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2015 IFC Provisions WAC 51 - 54A - 0605 - Washington StateHi Laurie, The code reference is for the 33% or less is in the WAC 51 -54-0605 and it states: 605.11.1.2 Solar photovoltaic systems for Group R -3 residential and buildings built under the International Residential Code. Solar photovoltaic systems for Group R-3 residential and buildings built under the International Residential Code shall comply with Sections 605.11.1.2.1 through 605.11.1.2.5. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Residential dwellings with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed. 2. Residential dwellings with approved mechanical or passive ventilation systems. 3. Where the fire code official determines that the slope of the roof is too steep for emergency access. 4. Where the fire code official determines that vertical ventilation tactics will not be utilized. 5. These requirements shall not apply to roofs where the total combined area of the solar array does not exceed thirty-three percent as measured in plan view of the total roof area of the structure, where the solar array will measure 1,000 sq. ft. or less in area, and where a minimum eighteen inches unobstructed pathway shall be maintained along each side of any horizontal ridge. The WA fire code section was adopted by WA State in 2014 and the 2015 Fire Code Section has new language: 2014: 605.11.3.2 Residential systems for one- and two-family dwellings. Access to residential systems for one- and twofamily dwellings shall be provided in accordance with Sections 605.11.3.2.1 through 605.11.3.2.4. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Residential dwellings with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed; 2. Residential dwellings with approved mechanical or passive ventilation systems; 3. Where the fire code official determines that the slope of the roof is too steep for emergency access; 4. Where the fire code official determines that vertical ventilation tactics will not be utilized. 5. These requirements shall not apply to roofs where the total combined area of the solar array does not exceed 33 percent as measured in plan view of the total roof area of the structure, where the solar array will measure 1,000 sq. ft. or less in area, and where a minimum 18 inches unobstructed pathway shall be maintained along each side of any horizontal ridge . 2015 new language: 605.11.1.2 Solar photovoltaic systems for Group R-3 buildings. Solar photovoltaic systems for Group R-3 buildings shall comply with Sections 605.11.1.2.1 through 605.11.1.2.5. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to structures designed and constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code. Verbiage Change Change in 2015 IFC from “one and tw o family dwellings” to “Group R -3 buildings.” Exceptions #’s 1, 2, 3, & 5 unique to WA Code (Oregon and Boulder, CO have similar provisions to #5.) 2015 IFCincorporates exception #4 in new 605.11.1 exception 2. Reference to IRC in 2015 IFC is new. Please let me know if you have any questions. Neil Gowler 2015 IFC Provisions – Comparison Document with Washington Code – WAC 51-54A-0605 Electrical Equipment, wiring and hazards (Washington State Fire Code) 2015 Fire Code Section (underline new language) Relevant WA Fire Code Sections (underline shows amendments adopted by WA State in 2014) Discussion 605.11 Solar photovoltaic power systems. Solar photovoltaic power systems shall be installed in accordance with Sections 605.11.1 through 605.11.2, the International Building Code or International Residential Code, and NFPA 70. See below   605.11.1 Access and pathways. Roof access, pathways, and spacing requirements shall be provided in accordance with Sections 605.11.1.1 through 605.11.1.3.3. Exceptions: 1. Detached, nonhabitable Group U structures including, but not limited to, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures. 2. Roof access, pathways and spacing requirements need not be provided where the fire chief has determined that rooftop operations will not be employed. WAC 51-54A-0605 Electrical equipment, wiring and hazards. 605.11 Solar photovoltaic power systems. Installation, modification, or alteration of solar photovoltaic power systems shall comply with this section. Due to the emerging technologies in the solar photovoltaic industry, it is understood fire code officials may need to amend prescriptive requirements of this section to meet the requirements for firefighter access and product installations. Section 104.9 Alternative materials and methods of this code shall be considered when approving the installation of solar photovoltaic power systems. Solar photovoltaic power systems shall be installed in accordance with Sections 605.11.1 through 605.11.4, the International Building Code and NFPA 70. EXCEPTION: Detached, nonhabitable Group U structures shall not be subject to the requirements of Sections 605.11.2 through 605.11.3.3.3. (See also WA Code section 605.11.3.2 and exceptions) Washington State existing code language goes farther than the 2015 IFC to recognize that prescriptive standards in 2012 and 2015 IFC as published by IFC might be appropriately modified by the Fire Code Official using section 104.9 Alternative materials and methods. New 2015 IFC contains no similar reference. 2015 IFC exception 2 incorporates some of the intent of the WA code changes, which can also be found in WA section 605.11.3.2, exception 4. 605.11.1.1 Roof access points. Roof access points shall be located in areas that do not require the placement of ground ladders over openings such as windows or doors, and located at strong points of building construction in locations where the access point does not conflict with overhead obstructions such as tree limbs, wires or signs. 605.11.3.1 Roof access points. Roof access points shall be located in areas that do not require the placement of ground ladders over openings such as windows or doors, and located at strong points of building construction in locations where the access point does not conflict with overhead obstructions such as tree limbs, wires or signs. IFC 2015 identical to WA adopted code, but IFC 2015 relocated this section (new section number). 605.11.1.2 Solar photovoltaic systems for Group R-3 buildings. Solar photovoltaic systems for Group R-3 buildings shall comply with Sections 605.11.1.2.1 through 605.11.1.2.5. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to structures designed and constructed in accordance with the International Residential Code. 605.11.3.2 Residential systems for one- and two-family dwellings. Access to residential systems for one- and two- family dwellings shall be provided in accordance with Sections 605.11.3.2.1 through 605.11.3.2.4. EXCEPTIONS:   1. Residential dwellings with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed; 2. Residential dwellings with approved mechanical or passive ventilation systems; 3. Where the fire code official determines that the slope of the roof is too steep for emergency access; 4. Where the fire code official determines that vertical Change in 2015 IFC from “one and two family dwellings” to “Group R-3 buildings.” Exceptions #’s 1, 2, 3, & 5 unique to WA Code (Oregon and Boulder, CO have similar provisions to #5.) 2015 IFC ventilation tactics will not be utilized. 5. These requirements shall not apply to roofs where the total combined area of the solar array does not exceed 33 percent as measured in plan view of the total roof area of the structure, where the solar array will measure 1,000 sq. ft. or less in area, and where a minimum 18 inches unobstructed pathway shall be maintained along each side of any horizontal ridge. incorporates exception #4 in new 605.11.1 exception 2. Reference to IRC in 2015 IFC is new. 605.11.1.2.1 Size of solar photovoltaic array. Each photovoltaic array shall be limited to 150 feet (45 720 mm) by 150 feet (45 720 mm). Multiple arrays shall be separated by a 3-foot-wide (914 mm) clear access pathway. 605.11.3 Access and pathways. Roof access, pathways, and spacing requirements shall be provided in accordance with Sections 605.11.3.1 through 605.11.3.3.3. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Residential structures shall be designed so that each photovoltaic array is no greater than 150 feet (45,720 mm) by 150 feet (45,720 mm) in either axis. 2. Panels/modules shall be located up to the roof ridge where an alternative ventilation method approved by the fire code official has determined vertical ventilation techniques will not be employed. Formatting between 2015 IFC and state code a bit different. 150’ x 150’ max array size basically the same. For WA Code exception 2, see 2015 IFC 605.11.1.2.5, exception. 605.11.1.2.2 Hip roof layouts. Panels and modules installed on Group R-3 buildings with hip roof layouts shall be located in a manner that provides a 3-foot- wide (914 mm) clear access pathway from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels and modules are located. The access pathway shall be at a location on the building capable of supporting the fire fighters accessing the roof. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) or less. 605.11.3.2.1 Group R·3 Buildings with Hip Roof Layouts. Panels/modules shall be located in a manner that provides a 3 foot (914 mm) wide clear access pathway from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels/modules are located. The access pathway shall be located at a structurally strong location on the building capable of supporting the live load of fire fighters accessing the roof. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in twelve units horizontal (2:12) or less.  IFC 2015 identical to WA adopted code, but IFC 2015 relocated this section (new section number).  605.11.1.2.3 Single-ridge roofs. Panels and modules installed on Group R-3 buildings with a single ridge shall be located in a manner that provides two, 3- foot-wide (914 mm) access pathways from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels and modules are located. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) or less.   605.11.3.2.2 Residential buildings with a single ridge. Panels/modules installed on residential buildings with a single ridge shall be located in a manner that provides two, 3-foot- wide (914 mm) access pathways from the eave to the ridge on each roof slope where panels/modules are located. Exception: This requirement shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) or less.  Only difference between IFC 2015 and WA adopted code is reference to Group R-3 instead of “residential” buildings. Also, section numbered differently. 605.11.1.2.4 Roofs with hips and valleys. Panels and modules installed on Group R-3 buildings with roof hips and valleys shall not be located closer than 18 inches (457 mm) to a hip or a valley where panels/modules are to be placed on both sides of a hip or valley. Where panels are to be located on only one side of a hip or valley that is of equal length, the panels shall be permitted to be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) or less.  605.11.3.2.3 Residential buildings with roof hips and valleys. Panels/modules installed on residential buildings with roof hips and valleys shall be located no closer than 18 inches (457 mm) to a hip or a valley where panels/modules are to be placed on both sides of a hip or valley. Where panels are to be located on only one side of a hip or valley, the panels shall be permitted to be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley. Exception: These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) or less. Only difference between IFC 2015 and WA adopted code is reference to Group R-3 instead of “residential” buildings. Also, section numbered differently. 605.11.1.2.5 Allowance for smoke ventilation operations. Panels and modules installed on Group R-3 buildings shall be located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the ridge in order to allow for fire department smoke ventilation operations. Exception: Panels and modules shall be permitted to be located up to the roof ridge where an alternative ventilation method approved by the fire chief has been provided or where the fire chief has determined vertical ventilation techniques will not be employed. 605.11.3.2.4 Residential building smoke ventilation. Panels/modules installed on residential buildings shall be located no higher than 18 inches (457 mm) below the ridge in order to allow for fire department rooftop operations. WA IFC adopted code reduced 3’ setback from the ridge to 18 inches. 2015 IFC replaces “residential” with “Group R-3” reference. Exception in 2015 IFC is new and incorporates exceptions adopted by WA state from 605.11.3.2 Exception #4 and 605.11.3 Exception #2. 605.11.1.3 Other than Group R-3 buildings. Access to systems for buildings, other than those containing Group R-3 occupancies, shall be provided in accordance with Sections 605.11.1.3.1 through 605.11.1.3.3. Exception: Where it is determined by the fire code official that the roof configuration is similar to that of a Group R-3 occupancy, the residential access and ventilation requirements in Sections 605.11.1.2.1 through 605.11.1.2.5 shall be permitted to be used. 605.11.3.3 Other than residential buildings. Access to systems for occupancies other than one- and two- family dwellings shall be provided in accordance with Sections 605.11.3.3.1 through 605.11.3.3.3. Exception: Where it is determined by the fire code official that the roof configuration is similar to that of a one- or two-family dwelling, the residential access and ventilation requirements in Sections 605.11.3.2.1 through 605.11.3.2.4 shall be permitted to be used. No change other than to refer to Group R-3 occupancies in 2015 IFC rather than one or two family dwelling in current WA code. 605.11.1.3.1 Access. There shall be a minimum 6-foot-wide (1829 mm) clear perimeter around the edges of the roof. Exception: Where either axis of the building is 250 feet (76 200 mm) or less, the clear perimeter around the edges of the roof shall be permitted to be reduced to a minimum 4 foot wide (1290 mm). 605.11.3.3.1 Access. There shall be a minimum 6-foot-wide (1829 mm) clear perimeter around the edges of the roof. Exception: Where either axis of the building is 250 feet (76 200 mm) or less, there shall be a minimum 4-foot-wide (1290 mm) clear perimeter around the edges of the roof. No change other than section numbering and minor rewording of exception (no effective change). 605.11.1.3.2 Pathways. The solar installation shall be designed to provide designated pathways. The pathways shall meet the following requirements: 1. The pathway shall be over areas capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof. 2. The centerline axis pathways shall be provided in both axes of the roof. Centerline axis pathways shall run where the roof structure is capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof. 3. Pathways shall be a straight line not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear to roof standpipes or ventilation hatches. 4. Pathways shall provide not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear around roof access hatch with not less than one singular 605.11.3.3.2 Pathways. The solar installation shall be designed to provide designated pathways. The pathways shall meet the following requirements: 1. The pathway shall be over areas capable of supporting the live load of fire fighters accessing the roof. 2. The centerline axis pathways shall be provided in both axes of the roof. Centerline axis pathways shall run where the roof structure is capable of supporting the live load of fire fighters accessing the roof. 3. Shall be a straight line not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear to skylights or ventilation hatches. 4. Shall be a straight line not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear to roof standpipes. 5. Shall provide not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear around roof access hatch with at least one not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear pathway to parapet or roof edge.    Only change is 2015 IFC deletes “live load” in subsection 1, and adding of the word “pathways” at the beginning of subsections 3 & 4. pathway not less than 4 feet (1290 mm) clear to a parapet or roof edge. 605.11.1.3.3 Smoke ventilation. The solar installation shall be designed to meet the following requirements: 1. Arrays shall be not greater than 150 feet (45 720 mm) by 150 feet (45 720 mm) in distance in either axis in order to create opportunities for fire department smoke ventilation operations. 2. Smoke ventilation options between array sections shall be one of the following: 2.1. A pathway 8 feet (2438 mm) or greater in width. 2.2. A 4-foot (1290 mm) or greater in width pathway and bordering roof skylights or gravity-operated dropout smoke and heat vents on not less than one side. 2.3. A 4-foot (1290 mm) or greater in width pathway and bordering all sides of nongravity-operated dropout smoke and heat vents. 2.4. A 4-foot (1290 mm) or greater in width pathway and bordering 4-foot by 8- foot (1290 mm by 2438mm) “venting cutouts” every 20 feet (6096 mm) on alternating sides of the pathway. 605.11.3.3.3 Smoke ventilation. The solar installation shall be designed to meet the following requirements: 1. Arrays shall be no greater than 150 feet (45 720 mm) by 150 feet (45 720 mm) in distance in either axis in order to create opportunities for fire department smoke ventilation operations. 2. Smoke ventilation options between array sections shall be one of the following: 2.1. A pathway 8 feet (2438 mm) or greater in width. 2.2. A 4-foot (1290 mm) or greater in width pathway and bordering roof skylights or smoke and heat vents. 2.3. A 4-foot (1290 mm) or greater in width pathway and bordering 4-foot by 8-foot (1290 mm by 2438 mm) "venting cutouts” every 20 feet (6096 mm) on alternating sides of the pathway. 2015 IFC contains new language and clarifications. in subsection 2.2 “gravity-operated dropout smoke and heat vents on not less than one side.” Section 2.3 is new, referring to 4’ pathway bordering all sides of nongravity operated dropout smoke and heat vents. Overall, these changes appear to be clarifications. 605.1 1.2 Ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays. Ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays shall comply with Section 605.11 and this section. Setback requirements shall not apply to ground-mounted, free- standing photovoltaic arrays. A clear, brush-free area of 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be required for ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays. 605.11.4 Ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays. Ground- mounted photovoltaic arrays shall comply with Sections 605.11 through 605.11.2 and this section. Setback requirements shall not apply to ground-mounted, free-standing photovoltaic arrays. 2015 IFC did not change this section of the code. However, WA did not adopt the 10 foot “brush-free area” around ground mounted systems. This language was deemed unnecessary.