Union City, CA
UNION CITY'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 Union City, whether you're a resident, business, installer or local government agency.
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".
Union City 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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2 of 13 Goals In Progress 9 of 13 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P1-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Use Standard Permit Application Materials Specific to PV Systems(32)
There is a standard building permit application form, but nothing specific to PV currently.
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.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
General construction permit application form is available online.
City currently at best practice. General construction permit available at http://www.ci.union-city.ca.us/commdev/Solar%20Photovoltaic%20Permits.html. If a standard PV application form is adopted per goal [P1], make the form available online in an easily accessible location.
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
Single permit application submittal is available for residents and installers.
City currently at best practice.
[P5-CA] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedule Online(40)
Permit and inspection process information and fee schedules are online.
City currently at market best practice. Information pertinent to permit applications and inspection is available online at http://www.ci.union-city.ca.us/commdev/Solar%20Photovoltaic%20Permits.html and http://www.ci.union-city.ca.us/commdev/General%20Info%20Building%20Division.html.
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
Permits for residential projects are issued a minimum of 10 days and 15 days for commercial projects
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 is a flat rate of $400 for systems 15kW and under
City currently at best practice.
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
Commercial permit fee ranges from $523 (35kW or smaller) to $3137 (500kW or larger).
Base commercial permit fees on cost recovery, or if a flat fee is used keep the fee amount under $1000.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
Inspection turnaround time can be same day if scheduled prior to 6am
City currently at best practice.
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
Inspection time window given is 3 hours.
City currently at best practice. 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)
A standard inspection checklist for PV systems is not currently used.
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.
[P13-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Allow a Structural Exemption for Qualifying Systems(26)
Approval from a Structural Professional Engineer is not required for residential PV systems.
City currently at best practice.
[P14-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
Staff is aware of CalFire Solar PV Installation Guidelines.
City currently at best practice.
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2 of 3 Goals Achieved |
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[Z2-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that requires Solar Ready Construction(15)
General plan addresses siting of new development to factor in solar orientation.
City currently at best practice. General Plan can be found here: http://www.union-city.ca.us/pdf_large/general_plan02/community%20design%204,%20AG-01-05.pdf.
[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
Solar planning is included in the 2010 Climate Action Plan.
City currently at best practice. Climate Action Plan can be found here: http://www.unioncity.org/green_city/Green_city_PDFs/Union%20City%20CAP_Final.pdf.
[Z5-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(32)
Zoning standards do not restrict owners' ability to install a solar PV system within the property.
City currently at best practice.
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2 of 3 Goals In Progress 1 of 3 Goals Achieved |
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[F5a] Explore Implementation of Local PACE Financing Pilot Program (73)
PACE financing program for commercial via CaliforniaFIRST, none for residential.
City currently at best practice.
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
No current local solar loan program
Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Information about specific solar finance options and evaluation tools are not on City website.
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. Add commercial PACE financing program onto http://www.ci.union-city.ca.us/green_city/hm%20Solar%20Energy.html, and make link more accessible to constituents.
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3 of 5 Goals In Progress 2 of 5 Goals Achieved |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No current residential solar procurement program.
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 current commercial solar procurement program.
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.
[M6] Explore Installing Solar at Municipal Facilities, Including Landfill and Water Treatment Facilities(62)
Union Sanitary District has a solar PV system installed.
City currently at best practice.
[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. Publicize these events, along with external resources/trainings, through various community outreach channels.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
Solar educational resources available online
City currently at best practice. Solar resources available at http://www.ci.union-city.ca.us/green_city/hm%20Solar%20Energy.html.
Resources
