[RE-wrenches] 2018 Residential Code Fire Setbacks

[William Miller]

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-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *rick--- via RE-wrenches
*Sent:* Wednesday, June 7, 2023 12:01 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Cc:* rick at 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]
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