Cal Fire Setback Variance?

[daev]

I have limited southwest-facing roof space so I'm trying to maximize the use of it. The 3' setback from the roof peak takes up some valuable space. There's also a hip along one edge of the roof, but the guidelines indicate that as long as one side of the hip is accessible, panels are permitted next to the hip. I didn't see anything similar referring to the peak.

One installer I talked to said that in the city of San Diego, it's almost guaranteed that a variance to the 3' peak rule will be issued if applied for. Has anyone ever heard of that?

Someone in another thread said they had an easy time getting a variance in LA county.

[foo1bar]

One installer I talked to said that in the city of San Diego, it's almost guaranteed that a variance to the 3' peak rule will be issued if applied for. Has anyone ever heard of that?

I got a variance without much problem here in N Cal.

You'll want to be prepared to tell/show them exactly what's going on under the roof.
For example, is it an attic space where cutting in on the north side of the ridge gives you basically same ventilation as cutting on the south side?
Where's the kitchen (I think they asked because many residential fires start in kitchen so they are likely to need to make a vent above the kitchen)

[daev]

I got a variance without much problem here in N Cal.

You'll want to be prepared to tell/show them exactly what's going on under the roof.
For example, is it an attic space where cutting in on the north side of the ridge gives you basically same ventilation as cutting on the south side?
Where's the kitchen (I think they asked because many residential fires start in kitchen so they are likely to need to make a vent above the kitchen)

Thanks. The peak runs most of the length of the house. In the back is the master bedroom and the entire space under the roof is open. From there to the front, there's an attic. So either side of the above-attic space would probably offer the same ventilation. Is this a good candidate for a variance?

[solarix]

This is good to know. The 3' rule just went into effect in some AHJ's around here. Can you tell me how exactly you go about getting a variance? Is it from the fire dept or the building dept?

[foo1bar]

This is good to know. The 3' rule just went into effect in some AHJ's around here. Can you tell me how exactly you go about getting a variance? Is it from the fire dept or the building dept?

I asked the building dept if it was possible.
They told me I would need to get it signed off by the fire dept.
I went over there, setup an appointment with their guy for a few days later.
I showed them my planned roof layout, and they asked me a few questions (like where the kitchen is)
The two firemen discussed some things as they were looking - I think one comment from one to the other was "Yeah, we could hand carry a ladder around to here [north side of house] and get up that way."

[daev]

I asked the building dept if it was possible.
They told me I would need to get it signed off by the fire dept.
I went over there, setup an appointment with their guy for a few days later.
I showed them my planned roof layout, and they asked me a few questions (like where the kitchen is)
The two firemen discussed some things as they were looking - I think one comment from one to the other was "Yeah, we could hand carry a ladder around to here [north side of house] and get up that way."

That's good to know. From your previous posts it seems like you may have done your own installation?

I wonder how the process would be different if working with an installer. I assume it's something they'd take care of just like pulling permits.

[J.P.M.]

That's good to know. From your previous posts it seems like you may have done your own installation?

I wonder how the process would be different if working with an installer. I assume it's something they'd take care of just like pulling permits.

See Title 24, Part 9, chap. 6 , Sec. 605.11. Set back requirements start at Sec. 605.11.3. See exceptions listed there. Then go to bldg. dept. with your hat in your hand. There seems to be an exception provided the fire marshal signs off on it.

Complements of Overthesun,02/28/2014.

[foo1bar]

That's good to know. From your previous posts it seems like you may have done your own installation?

I wonder how the process would be different if working with an installer. I assume it's something they'd take care of just like pulling permits.

I did my own install.

I would expect it to be similar with an installer - just that they would do it.
IMO an installer is less likely to want to bother with it though.

[daev]

See Title 24, Part 9, chap. 6 , Sec. 605.11. Set back requirements start at Sec. 605.11.3. See exceptions listed there. Then go to bldg. dept. with your hat in your hand. There seems to be an exception provided the fire marshal signs off on it.

Complements of Overthesun,02/28/2014.

Thanks. I did read the thorough analyses by Overthesun in that thread and others.

The installer made it seem like exceptions get granted all the time, so I wanted to see if it was really common. It doesn't seem so, but it's still possible as long as there's alternate ventilation.

[inetdog]

Thanks. I did read the thorough analyses by Overthesun in that thread and others.

The installer made it seem like exceptions get granted all the time, so I wanted to see if it was really common. It doesn't seem so, but it's still possible as long as there's alternate ventilation.

There is probably a lot more variation of policy among local FDs than with Cal Fire. Although the local management within Cal Fire could still enforce more or less strictly.
Or are you just using Cal Fire to refer to all FDs in California?

[Samsolar]

Google "Pitched Roof Array Layout for Fire Code Compliance " for a good article that explains setback options.

[J.P.M.]

I believe it's local fire authorities rather than Calfire. I was perhaps a bit parochial as they are the folks in my neighborhood.

On the setbacks: point is, there is the possibility of an exception being granted as referenced in the statute. It may not apply in all or even a few cases, but the case for exemptions does exist in statute. the ridge setback at least, is therefore, not an absolute requirement.

[daev]

I just wanted to post an update. My installer was able to get a variance to the 3' peak setback rule based on alternate venting availability. Because there are fire venting possibilities on the roof that are equally viable to the roof face with solar panels, the exemption was issued. So the setback rule is definitely not written in stone.

[J.P.M.]

I just wanted to post an update. My installer was able to get a variance to the 3' peak setback rule based on alternate venting availability. Because there are fire venting possibilities on the roof that are equally viable to the roof face with solar panels, the exemption was issued. So the setback rule is definitely not written in stone.

Thank you for the information and update. Seems good to have confirmation of what is possible.

[SunEagle]

Thank you for the information and update. Seems good to have confirmation of what is possible.

I just read an article where Louisiana has recently adopted the 2014 NEC article 690 concerning fire set backs.

It also has a requirement concerning a manual disconnect within 5 feet of the array to protect First responders from getting shocked.

So interesting changes for solar not only in CA.