The Planning Commission approved the code amendment at its September 22 meeting and the council discussed the issue at the October 5 meeting.
Deputy Planning Director Stratis Perros told the council that the state law is to encourage homeowners to install solar power systems.
Michael Leach of the city’s Building and Safety Department, said paperwork for solar panel permits for single-family homes of under 10,000 watts has been “streamlined” and such requests are processed within 24 hours.
And the city “Meets all the criteria” mandated by the state.
He added that the cost for the application, photovoltaic and electrical permits required to install a rooftop solar system is approximately $240 to $280.
In response to a council question Leach noted there are “not a lot of structural problems” with the new panels as such units are now lighter.
Vice Mayor Martin Hernandez said he would prefer “not to streamline but waive fees,”
But Leach noted, the city has reduced the fee and now “We fall in the lower half of the average,” charged by municipalities.
And, he added, “I feel somewhere along the line we have to recoup some costs...”
After more questions Hernandez said he would like to drop the application fee of $80 to encourage residents to install solar energy systems.
“We’re talking about a life and safety issue, not just mirrors on the roof that magically bring electricity to the home,” said Leach. “We’re barely covering our cost,” and application and electrical fees also provide paperwork to track and document the work.
A project such as solar systems said Hernandez would require a plan review so the project would be documented.
“I want to promote renewable energy,” and Hernandez said he would like to eliminate the $80 permit cost.
“What is the average installation on a home?” asked Councilwoman Ginger Gherardi.
Leach said said about $1,000 per watt: “I’ve been hearing its up to $10,000,” for a 10-watt system.
“I appreciate Councilman Hernandez’s remarks,” but Gherardi said she suspects the top priority for the average homeowner that installs the system is to save on their electric bill.
“I see this as a discretionary thing...although some do it for other motives,” Gherardi said most install solar systems to reduce their electric bills.
“No one,” she added, “is forcing them,” to install solar.
Gherardi said she would support keeping full city fees as a requirement.
The council voted 4-1 for the new code amendment.
