City of San Rafael, CA
SAN RAFAEL'S SOLAR ENERGY INFORMATION HUB
Find the latest resources and information available for installing solar power and expanding the solar market in the City of San Rafael, whether you're a resident, business, installer or local government agency.
The City is well positioned for solar market growth due to a mix of renewable energy goals and supportive policies. Transitioning to solar power not only provides environmental benefits like enhanced air quality, but it also delivers a host of economic benefits from green job creation to market development. Below, there is a direct link to the City's interactive policy roadmap designed to increase local solar installations by making it easier and more cost-effective to "go solar".
San Rafael is a part of the San Francisco Bay Area region.
Community Profile
Residential Solar Potential
Upgrade to LEADER plan to display your community's solar potential.Roadmap
The ASTI team has worked in close coordination with the City to develop a customized, interactive solar roadmap containing guidance on how to transform the local solar market. Each recommendation in the roadmap is supported with relevant reports, case studies, examples, and templates to support local and regional implementation efforts.
Permitting Process |
2 of 12 Goals In Progress 10 of 12 Goals Achieved |
[P1-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Use Standard Permit Application Materials Specific to PV Systems(32)
No solar specific PV permit application in use.
Consider adopting a standard application form specific to solar PV for qualifying projects under 10kW.
[P2] Make Permit Application Form Available Online(176)
Building permit application forms are available online, though no PV specific forms are in use.
City currently at best practice-- see http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/commdev-building-forms/ If a standard PV application form is adopted per goal [P1], make the form available online in an easily accessible location.
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5-CA] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedule Online(40)
Permit and inspection process information is available online.
City currently at best practice- find process information at http://docs.cityofsanrafael.org/CommDev/building/forms-and-handouts/building-division-guiding-principles.pdf see fee schedule at http://docs.cityofsanrafael.org/CommDev/building/forms-and-handouts/building-division-master-fee-schedule.pdf
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
Within 3 business days residential, within 15 days commercial; OTC permit review available.
City currently at best practice for residential projects. Considering updating policies to issue or deny permit within 5 business days of submittal for commercial projects
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
Inspection turnaround time is less than 2 business days.
City currently at best practice-- inspection requests are responded to by the next day.
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
[P12-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Adopt an Inspection Checklist(13)
No inspection checklist currently utilized.
Utilize a standard inspection checklist for PV systems. The checklist serves as a guide for inspectors and installers containing points of emphasis and common issues.
[P14-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
Planning & Zoning |
3 of 5 Goals Achieved |
[Z1-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that Protects Solar Rights and Access(36)
Solar rights protected at state level, but no existing local ordinances.
Create local ordinances which would protect property owners' right to install solar and ensure their property has unobstructed access to direct sunlight.
[Z2-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that requires Solar Ready Construction(15)
Green Building Ordinance contains PV-ready wiring requirements for new construction.
City currently at best practice- see more information at http://docs.cityofsanrafael.org/CommDev/building/green-building-docs/pv-pre-wiring-guide.pdf
[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
Solar development is addressed in planning documents.
City currently at best practice-- 2009 Climate Change Action Plan and the Sustainability Element of San Rafael's General Plan promotes solar as a strategy for increased renewable energy production (SU Goal 4).
[Z5-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(32)
Zoning code does not specifically address solar, but existing regulations do not restrict solar.
City currently at best practice.
[Z6-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations - Historic and Viewshed Areas(14)
Zoning code for historic and viewshed areas does not specifically address solar.
Ensure the zoning codes and ordinances that govern solar installations in aesthetically sensitive areas do not adversely affect property owners' ability to install solar. Allow staff members to review and approve applications when possible rather than requiring committee or planning commission review.
Financing Options |
2 of 3 Goals In Progress 1 of 3 Goals Achieved |
[F5a] Explore Implementation of Local PACE Financing Pilot Program (73)
PACE financing available in 2014.
City at best practice-- PACE financing available for commercial and residential solar through CaliforniaFIRST.
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Limited options for local solar loan programs.
Planning to adopt new PACE programs in a few months
Encourage local financial institutions to establish loan programs for solar energy systems.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Limited solar evaluation tools available to home and business owners.
Publicize the availability of solar evaluation tools for potential buyers. This can be done via webinars, marketing materials, or by providing links and information online.
Solar Market Development |
2 of 5 Goals In Progress 3 of 5 Goals Achieved |
[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
Community working group formed for a previous effort.
Support the creation of a working group of community leaders and funding providers. This group would evaluate options and determine the most viable approach for aggregating residential solar based on best practices to date.
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
Community has expressed interested in such a program.
Establish a working group of businesses and commercial property owners to leverage their solar purchasing power by aggregating facilities for solar evaluation and procurement to reduce energy costs while demonstrating community leadership.
[M3] Explore Implementation of Collaborative Procurement Program for Municipal Facilities and Schools(38)
Jurisdiction is coordinating regional collaborative procurement initiative.
City currently at best practice-- find more about San Rafael's efforts with the SEED Fund here: http://www.solarroadmap.com/regional-initiatives/north-bay/
[M7] Publicize Solar Workforce Development Resources and Industry Training Tools(21)
Limited awareness of these resources locally
Provide online access to training programs and resources for the installer community and potential workforce and organize an outreach and/or training event in order to generate awareness and understanding.
[M8] Provide Solar Educational Resources to Constituents(77)
Limited awareness of these resources locally
Help promote the availability of online tools and resources for the residential, commercial, and municipal solar markets through existing networks.