BILL NUMBER: SB 1222	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Leno

                        FEBRUARY 23, 2012

   An act relating to solar energy.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1222, as introduced, Leno. Solar energy: regulations.
   Existing law provides that it is the policy of the state to
promote and encourage the use of solar energy systems, as defined,
and to limit obstacles to their use. Existing law requires a city or
county to administratively approve applications to install solar
energy systems through the issuance of a building permit or similar
nondiscretionary permit. Existing law prohibits a city or county from
denying an application for a use permit to install a solar energy
system unless it makes written findings based upon substantial
evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a
specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety, and there
is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the
specific, adverse impact.
   This bill would make several findings and declarations relating to
clean energy. The bill would state the intent of the Legislature to
enact legislation that would assist local jurisdictions to develop
building standards and permitting policies to ensure that there is a
streamlined process for the deployment of solar distributed
generation in the residential and commercial building sectors.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) The state should assist local jurisdictions to deploy clean
energy distributed generation technology in order to meet state clean
energy goals and create jobs in this state.
   (b) The state can aid local jurisdictions to develop consistent
statewide building standards and recommended permitting guidelines
and permit fees for basic rooftop solar equipment installation.
   (c) Providing low-cost, consistent building standards and permit
fees will increase the deployment of solar distributed generation,
provide solar customers greater installation ease, improve the state'
s ability to reach clean energy goals, and create jobs in this state.

  SEC. 2.  It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation
that would assist local jurisdictions to develop building standards
and permitting policies to ensure that there is a streamlined process
for the deployment of solar distributed generation in the
residential and commercial building sectors.