Amendment #415 to H4879

Virtual permitting for residential solar

Mr. Golden of Lowell moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

Section XX

(a) All authorities having jurisdiction in the Commonwealth shall on a permanent basis require applicants for building, electric and such other permits as may be required for solar and battery storage systems located in, on or at residential buildings to electronically file, provide payment, and receive approvals for such applications through a website established by the authority having jurisdiction or through attachment of the requisite forms and supplemental materials to electronic mail sent to the authority having jurisdiction. If an authority having jurisdiction chooses to provide the electronic mail option only the authority shall provide uploadable fee payment forms for applicants to fill out and attach with other supporting documents and shall provide application approval via electronic mail.  Electronic signature of permit application and supporting documents in lieu of wet signature requirements shall be accepted. Certification of receipt of permit applications and payment of fees shall be promptly provided electronically to the applicant.

(b) Permit applications submitted electronically shall be deemed approved and issued upon  receipt of a complete electronically filed permit application. A permit application shall be deemed complete when:

1.   the required permitting fee or fees have been submitted;

2.   the project is managed by an accredited contractor using certified system components;

3.   the project installer self-certifies that the project will be installed to code. Self certification may include, but is not limited to, submitting system design and installation plans certified by a licensed professional engineer as code compliant; and

4.   the installation does not otherwise require special approvals or variances due to the residence’s designation as an historic building or location in an historic neighborhood.

(c)(1) Upon the permit application being deemed approved and issued, the applicant may commence installation. Applicant shall notify the authority having jurisdiction upon completion of the installation. Authorities having jurisdiction shall conduct any and all such inspections as are necessary for the installation to receive a certificate of completion or certificate of approval to be activated. Where in person inspections increase costs for the jurisdiction or would endanger the health and safety of the inspector, customer, contractor, or other persons, authorities having jurisdiction shall provide for photographic, video, telephonic, and such other virtual alternatives, including a combination of such methods to complete the inspection process necessary to issue the certificate of completion or certificate of approval. The authority having jurisdiction shall conduct the in person or virtual inspection no later than ten days following the receipt of notice from the applicant that system installation is complete.

(d) Authorities having jurisdiction shall not condition approval of an application for an electric, building or such other permits as may be required for residential solar or battery storage systems upon the applicant’s submission, completion, or receipt of approval of any electric distribution company process.