Print Back to Calendar Return
    7.    
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABILITY
Meeting Date: 09/25/2017  
Subject:    RECEIVE report on status of County solar siting policies.
Submitted For: John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Department: Conservation & Development  
Referral No.: N/A  
Referral Name: N/A
Presenter: Will Nelson, 925-674-7791 Contact: Jody London, 925-674-7871

Information
Referral History:
On October 24, 2016, the Ad Hoc Committee on Sustainability (Committee) received an update on implementation of the County's Climate Action Plan. On May 22, 2017, the Committee received reports from the Directors of the Departments of Conservation and Development and Public Works on implementation of the Climate Action Plan by their departments.
Referral Update:
The County's policies for siting solar energy facilities fall into two categories: residential rooftop solar and commercial scale solar.

The County has a firmly established policy and procedures in place for streamlined permitting of residential rooftop facilities smaller than 10 kW, and processes about 150 permits per month for solar installations on residential and small commercial roofs. Over the past five years, this has been the fastest-growing segment of permits issued by the County. Consistent with State law, County Ordinance 718-12 describes the process for the streamlined permit applications. Ordinance 718-12 is attached.

The County currently does not have an ordinance that allows siting solar systems that will generate electricity for export to off-site consumers, which is considered a commercial use. Staff is preparing for Board consideration minor amendments to the County General Plan and Zoning Code to allow development of commercial solar energy generating facilities in industrial zoning districts. Since the Board of Supervisors voted to join MCE in May 2017, the frequency of inquiries from solar energy developers has increased and the County's membership in MCE is commonly cited as a reason for wanting to develop here. However, the Department of Conservation and Development does not currently accept development applications for commercial scale solar energy facilities because they are not addressed in the General Plan or Zoning Code. The proposed amendments that will be brought to the Board are considered a stopgap measure until more comprehensive renewable energy amendments are developed and adopted in late 2018 or 2019.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE report on status of solar energy siting policies.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None at this time. There will be costs associated with updating the General Plan and Zoning Code in the future.
Attachments
CCC Residential Solar Ordinance

AgendaQuick©2005 - 2024 Destiny Software Inc., All Rights Reserved