City of Merced, CA

Initial Status: General building permit used for all projects

Guidance: Standard application is available for systems <10kW. Using common permit materials, such as checklists and standard plans, across a region reduces permit submittal errors among contractors.

Initial Status: Permit application online

Guidance: City currently at best practice- see permit application form at https://www.cityofmerced.org/depts/cd/building/building_permit_information.asp

Initial Status: Email submittal available

Action Taken: Will implement with new software in falll 2014.

Guidance: City at best practice- information for submittal via email is available at https://www.cityofmerced.org/depts/cd/building/electronic_plan_review/default.asp

Initial Status: 1 submittal

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Permit and inspection process information available online at Building Division's website.

Guidance: City at best practice. Guide to permit and inspection process available at http://www.co.merced.ca.us/documents/Public%20Works/BuildingSafety/building_permit_guide_v2011_06_13.PDF

Initial Status: Within 3 business days residential, 5 business days commercial

Guidance: City currently at best practice. Consider an expedited or over-the-counter permit approval process for qualifying PV projects using a standard application form (see goal P1).

Initial Status: Residential permit fee is $272

Guidance: City at best practice-- residential permit fees are in compliance with State law.

Initial Status: Fee cap of $500

Guidance: City at best practice-- commercial permit fee in compliance with State law.

Initial Status: Within one business day; if request is made prior to 6:30 AM, same-day inspection can occur.

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Appointment window is 4 hours, within AM or PM timeframe.

Guidance: Provide an appointment window of 2 hours or less if possible. Provide real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.

Initial Status: 1 permit inspection

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: City utilizes a general inspection checklist

Guidance: City uses general inspection checklist, which can be found at: http://www.co.merced.ca.us/documents/Public%20Works/BuildingSafety/building_permit_guide_v2011_06_13.PDF

Initial Status: Initial status is unknown.

Guidance: For qualifying residential systems meeting certain criteria, allow an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements.

Initial Status: Accept solar standards from most recent code cycles

Guidance: City currently at best practice.

Initial Status: No local ordinance for solar rights and access

Guidance: Create local ordinances that go beyond the CA Solar Rights Act and Solar Shade Control Act, which would protect property owners' right to install solar and ensure their property has unobstructed access to direct sunlight.

Initial Status: No local ordinance for solar-ready construction standards.

Guidance: State currently at best practice.

Initial Status: Solar development not directly addressed in planning documents

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 current solar-specific zoning ordinances

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 financing not available; no working group established.

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 exploration and sharing of finance program options

Action Taken: Working with IT to upload resources that address solar financing.

Guidance: Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.

Initial Status: Not aware of solar finance and evaluation tools

Action Taken: Working with IT to upload resources

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 working group

Action Taken: Plan to participate in February 2013 workshop

Guidance: 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.

Initial Status: No working group

Action Taken: Plan to participate in February 2013 workshop

Guidance: 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.

Initial Status: No event or online resources

Action Taken: Plan to participate in February 2013 workshop

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

Action Taken: Plan to participate in February 2013 workshop

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