City of Livingston, CA
LIVINGSTON'S SOLAR ENERGY INFORMATION HUB
Find the latest resources and information available for installing solar power and expanding the solar market in the City of Livingston, whether you're a resident, business, installer or local government agency.
The City is situated in an excellent area for solar due its above average solar energy resource. Transitioning to solar power not only provides environmental benefits like enhanced air quality, but it also delivers a host of economic benefits from green job creation to market development. Below, there is a direct link to the City's interactive policy roadmap designed to increase local solar installations by making it easier and more cost-effective to "go solar".
Livingston is a part of the San Joaquin Valley region.
Community Profile
Residential Solar Potential
Upgrade to LEADER plan to display your community's solar potential.Roadmap
The SSTI team has worked in close coordination with the City to develop a customized, interactive solar roadmap containing guidance on how to transform the local solar market. Each recommendation in the roadmap is supported with relevant reports, case studies, examples, and templates to support local and regional implementation efforts.
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3 of 12 Goals In Progress 7 of 12 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Permit application form online
City currently at best practice-- building permit available at ftp://exchange.livingstoncity.com/forms/buildingapp.pdf
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
No electronic submittal available
Allow email submittal of permit application forms for qualifying projects.
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5-CA] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedule Online(40)
Incomplete process information online
Provide clear written instructions on permitting and inspection processes along with a checklist of required application materials. Also, provide information on permit fee schedule, along with any rebates and incentives. Ideally, there is easy access from a primary menu page.
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
10 days residential, 10-15 days commercial
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.
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Residential permit fee structured as cost recovery.
City at best practice-- residential permit fees in compliance with state law.
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
Commercial permit fee structured as cost recovery.
City at best practice-- commercial permit fee in compliance with state law.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
2 permit inspections
Require only a single permit inspection. If additional inspections are required during installation, conduct in a manner that does not require installer to halt work.
[P12] Adopt an Inspection Checklist(21)
Inspection checklist not currently in use.
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.
[P14-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
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2 of 2 Goals In Progress |
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[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
General plan encourages movement toward solar, but no specific language
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.
[Z5-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(32)
No current solar-specific zoning ordinances
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.
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0 of 2 Goals Not Started |
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[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Not aware of nor publicizes any solar PV loan/finance programs
Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
No online resources available for solar finance options.
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.
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2 of 4 Goals In Progress |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No working groups
Support the creation of a working group of community leaders and funding providers. This group would evaluate options and determine the most viable approach for aggregating residential solar based on best practices to date.
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
No working group
Establish a working group of businesses and commercial property owners to leverage their solar purchasing power by aggregating facilities for solar evaluation and procurement to reduce energy costs while demonstrating community leadership.
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
No event or online resources
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.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
No event or online resources
Help promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.
Resources
