Dana, See http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/global_warming/fee_study.htm
I think there were other lists of permit requirements on this list but I can not find them. Perhaps someone can suggest a search method. Joel Davidson ----- Original Message ----- From: Andrew Truitt To: RE-wrenches Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2008 9:05 PM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] building permits for PV Dana, Washington DC, Baltimore MD, San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland CA - none require "roof footing inspections". However, one of our local AHJs does require a letter on company letterhead stating our roof guarantee - maybe something you could try. We are also required to get structural engineer stamped drawings in most jurisdictions in Maryland. This document has some info you might find useful: http://www.solartech.org/index.php/about/29-objectives/18-buildingpermits But when faced with unreasonable AHJs I don't think any way foreword is better than just sitting down with the Head of Permitting and explaining exactly how you install, preferably with visual aids. And since yours seems to be especially worried about leaks make sure you have a good counterflashed waterproofing solution to show him. Tell him you want to work with him but that many solar installs are completed in a day or two and to accommodate an inspection in the middle severely impacts your project timeline. And of course it couldn't hurt to bring a box of donuts. Good luck! Andrew Truitt Standard Solar On Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 6:13 PM, Dana Brandt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Thanks for all the feedback. Sounds like there's a ton of variation from one jurisdiction to another. Would you all be willing to send me a list of large cities you've worked in that do not require a building permit? I'd like to use that to make a case against the requirement. I just got back from the inspection which verified that - yes indeed, there are L-feet and rails on the roof. Seems pretty silly... Thanks again, Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] 360.510.0433 On Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 8:11 AM, Paul Israel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Dana, Firstly we all truly sympathize, I have never heard of that one! Not one building department - has required that. We have installed in Oregon, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Reno - Nevada, and Massachusetts. We are inspected consistently for concrete pours (rebar/pads/ground mounts/pole mounts). For most roofs in CT we are usually required to have an Engineers Stamp for the layout relative to the rafter loading. It depends on the jurisdiction or whether they had their coffee. It is random. I would try and push the manufacturer's installation instructions or get a local engineering stamp on the layout as an alternative. On a lighter note, make sure to leave some exposed wet caulk. After messing up their car, paperwork, and a couple layers of skin they surely won't want to do that again. Good luck and let us know how it works out. Paul N. Israel, President [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.sunlightsolar.com 541/389-3480 (Oregon) 203/878-9123 x103 (CT) 860/617-6527 (Cell) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dana Brandt Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 5:46 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] building permits for PV Hi all, Until recently, we've only been required to have an electrical permit for flush-mounted PV systems. The city has now decided to require building permits for all PV systems and wants to come out and inspect our L-feet attachments and rails before the modules can go up. This seems crazy to me. What are other jurisdictions requiring? I'd love some information I can take to the city showing that other jurisdictions aren't requiring this type of process. Thanks a lot, Dana -- Dana Brandt Ecotech Energy Systems, LLC www.ecotechenergy.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] 360.510.0433 _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org -- "Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! 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