§ 9-1.1802. Definitions.

As used in this article:

(a)

"Solar Energy System" means either of the following:

(1)

Any solar collector or other solar energy device whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating, space cooling, electric generation, or water heating.

(2)

Any structural design feature of a building, whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation, space heating or cooling, or for water heating.

(b)

A "small residential rooftop solar energy system" means a solar energy system which meets all of the following criteria:

(1)

Is no larger than ten (10) kilowatts alternating current nameplate rating or thirty (30) kilowatts thermal.

(2)

Conforms to all applicable state fire, structural, electrical, and other building codes as adopted by the City and contained in the Modesto Municipal Code, and conforms to all state and local health and safety standards.

(3)

Is installed on a single or duplex family dwelling.

(4)

Contains a solar panel or module array that does not exceed the City's maximum legal building height.

(c)

"Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one (1) or more of the following:

(1)

Email.

(2)

The Internet.

(3)

Facsimile.

(d)

"Specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

(e)

"Reasonable restrictions" on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.

(f)

"Significantly increase the cost of the system or decrease its efficiency or specified performance" means:

(1)

For Water Heater Systems or Solar Swimming Pool Heating Systems: an increase in the cost of the system as, originally proposed, exceeding the lesser of ten (10) percent or one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or a decrease in the efficiency of the solar energy system, as originally proposed, exceeding ten (10) percent.

(2)

For Photovoltaic Systems: an increase in the cost of the system as originally proposed exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or a decrease in the efficiency of the solar energy system, as originally proposed, exceeding ten (10) percent.

(Ord. 3636-C.S., § 1, effective 10-8-15)