City of Novato, CA
NOVATO'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 Novato, whether you're a resident, business, installer or local government agency.
The City is well positioned for solar market growth due to a mix of renewable energy goals and supportive policies. 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".
Novato is a part of the San Francisco Bay Area region.
Community Profile
Residential Solar Potential
Upgrade to LEADER plan to display your community's solar potential.Roadmap
The ASTI 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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12 of 14 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P1-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Use Standard Permit Application Materials Specific to PV Systems(32)
No specific permit currently; solar permit will be adopted in 2014.
Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 10kW.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Building permit application forms are available online, though no PV specific forms are in use.
City currently at best practice-- permit forms and information available at http://www.cityofnovato.org/Index.aspx?page=815
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
Electronic submittal not currently 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)
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
Within 3 business days residential, within 5 business days for commercial; OTC approvals available.
City currently at market best practice.
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
Appointment window 3-4 hours; real-time updates are provided.
City currently at best practice-- inspectors provide real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
[P12-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Adopt an Inspection Checklist(13)
In-house inspection checklist for PV systems currently in use.
City currently at best practice. Consider making solar PV inspection checklist available online.
[P13-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Allow a Structural Exemption for Qualifying Systems(26)
Approval from a structural engineer is required on a case-by-case basis.
City currently at best practice-- qualifying residential systems meeting certain criteria are allowed an exemption for structural PE stamp requirements.
[P14-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
City is aware of solar standards from 2014 California Building Code.
City currently at best practice.
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4 of 5 Goals Achieved |
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[Z1-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that Protects Solar Rights and Access(36)
State laws protect property owner rights to install solar systems as well as solar access.
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.
[Z2-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that requires Solar Ready Construction(15)
Green Building code requires pre-wiring for solar on new constructions.
City currently at best practice.
[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
Housing element of General Plan encourages use of renewable energy technologies.
City currently at best practice.
[Z5-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(32)
All structures zoned to allow rooftop solar facilities.
City currently at best practice.
[Z6-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations - Historic and Viewshed Areas(14)
All structures zoned to allow rooftop solar facilities, including historical buildings.
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1 of 3 Goals Achieved |
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[F5a] Explore Implementation of Local PACE Financing Pilot Program (73)
PACE funding will be available for commercial projects in early 2014, through CaliforniaFIRST
City currently at best practice.
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Limited solar financing options available.
Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Minimal awareness of solar finance options and solar evaluation tools available to home and business
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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0 of 2 Goals Not Started |
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[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
Limited awareness of these resources locally.
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)
Limited awareness of these resources locally.
Help promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.
Resources
