Planning & Development Services (PDS) Permit Streamlining and Innovations for Energy Resiliency

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

Wildfire has been an increasing threat in California. To protect communities from the threat of sparking fires, local utility providers have cut power in areas prone to high winds during wildfire threats. To mitigate those impacts, utility providers have begun providing generators to homeowners and businesses so they don’t go without power during a power safety shut-off. Because these generators require building permits, it was critical for the County to help by streamlining its permit process. Staff worked with manufacturers and applicants to create a generalized checklist and preapproved design templates that allow people to process a standard backup generator without submitting building plans. The checklist and preapproved design ensure that the project meets all necessary codes and zoning ordinance requirements. The creation of this checklist and preapproved design templates has saved the County of San Diego (County) and applicants time and money, both in the plan preparation paid for by applicants and the review process by the County.