[RE-wrenches] Permitting problem

Wed Jun 25 20:22:02 PDT 2025

I am not altering anything. I am just using an alternate foundation
framework.

The building department conjured up the term “altered”. They must think you
are required to buy some kit with the pipes, connectors and concrete. In
reality you can use one of the three recommended systems or create your
own.

I would not trust every installer to create a solid support structure. I do
trust what we are doing.

The point is the building department said only racks over 6 feet require
engineering and now they are going against what they published. That makes
it impossible to account for all costs during the bid process. We can’t
apply for a permit first and then bid afterwards.

William Miller
Miller Solar.com
805-438-5600
www.millersolar.com

On Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 7:58 PM Jerry Shafer <jerrysgarage01 at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Wrenches, William, what is it that you are "altering" can you avoid
> altering the manufactures design to get it through the office.
> Fun times,
>
> On Wed, Jun 25, 2025, 4:46 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <
> re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:
>
>> Thank you.
>>
>>
>>
>> The SnapNRack suggested methods:  Poured footings, bond beam or screw-in
>> anchor.  The system I created is demonstrably superior to these methods.
>> It is quicker, cheaper, has less environmental impacts and can adapt better
>> to uneven ground.
>>
>>
>>
>> Wm
>>
>>
>>
>> Miller Solar
>>
>> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>>
>> 805-438-5600
>>
>> *www.millersolar.com* <http://www.millersolar.com/>
>>
>> CA Lic. 773985
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar [mailto:offgridsolar at sti.net]
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, June 25, 2025 4:29 PM
>> *To:* william at millersolar.com; RE-wrenches
>> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Permitting problem
>>
>>
>>
>> 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"*
>>
>> *   <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>https://offgridsolar1.com/ <https://offgridsolar1.com/>  <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/>*
>>
>> *e-mail  offgridsolar at sti.net <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*
>> <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* <http://www.millersolar.com/>
>>
>> CA Lic. 773985
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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