Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook - Report - Page 24
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Energy Storage Guidebook
The ESS designer or installer personnel may not be a “Qualified Person” and may not understand what
is required. (Per NEC and NFPA, a Qualified Person is one who has demonstrated skills and knowledge
related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations and has received
safety training to identify the hazards and reduce the associated risk.)
Inconsistencies in how codes and standards are interpreted by different AHJs across California can
make the permitting process difficult.
Errors, missing information, or failure to meet AHJ requirements on permit applications submitted by
ESS installers cause delays in the review process.
Outdated plan review processes that require manual submissions create long delays
in receiving permits.
The system approved on paper during the permit application process is not what is installed
in the field.
To help improve ESS permitting processes
across California and taking into account
that no single approach will work for every
jurisdiction, this guidebook has compiled
a variety of best practices and processes
successfully implemented across the state.
Understanding what has worked well in
one jurisdiction can potentially help other
jurisdictions identify opportunities for
improvement in their processes.
Develop public data and dashboards –
In San Joaquin County, they improved
transparency and communication
in their permitting process with a
live dashboard on the Community
Development Department website that
shows current building inspections and a daily list of the planned inspections.
Streamline communication channels – A mid-sized city in the Central Region of California recommends
ensuring that each party (both the AHJ and the ESS installer) has a single point of contact to facilitate
efficient and effective communications between parties.
Clearly publish processes and requirements – AHJs should clearly publish their processes and
requirements online and provide an example plan set. The City of Signal Hill, in Southern California,
has comprehensive guidance on its website regarding solar permitting requirements (from the building
department and fire department) and a Solar Eligibility Checklist to determine if a system is eligible
for an expedited review. Such resources can be developed for ESS to make the process clear and easy
to follow.
Leverage educational resources – One best practice suggested by an AHJ in the Bay Area is to engage
with UL to ensure clarity in interpreting UL 9540 certification and UL 9540A test results. Getting
additional guidance directly from the source of the standards can help AHJs properly interpret the
results and reduce delays caused by internal debates over the meaning of fire tests.
