Statutes, codes, and regulations
District Of Columbia Administrative Code
Title 12 - CONSTRUCTION CODES SUPPLEMENT OF 2017Subtitle 12-B - RESIDENTIAL CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 2017
Chapter 12-B3 - BUILDING PLANNING
Rule 12-B324 - SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-B324

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Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 43, October 25, 2024
Rule 12-B324 - SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Insert new Section R324.7 in the Residential Code to read as follows:

R324.7

Roof access and pathways.

Roof access, pathways and setback requirements shall be provided in accordance with Sections R324.7.1 through R324.7.2. Access and minimum spacing shall be required to provide emergency access to the roof, to provide pathways to specific areas of the roof, provide for smoke ventilation opportunity areas, and to provide emergency egress from the roof.

Exceptions:

1. Detached, nonhabitable structures, including but not limited to detached garages, parking shade structures, carports, solar trellises and similar structures, shall not be required to provide roof access.
2. Roof access, pathways and setbacks need no t be provided where the code official has determined that rooftop operations will not be employed.
3. These requirements shall not apply to roofs with slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope) or less.
R324.7.1

Pathways

Not fewer than two roof pathways extending from the lowest edge to the ridge and not less than 36 inches (914 mm) wide, shall be provided on all buildings with solar system installations. Not fewer than one pathway shall be provided on a street or driveway side of the roof. Pathways shall be over areas capable of supporting fire fighters accessing the roof. Pathways shall be located in areas with minimal obstructions such as vent pipes, conduit, or mechanical equipment.

R324.7.2

Setback at ridge.

For photovoltaic arrays occupying not more than 66 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than an 18- inch (457 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge, or a 36"- inch (914 mm) clear setback on one side. For photovoltaic arrays occupying more than 66 percent of the plan view total roof area, not less than a 36-inch (914 mm) clear setback is required on both sides of a horizontal ridge.

R324.7.2.1

Setbacks and pathways on buildings with sprinklers. Where an automatic sprinkler system is installed within the dwelling in accordance with NFPA 13D or Section P2904, setbacks and pathways shall not be required.

R324.7.2.2

Emergency escape and rescue opening. Panels and modules installed on dwellings shall not be placed on the portion of a roof that is below an emergency escape and rescue opening. A pathway not less than 36 inches (914mm) wide shall be provided to the emergency escape and rescue opening.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-B324

Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 5679 (5/29/2020)