City of Atwater, CA

Initial Status: Solar PV specific permit form is in use.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Permit application form online

Guidance: City currently at best practice. Available at http://www.atwater.org/index.cfm?page=449110.

Initial Status: Electronic submittal available

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: 1 submittal

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Permit process information online.

Guidance: City currently at best practice. Full permit process available here: http://www.atwater.org/doc_files/01-22-13%20Guide%20to%20Permitting%20of%20Solar%20PV%20Systems%20Fillable.pdf Consider posting the permit fee schedule online.

Initial Status: 7-10 days

Guidance: Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1). For all projects, issue or deny permit within 3 business days of submittal for residential and within 5 business days for commercial.

Initial Status: Residential permit fee structured as cost recovery.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Commercial permit fee structured as cost recovery.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Less than 1 working day

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Appointment window is AM or PM

Guidance: City currently at best practice. For additional consideration, provide update at least one hour prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.

Initial Status: 1 permit inspection

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: City currently does not utilize an inspection checklist.

Guidance: Utilize a standard inspection checklist for PV systems. The checklist serves as a guide for inspectors and installers containing points of emphasis and common issues.

Initial Status: Current knowledge level of staff regarding recent solar standards unknown

Guidance: Permitting department understands latest changes to the 2013 California Building, Residential, and Fire Codes that apply to Solar PV installations.

Initial Status: Solar development goals in long term planning

Guidance: Integrating solar-friendly standards and guidelines into general plans, sustainability plans, and climate action plans, as well as broader local and regional planning efforts that support a growing market in the community.

Initial Status: No solar-friendly zoning ordinances in municipal code.

Guidance: Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations, such as setbacks, height limits and lot use provisions, do not restrict property owners' ability to install solar.

Initial Status: No local solar zoning ordinances and regulations for historic and viewshed areas

Guidance: Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations in aesthetically sensitive areas do not adversely affect property owners' ability to install solar. Allow staff members to review and approve applications when possible rather than requiring committee or planning commission review. CA Solar Rights Act requires that local governments use an administrative, non-discretionary review process for on-site solar energy systems that do not place restrictions on visual or aesthetic concerns.

Initial Status: PACE funding will be available through HERO in 2014.

Guidance: Establish a working group to evaluate the potential of a PACE financing program for clean energy upgrades in your jurisdiction based on national examples by local municipalities.

Initial Status: Limited solar financing options available from local financial institutions.

Guidance: Explore host of solar loan and financing resources available in your region and publicize these resources to residents and businesses through appropriate municipal channels (e.g.: online; in-person; print, etc.). Consider looking in to the Educational Employees Credit Union's Energy Efficiency/ Solar Loan, and marketing it to residents.

Initial Status: Not aware of solar finance and evaluation tools.

Guidance: Publicize the availability of local solar finance options and solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. This can be done via webinars, marketing materials, or by providing links and information online.

Initial Status: No event or online resources currently available.

Guidance: Provide online access to training programs and resources for the installer community and potential workforce and organize an outreach and/or training event in order to generate awareness and understanding.

Initial Status: No event or online resources currently available.

Guidance: Help promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.