Wrenches, William, what is it that you are "altering" can you avoid
altering the manufactures design to get it through the office.
Fun times,

On Wed, Jun 25, 2025, 4:46 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
[email protected]> wrote:

> Thank you.
>
>
>
> The SnapNRack suggested methods:  Poured footings, bond beam or screw-in
> anchor.  The system I created is demonstrably superior to these methods.
> It is quicker, cheaper, has less environmental impacts and can adapt better
> to uneven ground.
>
>
>
> Wm
>
>
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> *www.millersolar.com* <http://www.millersolar.com/>
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar [mailto:[email protected]]
> *Sent:* Wednesday, June 25, 2025 4:29 PM
> *To:* [email protected]; RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Permitting problem
>
>
>
> Nice install in the link!
>
> "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."
>
>
>
> What is snapnracks support structure that you are not using?
>
> *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar*
>
> *"we go where powerlines don't"*
>
> *   <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>https://offgridsolar1.com/ 
> <https://offgridsolar1.com/>  <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>*
>
> *e-mail  [email protected] <[email protected]>*
>
> *text 209 813 0060*
>
>
>
> On 2025-06-25 3:59 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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