California Legislature—2013–14 Regular Session

Assembly BillNo. 2188


Introduced by Assembly Member Muratsuchi

February 20, 2014


An act to add Section 17959.2 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to solar energy.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

AB 2188, as introduced, Muratsuchi. Solar energy: permits.

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 states that the implementation of consistent statewide standards to achieve timely and cost-effective installation of solar energy systems is not a municipal affair, but is instead a matter of statewide concern. 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.

This bill would require a city or county to process and approve any permit application for a residential rooftop solar energy system of up to 10kW on the same day it has been submitted.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.

Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

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SECTION 1.  

Section 17959.2 is added to the Health and Safety
2Code
, to read:

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17959.2.  

Notwithstanding Section 17959.1, a city or county
4shall process and approve any permit application for a residential
5rooftop solar energy system of up to 10kW on the same day it has
6been submitted.

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SEC. 2.  

If the Commission on State Mandates determines that
8this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to
9local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made
10pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division
114 of Title 2 of the Government Code.



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