§ 15.46.010. Findings and purpose.

a.

Subsection (a) of Government Code section 65850.5 states that the implementation of consistent statewide standards to achieve the timely and cost-effective installation of solar energy systems is a matter of statewide concern and it is the policy of the State to promote and encourage the use of solar energy systems and to limit obstacles to their use.

b.

Subsection (a) of Government Code section 65850.5 further states that it is the intent of the Legislature of the State that local agencies "not adopt ordinances that create unreasonable barriers to the installation of solar energy systems, including, but not limited to, design review for aesthetic purposes, and not unreasonably restrict the ability of homeowners and agricultural and business concerns to install solar energy systems," and "encourage the installation of solar energy systems by removing obstacles to, and minimizing costs of, permitting solar energy systems."

c.

The purpose of this ordinance is to adopt an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems that complies with the Solar Rights Act, as amended by Assembly Bill 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of such systems while protecting public health and safety.

d.

This ordinance shall apply to the permitting of all small residential rooftop solar energy systems in the City. Small residential rooftop solar energy systems permitted prior to the effective date of this ordinance are not subject to the requirements set forth herein unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of a small residential rooftop solar energy system in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit.

( Ord. No. 1063, § 1(Exh. A), 10-6-2015 )