Unless the project is value engineered and straightforward, we always have an architect/structural engineer draw up plans. It is unfortunate but permitting goes smoother.
Aloha, Lou Russo Spree Solar Systems LLC C-34322 On Thu, Jun 26, 2025 at 3:42 AM Christopher Warfel via RE-wrenches < [email protected]> wrote: > 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 > > CA Lic. 773985 > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & > settings:http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other:https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette:http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios:http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > > -- > Christopher Warfel, PE > ENTECH Engineering, Inc. > PO Box 871, Block Island, RI 02807 > (401) 447-5773 > > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the > other: > https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > http://www.members.re-wrenches.org > >
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