City of Visalia, CA
VISALIA'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 Visalia, whether you're a resident, business, installer or local government agency.
The City is situated in an excellent area for solar due its above average solar energy resource. 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".
Visalia is a part of the San Joaquin Valley 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.
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6 of 14 Goals In Progress 9 of 14 Goals Achieved |
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Permitting Process[P1-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Use Standard Permit Application Materials Specific to PV Systems(32)
There is currently a standard building permit application, but nothing specific to PV.
Consider adopting a standard permit application form specific to solar electric (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.
[P3] Allow Electronic Submittal of Application Form(87)
No electronic submittal available
Application forms are now accepted by email
City at best practice.
[P4] Require only 1 Permit Application Submittal(164)
[P5-CA] Post Permit and Inspection Process Information and Fee Schedule Online(40)
Incomplete inspection requirements online. Fee schedule is available online.
Post information on the solar permitting and inspection process online in an easily accessible location. This should include the process steps, timelines, fees, point of contact, and any other pertinent information. Consider putting this information at: http://www.ci.visalia.ca.us/depts/community_development/permit_counter/information___applications.asp
[P6] Streamline Permit Processing Time and Allow Expedited Process for Qualifying Projects(75)
20 working days
7 day turnaround time for residential and commercial
Issue or deny permit within 3 business days of submittal for residential projects and within 5 business days for commercial.
[P7-CA] Base Residential Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(55)
Residential permit fee cost based on cost of plan check and inspection.
City currently at best practice.
[P8-CA] Base Commercial Permit Fee on Actual Cost to Administer(37)
Commercial permit fee cost based on cost of plan check and inspection.
City currently at best practice.
[P9] Minimize Inspection Turnaround Time(147)
[P10] Offer Convenient Inspection Scheduling(94)
4 hour appointment window given to installer.
Provide an appointment window of 2 hours or less if possible. Provide real time updates prior to arrival so contractor is aware and prepared.
[P11] Require only 1 Inspection Visit(82)
[P12-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Adopt an Inspection Checklist(13)
[P13-CA] (AB2188 Mandate) Allow a Structural Exemption for Qualifying Systems(26)
No current structural exemption
For qualifying residential systems meeting certain criteria, allow an exemption from structural analysis or structural PE stamp requirements.
[P14-CA] Understand New California Solar-Specific Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes (Title 24)(55)
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3 of 5 Goals In Progress 1 of 5 Goals Achieved |
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[Z1-CA] Develop a Local Ordinance that Protects Solar Rights and Access(36)
State laws protect solar rights and solar access, but not local laws
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)
Statewide solar ready requirements for new construction (CA Title 24), but no local laws
Explore creation of municipal ordinances which require new homes and buildings to be built solar-ready.
[Z4-CA] Incorporate Solar Priorities into Comprehensive, Energy or Climate Action Plans(45)
Updating general plan and looking to include solar ready standards
Continue progress made toward integrating solar language in the current update of the City's general plan. A draft version of the Climate Action Plan can be found at: http://www.ci.visalia.ca.us/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16306.
[Z5-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations(32)
[Z6-CA] Update Local Zoning Standards and Review for Solar Installations - Historic and Viewshed Areas(14)
Solar is not addressed in zoning standards in historic and viewshed areas.
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.
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3 of 3 Goals In Progress |
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[F5a] Explore Implementation of Local PACE Financing Pilot Program (73)
No local PACE financing program.
Adopting HERO PACE program for residential and CaliforniaFIRST PACE program for commercial.
City at best practice. HERO PACE program will be available starting October 1, 2014.
[F6] Encourage Local Financial Stakeholders to Establish New Solar Loan Programs(63)
Aware of and publicizes a few solar PV loan/finance programs
Solar webpage features low-interest loan information from Education Employees Credit Union (EECU)
City currently at best practice.
[F7] Promote Availability of Existing Solar Finance Options and Evaluation Tools(38)
Does not currently provide information on solar finance and evaluation tools.
Publicizes new solar loan programs, and Energy Sage solar marketplace
City currently at best practice. Solar loan programs are promoted on http://www.ci.visalia.ca.us/depts/natural_resource_conservation/clean_energy_and_conservation/solar_resources.asp.
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5 of 5 Goals In Progress |
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[M1] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Residential Sector(40)
No such programs known to exist locally.
City is sponsoring Energy Sage aggregated purchase program.
City at best practice.
[M2] Support Aggregate Procurement Program for Commercial Sector(6)
No such programs known to exist locally.
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.
[M6] Explore Installing Solar at Municipal Facilities, Including Landfill and Water Treatment Facilities(62)
No known solar projects at these sites currently.
City just approved a 1MW solar plant upgrade
Establish a working group to identify solar feasibility at municipal landfill and water treatment sites.
[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.
Solar resources available online
City at best practice. Resources available at: http://www.ci.visalia.ca.us/depts/natural_resource_conservation/clean_energy_and_conservation/solar_resources.asp.
Resources
