William, The rational concern is that something added to a roof will block someone's view. If you can show that the solar equipment does not rise above the existing roof line, then the rational conclusion is that the view is not blocked and no waiver is needed. The solution is to show that the equipment does not rise above the existing roof line. If this is not the reason they are asking for a waiver, then it may be because the law did not, or now does not, allow the building as it stands now because the building height is above the allowable height. In this case, the building owner may be able to "grandfather" in the building and get the waiver. Joel Davidson
________________________________ From: William Miller <[email protected]> To: RE-wrenches <[email protected]> Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 10:27:17 AM Subject: [RE-wrenches] Solar rights precedent Friends: We are applying for a building permit in a small coastal community near here for a PV system. The arrays will be on the flat roof of a house that is right up against the allowable building height. The city is requiring that we apply for a waiver to exceed the allowed height. As I read California law, it allows public agencies to rule on a permit application only in regards to public safety and health issues. Repeated letters to the city attorney has failed to result in how a building height limitation is a mater of public health and safety. Have any of you successfully fought a building department on this issue? If so, is there any written documentation on the issue that I can use? Thanks in advance, William Miller Please note new e-mail address and domain: William Miller Miller Solar Voice :805-438-5600 email: [email protected] http://millersolar.com License No. C-10-773985
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