2500 Planning - Ordinance No 344 - Solar PanelsORDINANCE NO. 344
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 - EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL
RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 — BUILDING
CODE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. California Assembly Bill Number 2188 enacted into law in August 2014 requires
California cities and counties to adopt an ordinance creating an expedited and streamlined permitting
process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems by September 30, 3015.
Section 2. On September 1, 2015, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted
Chapter 68 to. Title 26 of the Los Angeles Building Code to comply with AB 2188. The provisions of
Chapter 68 are intended to help the State reach its economic, energy and environmental goals by
providing a standardized and streamlined permitting process to encourage the use of small residential
rooftop solar energy systems. This Chapter applies to the permitting process for small residential
rooftop solar energy systems on one- or two-family dwellings that involve either a photovoltaic system
that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current or a solar thermal system that is no larger than 30
kilowatts thermal.
Section 3. Historically, the City of Rolling Hills adopts Los Angeles County Building Codes by
reference and it is therefore appropriate to adopt Chapter 68 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County
Building Code to provide for expedited and streamlined process for small residential rooftop energy
systems.
Section 4. The City Council hereby adopts an Ordinance amending Section 15.04.010 of Title
15, Chapter 15.04 of the Municipal Code as follows:
A. Section 15.04.010 of Title 15, Chapter 15.04 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read:
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended
and in effect on January 1, 2014, adopting the California Building Code, 2013 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24
of the California Code of Regulations) and as further amended and in effect September 30, 2015,
adopting Chapter 68 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Building Code to provide for expedited,
streamlined process for small residential rooftop energy systems is incorporated herein by reference as if
fully set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of Rolling
Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 2013 Edition, Title 26
of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills
Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the Califomia Building Code, 2013 Edition, as
amended have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at
all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
Section 5. The adoption of this Ordinance has been determined to be exempt from the Califomia
Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3). The proposed code
amendment is an update and addition to conform to recent changes in California law requiring expedited
permitting for small residential roof top solar systems. It can be seen with certainty that the proposed
code amendment will have no significant negative effect on the environment.
Section 6. This Ordinance will take effect on the 31st day following its final passage and
adoption.
Section 7. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and shall file a certified
copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.
Ordinance No. 344 1
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12th of October, 2015.
ATTEST:
cleith16
HEIDI LUCE
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
) §§
I certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 344 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 - EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL
RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 — BUILDING
CODE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE.
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on October 12, 2015 by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Black, Dieringer, Mirsch, Wilson and Mayor Pieper.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices.
HEIDI LUCE
CITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 344 2
a/Rath:off geek
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX (310) 377-7288
Agenda Item No: 3-D
Mtg. Date: 10/12/15
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: YOLANTA SCHWARTZ, PLANNING DIRECTOR
THROUGH: RAYMOND R. CRUZ, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 344 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 -
EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 - BUILDING CODE OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE.
DATE: OCTOBER 12, 2105
ATTACHMENTS:
A. ORDINACE NO. 344
B. LA COUNTY CHAPTER 68 OF TITLE 26 2014 BUILDING CODE OF
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council waive full reading and adopt Ordinance No.
344 adopting by reference Chapter 68 - Expedited Permitting for Small Residential
Rooftop Solar Energy Systems of Title 26 - of the Los Angeles County Building Code.
The proposed Ordinance is attached.
BACKGROUND
On Monday, September 14, 2015, on a 5-0 vote members of the City Council introduced
Ordinance No. 344 for first reading and full reading was waived. There were no
comments from members of the public specifically related to the Ordinance at the first
reading and there has been no objection expressed in writing or orally. Below is further
background information that was provided on first reading of the Ordinance.
California Assembly Bill 2188 passed in August 2014, amended Government Code
Section 65850.5 to require every city and county to adopt an ordinance or on before
September 30, 2015 that creates an expedited and streamlined permitting process for
small residential rooftop solar energy systems. These regulations apply to single and
two family dwelling units that involve either a photovoltaic system that is no larger
than 10 kilowatts current, or a solar thermal system for residential service water heating
and solar pool heating that is no larger than 30 kilowatts thermal.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on September 1, 2015 adopted an
ordinance adding Chapter 68 to Title 26 - 2014 Los Angeles County Building Codes to
provide for the expedited permitting process for solar panels, which is enclosed.
Historically, the City of Rolling Hills has adopted the most recent Los Angeles County
Codes, and any amendments thereto, shortly after the County adopts them.
Additionally, State law requires that localities adopt the requirements for expedited and
streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems by
September 30, 2015. It is essential that the City have in effect on that date codes that
comply with state law, which was adopted by LA County. Since Rolling Hills applies
the County Codes requirements to all construction activities, it must adopt Chapter 68
of the Building Code as well.
The Governor's Office of Planning and Research issued a California Solar Permitting
Guidebook for cities and counties to follow. The LA County Public Works staff
developed a Building Code Manual that will include a checklist and guidelines for
submitting standard plans for the small residential rooftop solar energy systems, in
compliance with the state Guidebook and the Law.
AMENDMENT
The proposed amendment applies to one section in the City's Buildings and
Construction Ordinance, Title 15 of the Municipal Code. Section 15.04.010 adopts the
County Codes, and the underlined language (below) is being added to reflect adoption,
by reference, Chapter 68 of the County Codes.
A. Section 15.04.010 of Title 15, Chapter 15.04 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read:
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County
Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2014, adopting the California Building
Code, 2013 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) and as
further amended and in effect September 30, 2015, adopting Chapter 68 of Title 26 of the
Los Angeles County Building Code to provide for expedited, streamlined process for
small residential rooftop energy systems is incorporated herein by reference as if fully
set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of
Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 2013
Edition, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building
Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later
listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code,
2013 Edition, as amended have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City
of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and
examination by the public.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no fiscal impact to the City or the applicant with this change. The State has
set a maximum fee of $500 that building departments may charge for the small solar
panel systems. The City does not charge for over-the-counter approval of the solar
panels and the building department collects $440.11 for their review and issuance of
permit.
NOTIFICATION
A notice of this public hearing was published in the Peninsula News on September 3,
2015, in the City's Newsletter with the City Council Agenda and was posted at City
Hall. The City Council agenda is also available on the City's web site.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
ORDINANCE NO. 344
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 - EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL
RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 — BUILDING
CODE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. California Assembly Bill Number 2188 enacted into law in August 2014 requires
California cities and counties to adopt an ordinance creating an expedited and streamlined permitting
process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems by September 30, 3015.
Section 2. On September 1, 2015, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted
Chapter 68 to Title 26 of the Los Angeles Building Code to comply with AB 2188. The provisions of
Chapter 68 are intended to help the State reach its economic, energy and environmental goals by
providing a standardized and streamlined permitting process to encourage the use of small residential
rooftop solar energy systems. This Chapter applies to the permitting process for small residential
rooftop solar energy systems on one- or two-family dwellings that involve either a photovoltaic system
that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current or a solar thermal system that is no larger than 30
kilowatts thermal.
Section 3. Historically, the City of Rolling Hills adopts Los Angeles County Building Codes by
reference and it is therefore appropriate to adopt Chapter 68 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County
Building Code to provide for expedited and streamlined process for small residential rooftop energy
systems.
Section 4. The City Council hereby adopts an Ordinance amending Section 15.04.010 of Title
15, Chapter 15.04 of the Municipal Code as follows:
A. Section 15.04.010 of Title 15, Chapter 15.04 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read:
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended
and in effect on January 1, 2014, adopting the California Building Code, 2013 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24
of the California Code of Regulations) and as further amended and in effect September 30, 2015,
adopting Chapter 68 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Building Code to provide for expedited,
streamlined process for small residential rooftop energy systems is incorporated herein by reference as if
fully set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of Rolling
Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 2013 Edition, Title 26
of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills
Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
Ordinance No. 344 -1-
A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code, 2013 Edition, as
amended have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at
all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
Section 5. The adoption of this Ordinance has been determined to be exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3). The proposed code
amendment is an update and addition to conform to recent changes in California law requiring expedited
permitting for small residential roof top solar systems. It can be seen with certainty that the proposed
code amendment will have no significant negative effect on the environment.
Section 6. This Ordinance will take effect on the 31st day following its final passage and
adoption.
Section 7. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and shall file a certified
copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this of , 2015.
JEFF PIEPER
MAYOR
ATTEST:
HEIDI LUCE
CITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 344 2
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
) §§
I certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 344 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 - EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL
RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 — BUILDING
CODE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE.
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on , 2015 by the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices.
HEIDI LUCE
CITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 344 3
Rallaif geek
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX (310) 377-7288
Agenda Item No: 5-C
Mtg. Date: 09/14/15
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: YOLANTA SCHWARTZ, PLANNING DIRECTOR
THROUGH: RAYMOND R. CRUZ, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE NO. 344 OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 -
EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 — BUILDING CODE OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE.
DATE: SEPTEMBER 14, 2105
ATTACHMENTS:
A. ORDINACE NO. 344
B. LA COUNTY CHAPTER 68 OF TITLE 26 2014 BUILDING CODE OF
LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council waive full reading and introduce the proposed
ordinance for first reading and direct staff to bring the ordinance for second reading
and adoption at a subsequent meeting.
BACKGROUND
California Assembly Bill 2188 passed in August 2014, amended Government Code
Section 65850.5 to require every city and county to adopt an ordinance or on before
September 30, 2015 that creates an expedited and streamlined permitting process for
small residential rooftop solar energy systems. These regulations apply to single and
two family dwelling units that involve either a photovoltaic system that is no larger
than 10 kilowatts current, or a solar thermal system for residential service water heating
and solar pool heating that is no larger than 30 kilowatts thermal.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on September 1, 2015 adopted an
ordinance adding Chapter 68 to Title 26 - 2014 Los Angeles County Building Codes to
provide for the expedited permitting process for solar panels, which is enclosed.
Historically, the City of Rolling Hills has adopted the most recent Los Angeles County
Codes, and any amendments thereto, shortly after the County adopts them.
The. Governor's Office of Planning and Research issued a California Solar Permitting
Guidebook for cities and counties to follow. The LA County Public Works staff
developed a Building Code Manual that will include a checklist and guidelines for
submitting standard plans for the small residential rooftop solar energy systems, in
compliance with the state Guidebook and the Law.
AMENDMENT
The proposed amendment applies to one section in the City's Buildings and
Construction Ordinance, Title 15 of the Municipal Code. Section 15.04.010 adopts the
County Codes, and the underlined language (below) is being added to reflect adoption,
by reference, Chapter 68 of the County Codes.
A. Section 15.04.010 of Title 15, Chapter 15.04 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read:
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County
Code, as amended and in effect on January 1, 2014, adopting the California Building
Code, 2013 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) and as
further amended and in effect September 30, 2015, adopting Chapter 68 of Title 26 of the
Los Angeles County Building Code to provide for expedited, streamlined process for
small residential rooftop energy systems is incorporated herein by reference as if fully
set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of
Rolling Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 2013
Edition, Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building
Code contained in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later
listed document shall control.
A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code,
2013 Edition, as amended have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City
of Rolling Hills and shall be at all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and
examination by the public.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no fiscal impact to the City or the applicant with this change. The State has
set a maximum fee of $500 that building departments may charge for the small solar
panel systems. The City does not charge for over-the-counter approval of the solar
panels and the building department collects $440.11 for their review and issuance of
permit.
NOTIFICATION
A notice of this public hearing was published in the Peninsula News on September 3,
2015, in the City's Newsletter with the City Council Agenda and was posted at City
Hall. The City Council agenda is also available on the City's web site.
CONCLUSION
State law requires that localities adopt the requirements for expedited and streamlined
permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems by September 30,
2015. It is essential that the City have in effect on that date codes that comply with state
law, which was adopted by LA County. Since Rolling Hills applies the County Codes
requirements to all construction activities, it must adopt Chapter 68 of the Building.
Code as well.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
ORDINANCE NO. 344
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 - EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL
RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 — BUILDING
CODE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. California Assembly Bill Number 2188 enacted into law in August 2014 requires
California cities and counties to adopt an ordinance creating an expedited and streamlined permitting
process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems by September 30, 3015.
Section 2. On September 1, 2015, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted
Chapter 68 to Title 26 of the Los Angeles Building Code to comply with AB 2188. The provisions of
Chapter 68 are intended to help the State reach its economic, energy and environmental goals by
providing a standardized and streamlined permitting process to encourage the use of small residential
rooftop solar energy systems. This Chapter applies to the permitting process for small residential
rooftop solar energy systems on one- or two-family dwellings that involve either a photovoltaic system
that is no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current or a solar thermal system that is no larger than 30
kilowatts thermal.
Section 3. Historically, the City of Rolling Hills adopts Los Angeles County Building Codes by
reference and it is therefore appropriate to adopt Chapter 68 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County
Building Code to provide for expedited and streamlined process for small residential rooftop energy
systems.
Section 4. The City Council hereby adopts an Ordinance amending Section 15.04.010 of Title
15, Chapter 15.04 of the Municipal Code as follows:
A. Section 15.04.010 of Title 15, Chapter 15.04 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read:
Except as hereinafter provided, Title 26, Building Code, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended
and in effect on January 1, 2014, adopting the California Building Code, 2013 Edition (Part 2 of Title 24
of the California Code of Regulations) and as further amended and in effect September 30, 2015,
adopting Chapter 68 of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Building Code to provide for expedited,
streamlined process for small residential rooftop energy systems is incorporated herein by reference as if
fully set forth below and shall be known and may be cited as the Building Code of the City of Rolling
Hills.
In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Building Code, 2013 Edition, Title 26
of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Building Code contained in the Rolling Hills
Municipal Code, the provision contained in the later listed document shall control.
Ordinance No. 344
A copy of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Code and the California Building Code, 2013 Edition, as
amended have been deposited in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills and shall be at
all times maintained by the City Clerk for use and examination by the public.
Section 5. The adoption of this Ordinance has been determined to be exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3). The proposed code
amendment is an update and addition to conform to recent changes in California law requiring expedited
permitting for small residential roof top solar systems. It can be seen with certainty that the proposed
code amendment will have no significant negative effect on the environment.
Section 6. This Ordinance will take effect on the 31st day following its final passage and
adoption.
Section 7. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and shall file a certified
copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this of , 2015.
JEFF PIEPER
MAYOR
ATTEST:
HEIDI LUCE
CITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 344 2
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
) §§
I certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 344 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 - EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL
RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 — BUILDING
CODE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING TITLE 15,
BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE.
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on , 2015 by the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices.
HEIDI LUCE
CITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 344 3
ANALYSIS
This ordinance amends Title 26 — Building Code of the Los Angeles County
Code — by adding Chapter 68, Expedited Permitting for Small Residential Rooftop Solar
Energy Systems, in compliance with the requirements of California Assembly Bill 2188,
enacted into law in August 2014, to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting
process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems. This new Chapter adds
administrative provisions that are not in the current California Building Code.
MARY C. WICKHAM
Interim County Counsel
By
CAROLE B. SUZUKI
Deputy County Counsel
Public Works Division
CBS:gjv
Requested: 05/18/15
Revised: 07/09/15
HOA.1162361.1
ORDINANCE NO.
An ordinance amending Title 26 — Building Code of the Los Angeles County
Code — by adding Chapter 68, Expedited Permitting for Small Residential Rooftop Solar
Energy Systems, to provide for expedited permit processing of small residential rooftop
solar energy systems.
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles ordains as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 68 is hereby added to read as follows:
CHAPTER 68
EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
SECTIONS:
6801 SCOPE
6802 DEFINITIONS
6803 APPLICATION FOR PERMITS
6804 PERMITS
6805 FEES
6806 INSPECTIONS
6807 SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 6801 SCOPE
The provisions of this Chapter are intendedto help the State of California reach
its economic, energy and environmental goals by providing a standardized and
HOA.1162361.1
streamlined permitting process to encourage the use of small residential rooftop solar
energy systems. This Chapter shall apply to the permitting process for small residential
rooftop solar energy systems that meet the requirements of Section 6807, which are
installed on a one- or two-family dwelling and involve either a photovoltaic system that is
no larger than 10 kilowatts alternating current, or a solar thermal system for residential
service water heating and solar pool heating that is no larger than 30 kilowatts thermal.
SECTION 6802 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Chapter, words and terms used in this Chapter shall have
the meanings set forth in this Section. Where terms are not defined in this Section and
are defined elsewhere in this Code, the Plumbing Code or the Electrical Code, such
terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in such codes. Where terms are not
defined through the methods authorized by this Section, such terms shall have their
ordinary accepted meanings such as the context implies.
KILOWATT THERMAL. Unit of measurement to approximate the amount of
energy produced by a solar thermal collector. Each square meter of collector space
equals 0.7 kilowatts thermal.
SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. A rooftop solar
energy system that meets the requirements of Section 6807, which is installed on a
one- or two-family dwelling and which does not exceed 10 kilowatts alternating current
nameplate rating, or a solar thermal system for residential service water heating and
solar pool heating that is no larger than 30 kilowatts thermal.
HOA.1162361.1
2 ®
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM. Solar energy system shall mean either of the
following:
1. Any solar collector or other solar energy device whose primary purpose is
to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity
generation, space heating or cooling, or for water heating.
2. Any structural design feature of a building, whose primary purpose is to
provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity
generation, space heating or cooling, or for water heating.
SECTION 6803 APPLICATION FOR PERMITS
The application for a permit shall meet the requirements of Section 106.4 and
may be submitted in person or electronically through the online submittal system
maintained by the Building Official. Prior to submitting the application for an expedited
permit, the applicant shall verify that the installation meets all criteria in Section 6807 to
qualify for expedited permit issuance. Upon receipt of a complete small residential
rooftop solar energy system application, plan check review will be completed within one
to three business days.
SECTION 6804 PERMITS
Upon approval of a permit application by the Building Official, a building,
electrical or plumbing permit, as applicable, will be issued for the work described in the
application. A combined solar energy permit may be issued for photovoltaic systems,
which will include all building and electrical work, however a separate plumbing permit,
HOA.1162361.1 3
if needed, will be required. The combined solar energy permit is subject to the
requirements of this Code and the Electrical Code.
SECTION 6805 FEES
Permit fees for the installation of small residential rooftop solar energy systems
shall be charged according to the applicable fees prescribed in Section 107 of this
Code, Section 82-8 of the Electrical Code, and Sections 103.10 and 103.11 of the
Plumbing Code, as applicable. The combined permit fee for small residential rooftop
photovoltaic systems shall not exceed $500 unless modified by or in accordance with
Government Code section 66015 or other applicable law.
When an incomplete application is submitted, a written correction notice detailing
all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible
for expedited permit issuance will be issued.
SECTION 6806 INSPECTIONS
6806.1 General.
All construction or work for small residential rooftop solar energy systems for
which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official and such
construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until
approved by the Building Official as specified in Section 108.
6806.2 Required Inspections.
A combination inspection shall be conducted to inspect the structural, electrical,
and plumbing components of the installation of small residential rooftop solar energy
systems. One inspection shall be required for the system. Evidence satisfactory to the
HOA.1162361.1
Building Official as identified in Building Code Manual 6807, Article 1, must be provided
at the inspection to verify that the installation and labeling of components meet all
applicable requirements of this Code, the Plumbing Code, and the Electrical Code. The
Building Official may require exposure of the following components if sufficient evidence
regarding installation and labeling is not provided:
1. Fastening of roof mounting system to structural framing members.
2. Grounding and bonding of panels.
3. Nameplates of modules and inverters.
If the small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, subsequent
inspections are authorized until the work is approved by the Building Official.
SECTION 6807 SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
6807.1 General.
• The design of small residential rooftop solar energy systems shall comply with
this Section to qualify for expedited permit issuance.
6807.2 Height Limit.
The solar panel or module array shall not exceed the maximum legal building
height as defined in the Los Angeles County Planning and Zoning Code, Building Code,
and Residential Code, or other applicable legal authority, based on the most restrictive
provision.
HOA.1162361.1
5
6807.3 Solar Permitting Guidebook.
The submitted plans must comply with Building Code Manual 6807, Article 1,
including its checklist and standard plans as developed in substantial conformance with
the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor's Office of Planning
and Research and as adopted by the Building Official.
6807.4 Minimum Photovoltaic System Standards.
The photovoltaic system shall be identified and listed for the application as
referenced in the Electrical Code.
6807.5 Minimum Solar Thermal System Standards.
The solar thermal systems shall be certified by Solar Rating and Certification
Corporation or other approved listing agencies as specified in the Plumbing Code.
6807.6 Compliance With Laws.
The solar energy system shall also comply with all other applicable Los Angeles
County Codes and California health and safety laws.
[rITLE26CH68CSCC]
HOA.1162361.1
Palos VANes
Peninsula News
609 Deep Valley Dr., Suite 200, Rolling Hills Estates, CA., 90274
PROOF OF PUBLICATION
(201 5.5 C.C.P.)
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
County of Los Angeles,
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident
of the County aforesaid; I am over the age of eigh-
teen years, and not a party to or interested in the
above -entitled matter. I am the chief legal
advertisng clerk of the publisher of the
PALOS VERDES PENINSULA NEWS
a newspaper of general circulation, printed and
published weekly in the City of Rolling Hills
Estate County of Los Angeles, and which
newspaper has been adjudged a newspaper of
general circulation by the Superior Court of
County of Los Angeles, State of California, under
the date of February 15, 1977
Case Number C824957, that the notice of which
the annexed is a printed copy, has been
published in each regular and entire issue of
said newspaper and not in any supplement
thereof on the following dates, to wit:
September 03,
all in the year 2015
I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury that
the foreg'
Dated at
Rolling Hills Estates, California
this 03rd of September, 2015
(Y1
Signature
(411 V E
SEP .10 2015
City of Rolling Hills
By
This space is for the County Clerk's Filing Stamp
P.V.P. News No. 12365
NOTICE OF A —
PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ROLLING IHII SOUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council of the
City of Rolling Hills will hold a Public Heanng,at 7:30 PM
on Monday. September 14. 2015 in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend•Road, Rolling
Hills, CA for the purpose of receiving public input regard-
ing the following:
ORDINANCE NO. 344. AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 - EXPEDITED
PERMITTING FOR SMALL RESIDENTIAL
I ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO
' TITLE 26 — BUILDING CODE OF THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING
TITLE 15, BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL
CODE. THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE
PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 15061(B)(3). ■
requiresState law
ocess for small
widen alrooftop solarr panels. The Los Angles County
Board of Supervisors adopted Chapter 68 to the Los
Angeles County Building Code, providing for expedited
permitting procedures for solar panels protects.
Historically, the City of Rolling Hills adopts the Los'
Angeles County Codes by reference. The LA County
Code Chapter 68 becomes effective on September 30,
2015. It is essential that the City have in effect codes that
comport with state and County codes.
•
I Any person is welcome to review the proposed ordi-
nance prior to the public hearing at the City Hall
Administration ing located at 2 Portuguese Bend
Road, Rolling Hills, dCA during regular business hours.
If you challenge the approval or denial of the proposed
ordinance in court, you may be limited to raising only
those issues you or someone else raised at the public
hearing described in this notice, or in written correspon-
dence delivered to the City' Council at, or prior to, the
public hearing.
Published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News on
September 3, 2015.
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
PROOF OF SERVICE BY MAIL AND POSTING
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
ss
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
I am a citizen of the United States. I am over the age of eighteen years and not a party to the
within proceeding; my business address is 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
On the 3' day of September, 2015, I serve the within
City Council - Notice of Public Hearing
Ordinance No. 344
a copy of which is annexed hereto and made a part hereof, on the person, or persons, named
below by placing a true copy thereof enclosed in a sealed envelope with postage thereon fully
prepaid, in the United States mail at Rolling Hills, California addressed as follows:
E -MAILED MAILED DELIVERED
PVP NEWS None None.
Also posted at City Hall and at www.Rolling-Hills.org
I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed on the 3'd day of September, 2015 at Rolling Hills, California.
EWA NIKODEM
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
4
NOTICE OF A
PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HIILS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills will hold a
Public Hearing at 7:30 PM on Monday, September 14, 2015 in the Council Chambers of
City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA for the purpose of receiving public
input regarding the following:
ORDINANCE NO. 344. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CHAPTER 68 - EXPEDITED PERMITTING FOR
SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS TO TITLE 26 -
BUILDING CODE OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODES AND AMENDING
TITLE 15, BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE. THE PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM THE
PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3).
State law requires expedited permitting process for small residential roof top solar panels.
The Los Angles County Board of Supervisors adopted Chapter 68 to the Los Angeles
County Building Code, providing for expedited permitting procedures for solar panels
projects. Historically, the City of Rolling Hills adopts the Los Angeles County Codes by
reference. The LA County Code Chapter 68 becames effective on September 30, 2015. It is
essential that the City have in effect codes that comport with state and County codes.
Any person is welcome to review the proposed ordinance prior to the public hearing at the
City Hall Administration Building located at 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA
during regular business hours.
If you challenge the approval or denial of the proposed ordinance in court, you may be
limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing
described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or
prior to, the public hearing.
Published in Palos Verdes Peninsula News on September 3, 2015.