Contractor Information Packet. North County Fire Authority. 10 Wembley Drive Daly City, CA (650)

Transcription

1 North County Fire Authority Contractor Information Packet North County Fire Authority 10 Wembley Drive Daly City, CA (650)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Access for Firefighting Equipment...2 Fire Safety Plan..3 Fire Lane. 4 Building Addresses...7 Fire Alarm Systems...8 Fire Hydrants...9 Fire Department Connections...11 Hood and Duct (Cooking) Extinguishing Systems...13 Sprinkler Systems...14 General...14 Residential Buildings...15 Residential Sprinkler Plan Requirements...16 Commercial Sprinkler Plan Requirements Hydraulic Calculation Requirements All Sprinkler Systems...19 Municipal Water Connections.20 Water Systems...23 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems Photovoltaic (Solar Panel) Installation Fire Apparatus Turnarounds 39 1 of 39

3 The City of Daly City as served by the North County Fire Authority, uses the current California Fire and Building Codes with some Municipal Code amendments, Title 19 - California Code of Regulations and nationally recognized standards. Access for Firefighting Equipment 1. All new roadways shall have a minimum of 20 in unobstructed width and maintain a 13 6 vertical clearance. [CFC ] 2. Roadways must have an all-weather surface and capable of carrying 68,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight. [CFC ] 3. Access roads of 150 or longer must be provided with turnarounds for fire department apparatus. [CFC ] 4. Fire lanes will be designated on approved plans. All fire lanes must be red curbed and designated NO PARKING FIRE LANE per the California Vehicle Code and the Daly City Municipal Code. [CFC 503.3] 5. For Subdivisions: No combustible materials will be allowed on-site until all-weather access roads capable of withstanding the imposed load of fire apparatus are installed. Hydrants must be in place and operational. [CFC Chapter 5] 6. Fire roads must be secured for emergency vehicles only, must be kept unobstructed at all times, and must be signed accordingly. [CFC 503.3] 2 of 39

4 Fire Safety Plan Fire Safety Plan-a written narrative and site plan shall be developed and submitted for fire department review that identifies the following items: 1) Procedures for reporting emergencies to the Fire Department. 2) Procedures for emergency notification, evacuation and/or relocation of all persons in the building under construction and on the site. 3) Procedures for hot work operations, management of hazardous materials and removal of combustible debris and maintenance of emergency access roads. 4) Floor plans identifying the locations of exits, exit stairs, exit routes and portable fire extinguishers. 5) Site plans identifying the designated exterior assembly areas for each evacuation routes. 6) Site plans identifying required fire apparatus access roadways and on-site fire hydrants. 7) Location and marking of Entry site/gate into a gated construction site. 8) The name(s) and contact phone numbers of persons responsible for compliance with the Fire Protection Plan. Contact the Fire Prevention Office for assistance. 3 of 39

5 Fire Lane All raised curbs in FIRE LANE NO PARKING areas shall be painted with 2 coats of 100% acrylic water based red curb marking paint and lettered to the above standards. Lettering shall be in WHITE, three inches (3) in height and have a minimum of ½ stroke. Lettering shall be painted every twentyfive feet (25 ). Where there is no curbing adjacent to the fire lane, the lane shall be marked by a six inch (6 ) wide painted red line on each side of the lane. FIRE LANE NO PARKING shall be painted on the red line as described above. Access roadway fire lane requirements: Width 36 feet or greater No requirements Between 28 and 36 feet post on one side Between 20 and 28 feet post on both sides Less than 20 feet not permitted 4 of 39

6 If an area has no curbs, the asphalt must be painted with a 6 wide red stripe and the NO Parking Fire Lane signage or stenciling must meet the criteria as stated above. The Fire Chief may designate any public or private roadway a fire lane when accessibility or obstruction is in question. Signs marking fire lanes shall be as follows: Signs marking fire lanes to be installed per Figure 1. Spacing of such signs to be within five feet (5 ) of each end of curbed areas and spaced a maximum of seventy-five feet (75 ) apart thereafter. Depending on the situation, additional signage may be required. 5 of 39

7 Figure 1 Figure 2 A = 7 feet height from surface of sidewalk to bottom of sign. B = 24 inches from edge at gutter. C = 24 inches minimum embedment. Note: Signs may be mounted on existing posts, fences or buildings if the post, fence or building is no more than 24 inches from the curb or edge of road surface. Signs may be installed flush to the wall with fire department approval. Signs must face oncoming vehicular traffic. FIRE LANE NO PARKING or NO STOPPING FIRE LANE signs must be designed as per Figure 2. Signs shall be 12 X 18 X.080 aluminum with white engineer grade reflective sheeting. Lettering for signs shall be 3 in height with the CVC reference in 1 lettering. Background can either be White on Red or as shown below with contrasting red, black and white colors. 6 of 39

8 Building Addresses Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. Said numbers shall contrast with their background and shall be internally or externally illuminated from dusk until dawn in all new construction, or when alterations or repairs of existing construction occur. Numbers shall be as follows: Single Family Homes Minimum 4 high, 5/8 stroke with contrasting background. Multi Family Communities (Apartments, condos, townhouses) Street Address: Minimum 12 high numbers with a 2 stroke with contrasting background. 12 high numbers with a 2 stroke are only acceptable when placed within approximately 75 of the road in which the property is addressed. Building Numbers: Minimum 18 high numbers with a 3 stroke with contrasting background. Buildings under 100 long, a minimum of one number per building. Buildings over 100 in length require a minimum of two numbers per building. Apartment Spread Numbers/Corridor Spread Numbers: Apartment spread numbers are to be a minimum 7 high numbers with a 1 stroke with contrasting background. Corridor spread numbers are to be a minimum of 4 high number with a 5/8 brush stroke with contrasting background. Number example format: rd Floor nd Floor st Floor Apartment Numbers: Minimum 4 high with a 5/8 stroke with contrasting background and shall be visible from access road. 7 of 39

9 Small Businesses Minimum 4 high, 5/8 stroke with contrasting background. If the address numbers are to be placed on clear glass over the door, a contrasting (solid color) background shall be in place. Large Office and Warehouse Buildings Minimum 24 high numbers with a 4 stroke with contrasting background. Address must be visible from all access directions. Buildings over 500 long will have two address locations if more than one access point is visible. Suite numbers are required for multi tenant complexes and shall be located over the front door and on the rear door with a 6 high by 1 brush stroke. Shopping Centers, High Rise Buildings and Other Applications Minimum 12 high numbers with a 2 stroke with contrasting background. Be visible from all access directions. Suite numbers are required over the door with a 6 high by 1 brush stroke. If the suite numbers are to be placed on clear glass over the door, a contrasting (solid color) background shall be in place. Buildings beyond 100 from the street and 10,000 square feet or more would need to install 18 X 3 address numbers. Fire Alarm Systems 1. Fire alarm systems shall be provided when required by the California Fire Code and installed in accordance with the appropriate standards of the California Fire Code and NFPA 72. All fire alarm 8 of 39

10 systems shall be monitored by an approved central or proprietary station service or a local alarm which gives audible and visual signals at a constantly attended location. [CFC ] 2. U.L. listed exterior horn-strobe devices shall be used for exterior alarm-signaling. Exterior hornstrobe devices shall be mounted in an approved location. [NCFA] 3. Systems that provide sprinkler system monitoring only shall have electrically monitored valves and water flow alarms. Signals shall be transmitted to an approved central station. A UL listed exterior horn/strobe device shall be provided at an approved location on the exterior of the building. An approved audible sprinkler flow alarm shall be provided in the interior of the building at a normally occupied location. [CFC ] Fire Hydrants 1. All fire hydrants shall be installed, tested, flushed and in-service prior to any combustible construction on site. [CFC 903.2] 2. Fire hydrants shall be installed approximately 300 feet apart and must meet Daly City requirements. [Daly City Standard Specifications] 3. All new fire hydrants or replacement of existing hydrants shall have two 2 ½ and one 4 ½ hose connections in commercial districts or one 2 ½ and one 4 ½ hose connection in residential 9 of 39

11 districts. Specifications: Wet-barrel with a cast-iron body, James Jones Model No or Long Beach Iron Works Model No. 430 (commercial applications) or James Jones Model No or Long Beach Iron Works Model No. 425 (residential applications). [Daly City Standard Specifications] 4. All painted city hydrants shall be painted as follows: Barrel: Dunn-Edwards Syn-Lustro #10-14 high Visibility Yellow-Industrial Maintenance Enamel Chrome Yellow. Outlet caps shall be painted according to the marking requirements set forth in NFPA 291, Standard for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants. [Daly City Standard Specifications] 5. Use reflective blue markers on the street pavement to identify all hydrants. Placement shall be 0.75 off centerline of street on the side toward the fire hydrant. [CFC 510.1, Daly City Standard Specifications] 6. On-site hydrants shall be required when any portion of a protected building is more than 150 feet from a water supply on a public street (as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building). [CFC 903.2] 7. Hydrant valve covers shall be painted red. [Daly City Requirement] 8. Parking prohibited 15 in either direction of a fire hydrant. [CVC ] Fire System Control Valves 1. Each sprinkler system shall be provided with a sprinkler control valve to isolate the system from the water supply. 2. Valves provided for each sprinkler system shall be outside indicating. When there is more than one riser on the system, each riser shall have separate outside indicating valves. 10 of 39

12 3. The installation height of the Post Indicator Valve (PIV) shall be 36 above the adjacent grade to the PIV handle socket. 4. Wall PIV s and butterfly valves shall be readily accessible. 5. Protection of the control valves is required when the control valves are subject to impact from vehicular traffic. 6. Working clearance for control valves shall be an unobstructed 3-foot radius around the control valve. Fire Department Connections (FDC s) 1. FDC s shall be located on the address side of the street, close to curb face, facing the street. 2. FDC s shall not be installed where there is a possibility of injury to firefighters by falling objects. 3. FDC s shall be installed so that the centerlines of the inlets are located at a minimum height of 24 and a maximum height of 36 above the adjacent finish grade. 4. FDC s shall be located within 150 of a public hydrant on the same side of the street and/or driveway. 11 of 39

13 5. FDC s shall be installed on the system side of the double detector check valve. 6. Protection of the FDC is required when the FDC is subjected to impact from vehicular traffic. 7. FDC s shall be located and arranged so that the hose lines can be readily and conveniently attached to the inlets without interference from any nearby objects, including buildings, fences, posts, or other fire department connections. 8. A green reflective road reflector is required to identify the location of the FDC. (See NCFA Fire Hydrant and Fire Department Connection Installation Guide) Signage for FDC 1. Each FDC to sprinkler systems shall be designated by a sign as follows: a. The sign shall have raised or engraved letters at least 1 in height on a plate or fitting. b. The sign shall indicate the service for which the connection is intended and shall read, for example, as follows: FDC SPRINKLER AND STANDPIPE SERVING 2100 GRAND AVE c. When an FDC only supplies a portion(s) of the building, a sign shall be attached to indicate the portion(s) of the building supplied. Example below FDC SPRINKLER AND STANDPIPE SERVING GENEVA AVE d. FDC signage and street identification marker shall be installed in accordance with NCFA Standards. The FDC sign shall be affixed either on the wall above the connection point or in a location approved by the fire department, and shall identify areas protected. The FDC street identification marker (green street reflective marker) shall be installed per NCFA Standards. (Request for a detailed Standard from NCFA) 12 of 39

14 Hood and Duct Extinguishing Systems 1. Commercial cooking equipment that produces grease laden vapors shall be provided with a Type I Hood, in accordance with the California Mechanical Code and an automatic fire extinguishing system that is listed and labeled for its intended use. [CFC ] 2. Manual activation devices shall be located in an approved location. [CFC ] 3. Fire extinguishers provided for the protection of cooking grease fires shall be of an approved type compatible with the automatic extinguishing agent. Sizing and distribution shall be in accordance with the latest edition of NFPA 10. [DCMC ] 4. Submit 2 complete wet-stamped sets of plans drawn to scale under a separate fire permit. Plans shall include the room layout, including exit doors, walls, etc. Include flow calculations and cutsheets for all components. 13 of 39

15 Sprinkler Systems General (Excluding R-3 Occupancies) 1. All new buildings or buildings with alterations, additions, renovations or repairs, fire sprinkler system requirements are specified in respective City Ordinance. 2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in a building whenever its occupancy or use is changed. This includes condominium conversions. [DCMC ] 3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all garbage compartments, rubbish and linen chutes, linen rooms, incinerator compartments, dumb waiter shafts, and storage rooms in all occupancies except Group R, Division 3. An accessible indicating shut-off valve shall be installed. [DCMC ] 4. When serving 20 sprinklers or more, all water supply valves and waterflow alarms shall be supervised by an approved central station service. 5. All exterior alarms shall be UL listed horn/strobe devices visible from the street/roadway fronting the building. Additional horn/strobe devices may be required to indicate multiple riser locations. [DCFD] 6. Plastic piping is not allowed for sprinkler piping or sprinkler supply (underground) piping. [DCMC , Daly City Standard Specifications] 7. No underground or aboveground piping shall be covered prior to a system rough-in/hydrostatic test. [DCFD] 8. All underground piping shall be flushed and approved by the Fire Department prior to connection to overhead piping. [DCFD] 14 of 39

16 Residential Buildings (See respective City Ordinance for specific requirements) If the installation of a residential fire sprinkler system is required, the installation shall be throughout the entire structure. Partial fire sprinkler systems are not allowed. 1. Sprinklers are required in all areas of the structure including: All egress paths including entrance foyers. Exterior overhangs greater than 4 feet. Bathrooms greater than 55 square feet or containing combustible cabinets. Closets greater than 24 square feet or greater than 3 feet in the least dimension. Garages Attic spaces used for storage. Crawl spaces used for storage. 2. All heads are to be quick response type and listed for residential occupancies. [NFPA 13D 3-5.1, NFPA 13R , ] 3. Piping shall be steel or copper. Plastic piping is not allowed. [DCMC ] 4. All exterior heads shall be corrosion resistant or listed for exterior use. [NFPA ] 5. All 13D systems shall be designed for a maximum water supply pressure of 65 psig. [DCFD] 6. All 13D systems shall be tested for leakage at normal system operating water pressure. [NFPA 13D 1-5.4] 7. All 13/13R systems with Fire Department Connections shall be tested at 200 psig for 2 hours. [NFPA 13R ] 15 of 39

17 Residential Sprinkler Plan Requirements 1. 2 complete sets of piping plans drawn to scale showing all head locations and room descriptions. Submit plans to Fire Department under a separate fire permit. 2. Provide wet-stamp of system designer on all plans. 3. All pipe sizes and "cut" or "center to center" lengths shall be provided. 4. Note any sloped or special ceilings. 5. Note any exposed beams or other ceiling obstructions to the sprinkler heads. 6. Show the attic access door. 7. Indicate on the plan all heat producing zones, (furnace, fireplace, water heater, and boiler). 8. Specify the manufacturer of the sprinkler head, orifice size, and temperature rating. 9. Provide a hanger detail showing all components and attachment devices. 10. Provide a system riser detail showing all valves and devices. 11. Show the location of the alarm horn/strobe. 12. Indicate the type of pipe being used in all areas (system piping, riser piping, and underground piping). 13. Provide a site plan drawn to scale showing the underground sizing, location, water meter, and connection point to the city main. 14. Provide a building cross section showing sprinkler system components and building construction. 16 of 39

18 15. Provide any necessary details that may be required to complete a comprehensive plan review. Commercial Sprinkler Plan Requirements [NFPA 6-1.1] 1. Separate fire permits are required for all installations. There is a reduced fee for additions/ alterations to existing systems of 9 heads or less. Applications are required for all submittals. 2. Working plans shall be drawn to an indicated scale, on sheets of uniform size, with plan of each floor, and shall show the following data: a. Name of owner and occupant b. Location, including street address c. Point of compass d. Full height cross section e. Location of fire walls f. Location of partitions g. Ceiling configuration (flat, beamed, sloped, etc.) h. Occupancy of each area or room i. Location and size of concealed spaces, closets, and bathrooms j. All areas in which no sprinklers are to be installed provide reason k. Size of city main in street, pressure and flow information. (identify if on loop or dead-end system) 17 of 39

19 l. Other sources of water supply, with pressure or elevation, (if any). m. Make, type and nominal orifice size of sprinkler n. Temperature rating and location of high-temperature sprinklers o. Total area protected by each system on each floor p. Number of sprinklers on each riser per floor q. Make, type, model and size of alarm or dry-pipe valve r. Make, type, model, and size of pre-action or deluge valve s. Location of alarm horn/strobes t. Total number of sprinklers on each dry-pipe system, pre-action system, combined dry-pipe/ preaction system, or deluge system u. Approximate capacity in gallons of each dry-pipe system v. Pipe type and schedule of wall thickness w. Nominal pipe size and cutting lengths of pipe (or center to center dimensions) NOTE: Where typical branch lines prevail, it will be necessary to size only one line x. Location and size of riser nipples y. Type of fittings and joints and location of all welds and bends z. Type and locations of hangers, sleeves, braces, and methods of securing sprinklers when applicable aa. All control valves, check valves, drain pipes, and test connections bb. Size and location of hand hose, hose outlets, and related equipment cc. Underground pipe size, length, location, material, point of connection to city main; the type of valves, meters, and valve pits, location of thrust blocks and the depth of cover. Note: Plastic piping is not allowed for underground sprinkler supply piping. [ Daly City Standard Specifications] dd. Provisions for flushing ee. When an addition is made to an existing system, enough of the existing system shall be indicated on the plans to make all conditions clear 18 of 39

20 ff. For hydraulically designed systems, include data for the hydraulic nameplate, and date of installation gg. Provide manufacturer s cut sheets hh. Name, address, phone number (and address if available) of contractor. ii. Fire pump(s) (electric, diesel or steam) identification and rated capacity. jj. Location of FDC and signage. Hydraulic Calculation Requirements (All Sprinkler Systems) 1. Outline of the calculation areas on the plans. 2. Calculations are required for the hydraulically most demanding sprinklers along with any supplemental areas that may be in question. 3. Indicate all hydraulic reference points on the plan. 4. Indicate flow switch location. 5. Indicate the meter size (if applicable) on the plan and include the appropriate pressure drop on the calculations. 6. Provide water flow data and the source of information on the plan. (Fire flow data on Water Purveyor letterhead required upon submittal of plans.) 7. Indicate location, type, and pressure drop of any back-flow preventers. 19 of 39

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24 Water Systems 1. Minimum main size is 6 in any area. Fire flow determined for buildings/areas per the California Fire Code (CFC) or Conditions of Approval. 2. A water supply system must be installed and approved prior to building construction. [CFC 508.1] 3. Table 1004-A (Obsolete Code)-Unable to locate table in code books. 4. Standpipe Systems (CFC Section 905). SPRINKLERED BUILDING OCCUPANCY STANDPIPE CLASS HOSE REQUIREMENT Occupancies exceeding 30 above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, or where floor level of the lowest story is located more than 30 below the highest level of fire department vehicle access. Group A buildings having an occupant load exceeding 1,000 persons. Covered mall buildings Stages greater than 1,000 square feet. (a 1 ½ -inch hose connection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13 or NFPA 14 for Class II or III standpipes. Underground buildings I I I II or III I 23 of 39

25 Class I 2 ½ for fire department use only. Class II 1 ½ hose connection for public and fire department use. No 2 ½ inch connection. Class III 1 ½ and 2 ½ inch connections. City Ordinance: Table 1004-A--Standpipe Requirements. Table 1004-A Standpipe Requirements is amended to read as follows: Table 1004-A STANDPIPE REQUIRED SYSTEMS SPRINKLERED BUILDING* OCCUPANCY STANDPIPE CLASS HOSE REQUIREMENT 1. Occupancies exceeding 150 III No ft. in height and more than one story 2. Occupancies 3 stories or III No more, but less than 150 ft. in height, except Group R, Div Group A Occupancies with III No occupant load exceeding 1,000 ** 4. Group A, Div. 2.1 III Yes Occupancies over 5,000 sq. ft. in area used for exhibition 5. Groups B, F-Div. I, H, I, M, S III No Occupancies less than 3 stories in height, but greater than 20,000 sq. ft. per floor 6. Stages more than 1,000 sq. ft. in area III No * The standpipe system may be combined with the automatic sprinkler system. ** Class III standpipes need not be provided in assembly areas used solely for worship. (Ord (part), 2002) 24 of 39

26 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems 1. Duct detectors shall be installed per NFPA 90A. 2. Detectors that are installed in the air duct system in accordance with NFPA 72 Section (2) shall not be used as a substitute for open area protection. 3. Area smoke detectors within smoke compartments shall be permitted to be used to control the spread of smoke by initiating operation of doors, dampers, and other equipment. (NFPA 72 Section ) 4. Where the detection of smoke in the supply air system is required by other NFPA standards, a detector(s) listed for the air velocity present and that is located in the supply air duct downstream of both the fan and the filters shall be installed. (NFPA 72 Section ) 5. Detectors shall be listed for the purpose for which they are being used. (NFPA 72 Section ) 6. Air duct detectors shall be installed in such a way as to obtain a representative sample of the airstreams. This installation shall be permitted to be achieved by any of the following methods: (NFPA 72 Section ) a. Rigid mounting within the duct b. Rigid mounting to the wall of the duct with the sensing element protruding into the duct 25 of 39

27 c. Installation outside the duct with rigidly mounted sampling tubes protruding into the duct d. Installation through the duct with projected light beam The location of all detectors in the duct systems shall be permanently and clearly identified and recorded. (NFPA 72 Section ) 26 of 39

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29 SOLAR POWER REQUIREMENTS PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS Alternative sources of power are becoming more and more popular. Solar Systems used to produce electricity, in particular, are leading the pack and becoming commonplace throughout the city. The following are some guidelines for the use and placement of equipment for these systems. 1.0 MARKING PV systems must be marked. Marking is needed to provide emergency responders with appropriate warning and guidance with respect to working around and isolating the solar electric system. This can facilitate identifying energized electrical lines that connect the solar modules to the inverter, as these should not be cut when venting for smoke removal. Materials used for marking must be weather resistant. It is recommended that Underwriters Laboratories Marking and Labeling System 969 (UL 969) be used as standard to determine weather rating. (UL listing of markings is not required). 28 of 39

30 1.1 Main Service Disconnect For residential applications, the marking may be placed within the main service disconnect. If the main service disconnect is operable with the service panel closed, the marking should be placed on the outside cover. For commercial application, the marking should be placed adjacent to the main service disconnect in a location clearly visible from the location where the lever is operated. All electrical panel shut-offs shall be designed to shut off all power (Solar and Domestic) after the panel. NOTE: Shut-offs sometimes can be located on the roof, generally after an array. If so, the shut-off shall be labeled Marking Content and Format MARKING CONTENT: CAUTION: SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM RED BACKGROUND WHITE LETTERING MINIMUM 1 ½ LETTER HEIGHT ALL CAPITAL LETTERS ARIAL OR SIMILAR FONT, NON-BOLD REFLECTIVE, WEATHER RESISTANT MATERIAL SUITABLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (durable adhesive materials may meet this requirement) Marking Content and Format MARKING CONTENT: CAUTION: SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM RED BACKGROUND WHITE LETTERING MINIMUM 1 ½ LETTER HEIGHT ALL CAPITAL LETTERS ARIAL OR SIMILAR FONT, NON-BOLD REFLECTIVE, WEATHER RESISTANT MATERIAL SUITABLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (durable adhesive materials may meet this requirement) CAUTION: SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEM 29 of 39

31 1.1.3 Marking for Direct Current Conduit, Raceways, Enclosures, Cable Assemblies, and Junction Boxes. Marking is required on all interior and exterior DC conduit, raceways, enclosures, cable assemblies, and junction boxes to alert the Fire Service to avoid cutting them. Marking should be placed on all interior and exterior DC conduit, raceways, enclosures, and cable assemblies, every 10 feet, at turns and above and/or below penetrations and all DC combiner and junction boxes Marking Content and Format MARKING CONTENT: CAUTION: SOLAR CIRCUIT RED BACKGROUND WHITE LETTERING MINIMUM 1 ½ LETTER HEIGHT ALL CAPITAL LETTERS ARIAL OR SIMILAR FONT, NON-BOLD REFLECTIVE, WEATHER RESISTANT MATERIAL SUITABLE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (durable adhesive materials meet this requirement). CAUTION: SOLAR CIRCUIT 1.3 Inverters The inverter is a device used to convert DC electricity from the solar system to AC electricity for use in the building s electrical system or the grid. No markings are required for the inverter. 2.0 ACCESS, PATHWAYS AND SMOKE VENTILATION Access and spacing requirements should be observed in order to: Ensure access to the roof Provide pathways to specific areas of the roof Provide for smoke ventilation opportunities area Provide emergency egress from the roof 30 of 39

32 Designation of ridge, hip, and valley does not apply to roofs with 2-in-12 or less pitch. All roof dimensions are measured to centerlines. Roof access points should be defined as areas where ladders are not placed over openings (i.e., windows or doors) and are located at strong points of building construction and in locations where they will not conflict with overhead obstructions (i.e., tree limbs, wires, or signs). 2.1 Residential Systems-Single and Two-Unit Residential Dwellings Panel clusters shall be limited to a 50 x 50 area and separated by Access/Pathways Residential Buildings with hip roof layouts: Modules should be located in a manner that provides one (1) three-foot (3 ) wide clear access pathways from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where modules are located. The access pathways should be located at a structurally strong location on the building (such as a bearing wall). Residential Buildings with a single ridge: Modules should be located in a manner that provides two (2) three-foot (3 ) wide access pathways from the eave to the ridge on each slope where modules are located. Hips or Valleys: Modules should be located no closer than one and one half (1.5) feet to a hip or valley if modules are to be placed on both sides of a hip or valley. If the modules are to be located on only one side of a hip or valley that is of equal length then the modules may be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley Smoke Ventilation The modules should be located no higher than three feet (3 ) below the ridge Hardware Hardware shall be of the quick release type-subject to Fire Department approval. 2.2 Commercial Buildings and Residential Housing Comprised of Three (3) or More Units. Exception: If the local jurisdiction determines that the roof configuration is similar to residential (such as in the case of townhouses, condominiums, or single family attached buildings), the local fire department may make a determination to apply the residential access and ventilation requirements. Examples of these requirements appear at the end of this guideline. 31 of 39

33 2.2.1 Access There should be a minimum of six foot (6 ) wide clear perimeter around the edges of the roof. Exception: If either axis of the building is 250 feet or less, there should be a minimum four feet (4 ) wide clear perimeter around the edges of the roof Pathways Pathways should be established in the design of the solar installation. Pathways should meet the following requirements: Should be over structural members Centerline axis pathways should be provided in both axis of the roof. Centerline axis pathways should run on structural members or over the next closest structural member nearest to the center lines of the roof. Should be straight line not less than 4 feet (4 ) clear to roof standpipes Should be straight line not less than 4 feet (4 ) clear around roof access hatch with at least one not less than 4 feet (4 ) clear pathway to parapet or roof edge Should be straight line not less than 4 feet (4 ) clear to skylights and/or ventilation hatches Smoke Ventilation Arrays should be no greater than 150 by 150 feet in distance in either axis Ventilation options between array sections should be either: o A pathway 8 feet (8 ) or greater in width o 4 feet (4 ) or greater in width pathway and bordering on existing roof skylights or ventilation hatches o 4 feet (4 ) or greater in width pathway and bordering four feet (4 ) x 8 feet (8 ) venting cutouts every 20 feet (20 ) on alternating sides of the pathway. 3.0 LOCATION OF DIRECT CURRENT (DC) CONDUCTORS Conduit, wiring systems, and raceways for photovoltaic circuits should be locate as close as possible to the ridge or hip or valley and from the hip or valley as directly as possible to an outside wall to reduce trip hazards and maximize ventilation opportunities. Conduit runs between sub arrays and to DC combiner boxes should use design guidelines that minimize total amount of conduit on the roof by taking the shortest path from the array to the DC combiner box. The DC combiner boxes are to be located such that conduit runs are minimized in the pathways between arrays. 32 of 39

34 To limit the hazard of cutting live conduit in venting operations, DC wiring should be run in metallic conduit or raceways when located within enclosed spaces in a building and should be run, to maximum extent possible, along the bottom of load-bearing members. 4.0 NON-HABITABLE BUILDINGS This guideline does not apply to non-habitable structures. Examples of non-habitable structures include, but are not limited to, parking shade structures, solar trellises, etc. 5.0 GROUND MOUNTED PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAYS Setback requirements do not apply to ground-mounted, freestanding photovoltaic arrays. A clear brush area of ten feet (10 ) is required for ground mounted photovoltaic arrays. 33 of 39

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