Assembly Bill 2188 (Muratsuchi), as amended April 21, would require local jurisdictions to adopt an ordinance to create an expedited permitting process for rooftop solar that would mandate cities and counties to uniformly issue a solar permit in an “over the counter” fashion (within 24 hours), and inspect the solar installation within two days of the request. AB 2188 is scheduled to be heard in the Assembly Local Government Committee on April 30, 2014. The text of AB 2188 can be accessed here.
RCRC staff urges member counties to contact the Assembly Local Government Committee to express opposition to AB 2188, and describe the impacts this legislation would have upon counties. While permit streamlining is important, local governments also take very seriously consumer protection and the necessary permits and inspections that these facilities require. The plan check process is an important part of the issuance of a permit, and the proper review and evaluation of the supporting roof structure and electrical requirements are necessary to ensure the health and safety of the permittee. This review must be performed by trained individuals, and mandating local jurisdictions to accomplish these checks within a 24 hour timeframe, without exception, would be impossible for many rural counties.
For additional information, please contact RCRC Legislative Advocate Kathy Mannion at (916) 447-4806 orkmannion@rcrcnet.org.