A. Evaluation Notification Process. For existing licensed businesses, the City will send a written notice not more than once every three years through the annual business license renewal package distributed by January 1st. The notice will inform businesses of their evaluation requirement for that calendar year and provide information allowing them to schedule an appointment at their convenience. Businesses will be required to schedule an evaluation for the calendar year by March 1st. For newly licensed businesses, the City will send a written notification about their evaluation requirement for that calendar year and shall provide them with the contact information needed to schedule an evaluation assessment within 60 days. If an existing or newly licensed business does not set an appointment during the initial 60-day scheduling period, the City shall set an evaluation date and time for the business during their regular business hours. If desired, the business may reschedule the evaluation appointment for some time during that calendar year or the next 90 days, whichever is greater.

B. Evaluation Deliverables. The evaluation findings, provided to the participating business on a form established by the City Manager in conjunction with the local utility and business representatives, may include a chart of their historical energy and water consumption, identified conservation and efficiency opportunities, potential utility cost savings and an estimate of the corresponding greenhouse gas emission reductions. The assessment may also review alternative transportation and other sustainable practices which the business could implement and/or promote to its employees and customers and an estimate of the resulting greenhouse gas emission reductions. The City may also provide information and assistance regarding federal, state and local rebate programs for efficiency retrofits and low-cost financing options to help reduce the business’s time and cost of implementing the voluntary measures. The City may also provide contact information for the local utilities’ account and program staff and utility-approved Chula Vista contractors that may provide services identified in the evaluation.

C. Enforcement. Businesses which do not respond to the appointment notification process and provide access for the on-site evaluation shall be sent a follow-up notice with a 30-day opportunity to cure. Unresponsive businesses will be sent a second 30-day reminder notice.

D. Exemptions. Home offices, mobile businesses and other business entities that do not have a commercial utility gas or electric meter are exempt. Businesses occupying a facility which has had a completed evaluation within at least three years through the City’s program or through a similar energy audit program (SDG&E or other City-recognized program) will be exempt, including facilities having multiple business licenses. The City will also provide an exemption to businesses that participate in a greenhouse gas emissions reporting program (Federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Climate Registry, or other City-recognized program) or possess a current City of Chula Vista CLEAN Business certification. Finally, the City shall grant any business with an exemption of at least three years when occupying newly constructed or remodeled facilities that have an approved Title 24 Energy Efficiency Report with its building plans. These exemptions do not preclude any licensed business with a commercial electrical or gas meter from requesting a free resource and energy evaluation at the business’s sole discretion. (Ord. 3363 § 1, 2016; Ord. 3145 § 1, 2009; Ord. 3135 § 1, 2009; Ord. 3119 § 1, 2008).