Laserfiche WebLink
REQUEST FOR <br />COUNCIL ACTION <br />CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: <br />AUGUST 4, 2015 <br />TITLE: <br />RE901VIII,AENDED ACTION <br />CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: <br />n. •1* No <br />0 As Recommended <br />0 As Amended <br />Q Ordinance on 1` Reading <br />LI Ordinance on 2nd Reading <br />II Implementing Resolution <br />[1 Set Public Hearing For <br />CONTINUED TO l f`o, Ci` <br />W11111Wt�l rTT 7 <br />Adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 8 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code regarding streamlined <br />permitting procedures for small residential rooftop solar systems to be in compliance with <br />California Assembly Bill 2188. <br />DISCUSSON <br />In 2012, Assembly Rill 1801 amended the California Government Code (Section 65850:5) to <br />promote the installation and use of solar energy by removing obstacles to, and minimizing coasts <br />of solar permitting. This Code Section was further amended in 2014 by Assembly Rill 2188 <br />(AB2188) which states that on or before September 30, 2015, every city must adopt an ordinance <br />that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar <br />energy systems. <br />For many years the City has lead the county in promoting the use of solar energy by waiving all <br />permit, plan check and inspection fees regarding solar projects. In addition to waiving the fees, <br />the Planning and Building Agency also Instituted an expedited review and permitting process for <br />qualifying small residential rooftop solar energy systems by reviewing and issuing permits same <br />day over - the - counter, Approved plans are then subject to field review by City Inspection staff, <br />Waiving fees and expediting the permit process has resulted in an exponential growth in solar <br />Installations in the City from only three in 2007 to more than 320 in 20141, <br />Although the solar permit fee waiver ended in 2015, the Building Safety Division continues to <br />promote solar energy through expedited review and permitting, While the current process meets <br />the intent of Assembly Bill 2188, the City must codify these processes in an ordinance to be in <br />compliance with the Sill. The proposed ordinance amendment will append to Chapter 8 of the <br />Santa Ana Municipal Code to include: new definitions, provisions for accepting and approving <br />applications electronically, directing the City's Building Official to develop a checklist of all <br />requirements with which small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for <br />Santa Ana Property Information Network (SAPIN) Permits Issued report for calendar year 2007 and 2014 <br />75A -1 <br />