City Council
MEETING DATE: 8/26/2015
TITLE:
Title
Ordinance Second Reading - Permitting for Rooftop Solar Energy Systems
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FROM:
Pat Milos, Community Development Director
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council provide second reading and approve an ordinance adding chapter 8.60 "Permitting for Rooftop Solar Energy Systems" to the Cathedral City Municipal Code to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems in accordance with AB 2188.
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BACKGROUND:
AB 2188 (Chapter 521, Statutes 2014) 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, AB 2188 requires that, on or before September 30, 2015, every city and county must adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.
DISCUSSION:
The requirements of AB 2188 and an ordinance to implement those requirements in Cathedral City was discussed in study session on July 223, 2015 and the proposed ordinance was introduced and received first reading on August 12, 2015.
If the City Council enacts the ordinance, the City will expedite the processing of rooftop solar applications by reviewing and issuing a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit on the same day for over-the-counter applications or within 1-3 business days for electronic applications which comply with all requirements. Additionally, the City will accept such applications at the Building Department counter or electronically via email, the Internet or facsimile.
The attached Ordinance is intended to satisfy the requirements set forth in AB 2188. The attached Ordinance codifies the requirements of AB 2188 by accepting and approving applications electronic...
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