CLEARLAKE >> A ordinance regarding residential solar panels was discussed by the Clearlake City Council Thursday.
Because of Assembly Bill (AB) 2188 the city is required to adopt an ordinance streamlining the permitting process for small residential solar panels by Sept. 30.
The bill was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in September of last year with the goal to deter agencies from creating unreasonable barriers to solar panel installation.
“This means that cities are prohibited from imposing local regulations that go beyond those necessary to ensure that the solar energy system does not have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety,” Clearlake City Manager Joan Phillipe said.
According to Phillipe, the process will provide all forms and applications physically, as well as electronically on the Internet or by email.
A checklist will also be provided, which will require the city to issue a “non-discretionary permit” upon completion.
Small residential rooftop solar energy systems include any system that is installed on a single or duplex house; ones that are no larger than 10 kilowatts; any solar panel or module array that doesn’t exceed the maximum legal building height and any system that adheres to all state fire, structural, electrical and building codes.
As the ordinance is a state mandate, there is no policy implications on the city’s part.
Phillipe added that additional costs to the city would be limited and primarily in staff time to prepare documents.
The council unanimously approved the ordinance, which will return for a second reading at its July 9 meeting.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
