The Building Official may exempt facilities from the provisions of this chapter, and impose reasonable conditions in lieu of full compliance herewith, if the Official determines that there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Practical difficulties may be the result of the building site location, shading resulting from topography or other conditions. Reasonable conditions may include the use of alternate energy systems, exceeding mandatory energy compliance standards by 10 percent or other methods as determined. the Official may require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any exception or acceptance of alternatives.

The City Council may establish an in-lieu fee as an acceptable alternative for full compliance.

The in-lieu fee shall be 90 percent of the permit valuation amount for a similar sized system and shall be based upon historical data collected by the Building Department for the previous 12 calendar months.

Owners of multiple properties may install a single photovoltaic system meeting the aggregate energy generation requirement for all owned properties which require compliance with this chapter.

Properties which have a previously installed photovoltaic system are required to increase the size of any existing system to meet the current minimum standards.