To ensure that small alternative energy resource facilities are sited in a timely manner in local jurisdictions where there are no existing ordinances to permit these facilities, “Small alternative energy resource facility" is defined as any facility that produces electricity, operates in parallel with an electric utility, and is intended to offset part of a customer’s requirements for electricity. The energy facility site evaluation council is empowered to issue site permits for the construction or enlargement of small alternative energy resource facillities. (Companion: SB 5228).   Official Text and Analysis.

Modifies the on-site wastewater treatment systems designer licensing provisions regarding unprofessional conduct, experience and education requirements, and license renewals.

To authorize the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) to permit small alternative energy resource facilities and delegate authority for ensuring compliance with the terms of any certificate or permit issued by the EFSEC to other state or local agencies.

To strike teverything in the underlying bill. Requires the department of commerce to consult with specified entities and to recommend a range of model ordinances for siting and permitting small-scale renewable energy systems by December 31, 2012; to report its recommendations to the Legislature, and to make its recommendations available for counties, cities, and statewide city and county organizations.

To prohibit petitions alleging noncompliance with this section to be heard by the growth management hearings board.

To clarify that counties and cities without siting ordinances must consider the model ordinances in adopting siting ordinances, rather than basing the ordinance on the model ordinances.

To add a null and void clause.

House refuses to concur in Senate amendments. Asks Senate to recede from amendments.

Senate insists on its position and asks House to concur.

Authorizes the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) to permit small alternative energy resource facilities. Permits the EFSEC and local governments to enter into inter-local agreements to permit small alternative energy resource facilities within the geographic jurisdiction of the local government. Authorizes the EFSEC to delegate authority for ensuring compliance with the terms of any certificate or permit issued by the EFSEC to other state or local agencies.

Removes the intent section. EFSEC is required to survey and use generally established mitigation requirements, environmental regulations, and building code standards, in addition to safety standards. The condition allowing an applicant to use EFSEC if the facility is located in an area that has not updated its ordinances in over ten years is changed so that the 10-year period is measured from the effective date of the bill. EFSEC must deliver annual reports to the Legislature on the number of small alternative energy resource facilities it has sited and describing each facility by type, generating capacity, location, and total cost of the permit fee. Various technical changes are made.