streamlined, ministerial permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
B. Review shall be limited to compliance with applicable health and safety requirements and the California Building Standards Code.
C. Applications that meet the requirements of the city’s adopted checklist and applicable health and safety standards shall be approved administratively without discretionary review.
D. No discretionary approvals, including design review or variances, shall be required for qualifying projects. (Ord. 2026-04 § 2, 2026)
14.70.030 Checklist and electronic submittal.
A. The city shall adopt and maintain a publicly accessible checklist of all requirements for permit applications eligible for streamlined review.
B. The checklist shall be published on the city’s official website.
C. Electronic submittal may be made via the city’s dedicated solar email address or, once implemented, through SolarAPP+, the state’s streamlined solar permitting platform. Electronic signatures are accepted. (Ord. 2026-04 § 2, 2026)
14.70.040 Completeness review and correction notice.
A. Upon receipt of an application, the city shall determine whether the application is complete.
B. If the application is incomplete, the city shall issue one written correction notice identifying all deficiencies and any additional information required, generally within five business days of receipt.
C. Once deemed complete, the application shall be approved or denied within the statutory timelines required by California Government Code Section 65850.5. Failure to act within those timelines may result in automatic approval as provided by law. (Ord. 2026-04 § 2, 2026)
14.70.050 Denial.
The city shall not deny an application unless it makes written findings, based upon substantial evidence in the record, that the installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and that no feasible method exists to mitigate or avoid the impact. (Ord. 2026-04 § 2, 2026)
14.70.060 Consistency with state law.
This chapter shall be interpreted consistently with California Government Code Section 65850.5. If any provision conflicts with state law, state law shall control. (Ord. 2026-04 § 2, 2026)
14.70.070 Post-approval requirements.
A. Inspections During and After Installation. The permit holder shall comply with all applicable inspections required by the California Building Standards Code, California Electrical Code, California Fire Code, and local ordinances during and after installation of the solar energy system.
B. Final Inspection and Permit Closure.
1. A final inspection shall be conducted by the city to verify compliance with all applicable codes and standards.
2. The permit shall not be considered complete or closed until a passing final inspection has been approved.
C. Corrections Required. If the final inspection identifies deficiencies, the permit holder shall correct all deficiencies to the satisfaction of the city before the permit can be closed. (Ord. 2026-04 § 2, 2026)