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Page 2 of 3 <br />ANALYSIS <br />Adopting this ordinance will bring the City into compliance with the requirements of the <br />newly amended California Government Code section 65850.5(g)(1), which specifically <br />requires that all California cities adopt an ordinance expediting the review of small <br />residential solar energy systems. Adopting this ordinance is a prerequisite to the City <br />continuing to be able to apply for funds from a state-sponsored grant or loan program <br />for solar energy. After September 30, 2015, the City will be required to certify its <br />compliance with the requirements of California Government Code section 65850.5(g)(1) <br />when applying for funds from a state-sponsored grant or loan program. <br /> <br />City staff anticipates no changes to the current permit issuance procedure in order to <br />comply with this requirement of AB 2188. The City currently expedites the review of <br />applications for small residential rooftop solar energy systems with a checklist of <br />requirements and meets the timeframe required by AB 2188 for same-day (over-the- <br />counter) issuance of permits. The City can also currently accept and approve such <br />applications at the building counter and/or electronically through the City’s website or <br />fax. <br /> <br />Although the City already expedites the review of such applications, it is required to <br />adopt the ordinance mandated by California Government Code section 65850.5(g)(1). <br />The attached ordinance codifies the requirements of California Government Code <br />section 65850.5(g)(1), such as accepting and approving applications electronically, <br />directing the City’s Building Official to develop a checklist of all requirements with which <br />small rooftop solar energy systems shall comply to be eligible for expedited review, and <br />authorizing the Building Official to administratively approve such applications. <br /> <br />ALTERNATIVES <br />The City could elect not to adopt the required ordinance and not comply with State <br />requirements. <br /> <br />FISCAL IMPACT <br />This amendment has no impact on the General Fund. <br />ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW <br />The project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines under <br />the General Rule (Section 15061 (b)(3)). The proposed code amendments are <br />consistent with California Law, specifically Government Code section 65850.5 and Civil <br />Code section 714. The project involves updates and revisions to existing regulations. <br />The action recommended in this staff report does not constitute a project as defined by <br />the CEQA guidelines. <br /> <br /> <br />6.4.A. - Page 10