Status Report on Building Permits for Residential Solar Systems - Ken Traynor TREC/Our Power
May 8, 2009
We have received building permits for PV and are submitting for SHW now. ARISE submitted drawings signed by an Ontario Engineer detailing how their panels will be attached to a sloped roof. These drawings were reviewed by the Building department and approved by them. ARISE submits a copy of the drawings with each permit application along with the required site plan, elevation etc. for a standard building permit. The application is signed by one of their staff who has a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN#).
In the case of flat roofs they are submitting an engineered drawing with each application. They can reference their standardized drawing for the sloped roofs but specific engineered drawings for the flat roof because of the increased wind loading issues and the variability of the quality of flat roofs.
In the case of SHW, Greensaver has worked with an engineer to design installation strategies and drawings for a peaked roof, sloped roof and flat roof installation and these have been reviewed and approved by the building dept and are on file. They submit a site assessment report with each application which has been carried out by an engineer or someone with a BCIN #. The report documents the size, spacing and rafter span and the drawings have a rafter span table included. If the spans are within the approved table the permit is granted and an inspection is carried out after installation. We have not had any installations inspected yet. Again the regular site plan and elevations re also included with the drawings when the application is made. In the case of glycol based systems they require the installation of an RP type backflow prevention device and the installation of it has to be inspected by a qualified plumbing inspector.
The Cities Building department website lists the documents needed.
Rob McMonagle of the City Energy Efficiency office and the solar Neighbourhoods project should also be able to help with information of the documentation required.