Article 5. Powers And Duties of California Government Code >> Division 1. >> Title 5. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 5.

For purposes of the District Reorganization Act of 1965 (Division 1 (commencing with Section 56000) of Title 6), an authority, except as otherwise provided in this part, is a subsidiary district, as defined in Section 56073, to the governing body which created it. An authority has all the powers necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, except as limited by the governing body which created it. The governing body may use any of its powers on behalf of an authority which it created.

An authority may, subject to the approval of the governing body, do all of the following:
  (a) Sue and be sued.
  (b) Have a seal and alter it.
  (c) Have a perpetual succession.
  (d) Make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers.

Within its area of operation, an authority may do all of the following:
  (a) Exercise all powers and authority related to energy projects designated by the governing body and deemed to be necessary and appropriate to carry out the responsibilities of the authority, including, but not limited to, assistance in planning energy projects and uses to encourage energy conservation in new and existing construction and to minimize future energy price increases.
  (b) Coordinate or provide energy programs and services to the community, particularly to persons of low and moderate income and to smaller businesses.
  (c) Apply for, accept, and utilize any available funds appropriate to the authority's activities from federal, state, county, special district, or private sources.

An authority may, subject to approval by the governing body, contract for the furnishing by any person, business, public utility, or agency, public or private, including community-based organizations, of services.

To the extent feasible, an authority shall utilize the employees and services of the county or city for its operations. If the governing body determines that it is not feasible for the authority to utilize its employees or services, the governing body may authorize the authority to employ its own staff and to contract for services needed.

An authority shall apply for and obtain any permits, licenses, certificates, or approvals that may be necessary for an authority owned and operated energy project, and may construct, maintain, and operate energy projects in accordance with these licenses, permits, certificates, or approvals.

An authority may, subject to the direction of the governing body, do all of the following:
  (a) Conduct public hearings for all energy projects.
  (b) Hold public hearings to review and approve all projects being developed within the community that involve a substantial use of energy and may impact the economic stability of the local economy, with particular attention to the impact on low- and moderate-income households.
  (c) Exempt specific projects from the review process.

All energy projects shall be consistent with all state, regional, and local planning, zoning, sanitary, safety, and building laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to the jurisdiction in which the project is located.