15.14.020 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
A. “Solar energy system” means 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 space heating, space cooling, electric generation, or 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.
B. “Small residential rooftop solar energy system” means all of the following:
1. A solar energy system that is no larger than ten kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty kilowatts thermal.
2. A solar energy system that conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the city, and all state and city health and safety standards.
3. A solar energy system that is installed on a single- or two-family dwelling.
4. A solar panel or module array that does not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the city.
C. “Electronic submittal” means the utilization of electronic email or submittal via the Internet.
D. “Specific, adverse impact” means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
E. “Reasonable restrictions” on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.
F. “Restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance” means:
1. For water heater systems or solar swimming pool heating systems: an amount exceeding ten percent of the cost of the system, but in no case more than one thousand dollars, or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding ten percent, as originally specified and proposed.
2. For photovoltaic systems: an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding ten percent as originally specified and proposed. (Ord. 1612 § 2 (part), 2015)