[RE-wrenches] Permitting problem

[Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar]

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"
    [4]https://offgridsolar1.com/ [5]  [4]
e-mail  offgridsolar at sti.net
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 [1].  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 [2].
> 
> 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 [3]
> 
> CA Lic. 773985
> 
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Links:
------
[1] 
https://millersolar.com/MillerSolar/practices/DrivenPipe/DrivenPipe.html
[2] 
https://millersolar.com/MillerSolar/case_studies/41_County_of_SLO/County_of_SLO.html
[3] http://www.millersolar.com/
[4] http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
[5] https://offgridsolar1.com/
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