BILL NUMBER: AB 2188	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


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:

  SECTION 1.  Section 17959.2 is added to the Health and Safety Code,
to read:
   17959.2.  Notwithstanding Section 17959.1, a city or county shall
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.
  SEC. 2.  If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this
act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local
agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant
to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of
the Government Code.