July 17, 2006
Janet Lockhart
Mayor of Dublin
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin, CA 94568
Re: Request that you formally review the permit fee/process for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar panels
Dear Janet:
We are writing to inform you that Dublin might be overlooking an opportunity to increase its supply of renewable energy. Our study on solar permit fees in 48 jurisdictions (in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, and San Francisco counties) indicates that Dublin is one of the most expensive for homeowners who wish to install rooftop solar panels (see enclosed comparative chart). For a 3kW solar system valued at $27,000 before the California Energy Commission rebate, your staff informed us that Dublin charges $740 for the permit as of Summer 2006, compared to $3 in Mill Valley. (This assumes a professionally installed system that is mounted flush to the roof, is 320 square feet, and has a weight load of 3 pounds per square foot.)
The importance of renewable, locally produced energy is self-evident in light of recent events. Consider PG&E’s 71% increase in natural gas rates as of October 1, 2005, over 12% increase in residential electric rates on January 1, 2006, and California’s rolling blackouts in 2001, etc. California generally, and our region specifically, faces rising energy demand, diminishing in-state/regional generation, and increasing dependence on fossil fuel imports from unstable sources. Citizens are increasingly aware that rooftop solar panels are an obvious means to alleviate these problems. A Field Research Institute poll of 954 Californians done in June 2005 found that 77% support increasing the state's investment in solar energy.
Several municipalities in our region are contributing their part to promote the installation of solar systems. For example, Mill Valley and Dublin issue solar permits over-the-counter, and are among the twenty-four jurisdictions in our survey with fees under $300. We ask that you consider the recommendations in our study to reduce permitting fees and delays. You can download a full copy of the study from:
http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/global_warming/articles/pv_permit_study_NE_Bay.pdf
Our recommendations in brief are as follows:
California Government Code section 66005 (a) specifies, "[development permit] fees or exactions shall not exceed the estimate reasonable cost of providing the service…" On December 22, 2005 the California State Supreme Court upheld this statute.
To permit and inspect a typical residential PV system normally takes between 2 to 5 hours (regardless of size, since the amount of work is essentially the same). Thus we recommend that an appropriate fixed fee for a PV permit that is based on the actual time and effort needed to permit and inspect a PV system be no more than $300. We base this recommendation on extensive reviews of solar permitting costs for many local jurisdictions that have much experience with PV installations.
We appreciate your consideration of our request and welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss implementation of our recommendations. If you have any questions about the report, please feel free to contact me, Tom Roberts (415-203-2781), or Stan Van Velsor (650-390-8441). I look forward to hearing from you soon. We will be following up with your head building official on this issue in the near future.
Sincerely,
Energy Sub-committee Member
Sierra Club, San Francisco Bay Chapter
2530 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 1
Berkeley, CA 94702
cc: Richard Ambrose, City Manager
Gregory Shreeve, Building Official