[RE-wrenches] Permitting problem

[William Miller]

Thanks David, but you missed the point.  I followed the published criteria
and I should not have to provide engineering.



William



Miller Solar

17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422

805-438-5600

www.millersolar.com

CA Lic. 773985





*From:* david quattro [mailto:david at quattrosolar.com]
*Sent:* Wednesday, June 25, 2025 4:13 PM
*To:* william at millersolar.com; RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Permitting problem



For this type of interaction I recommend Engineerinc.com for a Structural
stamp.

I’ve found them to be very reasonable







On Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 4:03 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> 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





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