I have been down this road. I have designed many structures in a
hurricane prone area at the request of the local building official,
using my PE stamp as required. A new building official who travels to
the town once a week decided I could not do that work anymore. No relief
from kicking it up, just more threats actually. So, I hire a structural
engineer now, and have used that to show that when the renewable energy
program engineer failed me for not using a certified system, that the
structural compliance letter was sufficient. Eventually they agreed.
Chris
On 6/25/2025 6:59 PM, William Miller via RE-wrenches wrote:
Friends:
I am having a problem pulling a permit in our county jurisdiction. The
project is a ground mount array with a low tilt angle resulting in an
overall rack height less than 6’. The county checklist for solar
permits says: "Engineering is required for arrays exceeding six feet
above adjacent grade." I wanted to make sure this was the current
criteria so I emailed a senior building official before I submitted my
plans and received a reply stating the same criteria.
I have done jobs in the county in the past with the same low height
and not been required to provide engineering. The system we use is
pretty robust. You can see a description here
<https://millersolar.com/MillerSolar/practices/DrivenPipe/DrivenPipe.html>.
The rail is SnapNRack 200 series.
However for this project I am being denied a permit with this reason:
By not using one of SnapNRack’s suggested support structures I am
“altering” the “racking kit.” I am told if I provide a structural
analysis a permit will be approved.
The SnapNRack web site says this on the subject: “The system is fully
compatible with various foundation types, including
ground screws, grade beams, and standard pier concrete foundations."
We all know that the word “including” does not preclude other
possibilities. I even got one of the SnapNRack engineers to write an
email saying alternative support structures are allowed.
I have worked up the entire chain of command in San Luis Obispo County
including the department director and the office of County Counsel
with no change in status. I filed an appeal but the county refused to
hear the appeal.
I called my county supervisor to intervene but the building department
is giving them the same reason. The logic is flawed but no one will
believe me in spite of the documentation I have provided.
Last time we had one of these taller than 6 feet the we had it
engineered at a cost of $5,000. My contract covers me for the extra
expense so the cost would be to the client. I don’t believe it is
right for the customer to have to pay this extra expense. They are
decent people who deserve better.
I put together a web page to describe the entire interaction. It is
here
<https://millersolar.com/MillerSolar/case_studies/41_County_of_SLO/County_of_SLO.html>.
I think this is wrong and my principals are not allowing me to give
in. This is a pattern with this building department. The last time
this happened I fought for months and finally won. I embarrassed them
and I think the department is trying to punish me.
I am looking for an attorney but so far all of them are too busy to
take my case.
Have anyone of you experienced anything like this? Anyone have any advice?
Thanks in advance.
William Miller
Miller Solar
17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
805-438-5600
www.millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/>
CA Lic. 773985
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--
Christopher Warfel, PE
ENTECH Engineering, Inc.
PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807
(401) 447-5773
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