Chapter 464 Oregon Laws 2011

AN ACT

HB 3516

Relating to solar energy generation by retail electricity consumers.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. (1) The installation and use on a residential structure of a solar photovoltaic energy system or a solar thermal energy system is an outright permitted use in any zone in which residential structures are an allowed use.

(2) The installation and use on a commercial structure of a solar photovoltaic energy system or a solar thermal energy system is an outright permitted use in any zone in which commercial structures are an allowed use.

(3) Approval of a permit application under ORS 215.402 to 215.438 is, notwithstanding the definition of “permit” in ORS 215.402, a ministerial function if:

(a) The installation of a solar energy system can be accomplished without increasing the footprint of the residential or commercial structure or the peak height of the portion of the roof on which the system is installed; and

(b) The solar energy system would be mounted so that the plane of the system is parallel to the slope of the roof.

(4) As part of the permit approval process, a county:

(a) May not charge a fee pursuant to ORS 215.416 for processing a permit;

(b) May not require extensive surveys or site evaluations including, but not limited to, vegetation surveys, contour maps and elevation drawings; and

(c) May charge building permit fees pursuant to ORS 455.020, 455.210 and 455.220.

(5) Subsections (3) and (4) of this section do not apply to a permit application for a residential or commercial structure that is:

(a) A federally or locally designated historic building or landmark or that is located in a federally or locally designated historic district.

(b) A conservation landmark designated by a city or county because of the historic, cultural, archaeological, architectural or similar merit of the landmark.

(c) Located in an area designated as a significant scenic resource unless the material used is:

(A) Designated as anti-reflective; or

(B) Eleven percent or less reflective.

(6) As used in this section, “solar photovoltaic energy system” has the meaning given that term in ORS 757.360.

SECTION 2. (1) The installation and use on a residential structure of a solar photovoltaic energy system or a solar thermal energy system is an outright permitted use in any zone in which residential structures are an allowed use.

(2) The installation and use on a commercial structure of a solar photovoltaic energy system or a solar thermal energy system is an outright permitted use in any zone in which commercial structures are an allowed use.

(3) Approval of a permit application under ORS 227.160 to 227.186 is, notwithstanding the definition of “permit” in ORS 227.160, a ministerial function if:

(a) The installation of a solar energy system can be accomplished without increasing the footprint of the residential or commercial structure or the peak height of the portion of the roof on which the system is installed; and

(b) The solar energy system would be mounted so that the plane of the system is parallel to the slope of the roof.

(4) As part of the permit approval process, a city:

(a) May not charge a fee pursuant to ORS 227.175 for processing a permit;

(b) May not require extensive surveys or site evaluations including, but not limited to, vegetation surveys, contour maps and elevation drawings; and

(c) May charge building permit fees pursuant to ORS 455.020, 455.210 and 455.220.

(5) Subsections (3) and (4) of this section do not apply to a permit application for a residential or commercial structure that is:

(a) A federally or locally designated historic building or landmark or that is located in a federally or locally designated historic district.

(b) A conservation landmark designated by a city or county because of the historic, cultural, archaeological, architectural or similar merit of the landmark.

(c) Located in an area designated as a significant scenic resource unless the material used is:

(A) Designated as anti-reflective; or

(B) Eleven percent or less reflective.

(6) As used in this section, “solar photovoltaic energy system” has the meaning given that term in ORS 757.360.

Approved by the Governor June 21, 2011

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 21, 2011

Effective date January 1, 2012

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