Photovoltaic Systems
The City of Santee has established an expedited permitting process for the installation of certain residential rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. Qualifying PV systems may be approved based on conformance with standardized criteria.
In order to qualify for expedited permitting, a small residential rooftop PV system must be:
- No larger than ten (10) kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty (30) kilowatts thermal;
- In conformance with all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted or amended by the City, and all state and City health and safety standards;
- In conformance with all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability;
- Installed on a single or duplex family dwelling; and
- The panel or module array may not exceed the maximum legal building height as defined by the City.
To obtain expedited review, an applicant must complete and submit an “Eligibility Checklist” and supporting documentation.
- An application determined by city staff to satisfy the submittal requirements described on the checklist shall be deemed complete. Complete applications will be reviewed to determine whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements.
- If an application is complete and meets local, state and federal health and safety laws and regulations, the City will issue a nondiscretionary permit. If an application is deemed incomplete, a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance will be sent to the applicant for resubmission.
- For a small residential rooftop solar energy system eligible for expedited review, only one inspection will be required. The inspection will be performed by the Planning & Building Department, and may include a consolidated inspection with the Fire Department. The inspection will be done in a timely manner. If a small residential rooftop solar energy system fails inspection, a subsequent inspection is authorized.
- To schedule inspections or apply for a solar permit, visit SanteePortal.org