1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to building codes; regulating building permit fees for certain solar 
1.3 	energy system installations;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, 
1.4 	chapter 326B.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. [326B.1361] SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM PERMIT FEES.
1.7 		Subdivision 1.Definitions. For purposes of this section, "solar energy system" has 
1.8 	the same meaning given in section 216C.06, subdivision 17.
1.9 		Subd. 2.Scope. This section applies to building permits issued by a municipality 
1.10 	for a solar energy system. The fees set in this section limit fees set in section 326B.153 or 
1.11 	other law or ordinance.
1.12 		Subd. 3.Residential fees. Building permit fees for solar energy systems installed 
1.13 	on one- and two-family residential dwellings shall not exceed $500 plus $15 for every 
1.14 	kilowatt of system capacity over ten kilowatts, unless the municipality determines that an 
1.15 	additional fee is required because:
1.16 	(1) the permit contains a roof structure modification;
1.17 	(2) an additional inspection is required; or
1.18 	(3) other nonstandard processing requirements are needed.
1.19 		Subd. 4.Nonresidential fee. Building permit fees for a solar energy system 
1.20 	installation not governed by subdivision 3 and sized under one megawatt alternating 
1.21 	current or an equivalent-sized solar thermal system shall be determined based on the value 
1.22 	of the project minus the value of the solar panels, power electronics, and any other system 
1.23 	elements not inspected under the building permit.