Rick:
I think this is a state by state issue. From this article <https://www.nist.gov/buildings-construction/understanding-building-codes>: “Building codes vary from state to state and between jurisdictions.” In all jusrisdictions in my part of California, the local Fire Marshal is the final arbiter on what is allowed. Some building departments provide specifications for setbacks and some require I submit a plan for review to the Fire Marshal. If you are seeing conflicting requirements, reach out to the Fire Marshal and the building department. What I get away with will have little bearing on how your local officials may rule. I have obtained variances for being a few inches short of the required distance or if the pathway that the setback would create is otherwise inaccesble due to lack of safe ladder-set location. This was accomplished by approaching the Fire Marshall with a clear drawing and good logic. I hope this helps, William Miller PS: The article you cite reads like the world, as we know it, will end with the adoption of setbacks in Virginia. I felt the same way years ago when California adopted setbacks, but I am still alive. Sure, some projects allow less PV on a roof now, but I have to rely on experts to inform me what is safe for firefighters because I have no expertise on the issue. WM Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *rick--- via RE-wrenches *Sent:* Wednesday, June 7, 2023 12:01 PM *To:* RE-wrenches *Cc:* r...@solshineenergy.com *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] 2018 Residential Code Fire Setbacks Wrenches, Looking for some guidance on setbacks at ridge for PV systems. The 2018 code states the following: R324.6.2 Setback at ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying not more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than an 18-inch (457 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 33 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than a 36-inch (914 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge. In reading this <https://ipsunsolar.com/new-fire-code-setbacks-in-virginia-will-limit-the-size-of-solar-projects/>article put out by Ipsun Solar regarding the setbacks, they state that if there’s no PV on the opposite side of the roof no setback is required, although their diagram shows a 12” setback. I don’t see any exceptions in the code that indicate that. What’re you all doing for ridge setbacks? Thanks, rick brown SolShine Energy Alternatives, LLC Electrical & Solar Contracting Services www.SolShineEnergy.com Roanoke, VA Office: 540.235.3095 Mobile: 540.808.9502 VA Class A Contractor Lic# 2705147660 VA Master Electrician Lic# 2710062762 VA Alternative Energy Systems Installer NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional 110112-21 [image: solshine-01-18-17 copy.jpg]
_______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org 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/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/ 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
