The Vandalia City Council has approved allowing variances on solar panels on roofs on homes in Vandalia, only if these are approved by the Building Code Official and the Vandalia Fire Chief.
Currently it was stated the ordinance does not allow solar panels to be within 3 feet of the edge of the roof–but that could be changed if the variance is approved. Alderman Bob Bowen asked City Attorney Ryan Connor if he thought this opened up the city to any increased liability. And, City Administrator LaTisha Paslay pointed out this matter will often not come into the play.
Alderman Mike Hobler said this matter was discussed and the code approved a few years ago. And, he doesn’t believe there should be any variances allowed Alderman Andy Lester said that with home designs often being very different, he felt there could be some flexibility. The new paragraph in the code says that “For systems within the City of Vandalia, the Building Code Official shall review the application to verify adequate roof access will be allowed for emergency personnel in the case of emergency. Building Official will contact Fire Chief as needed.” And, “for systems installed within the City of Vandalia, the Building Official or their designee shall have the authority to reduce the required roof setback.”
The matter was approved by the Vandalia City Council by a vote of 5 to 2 with Aldermen Hobler and Steve Barker voting no. Alderman Ken Hubler was absent from the meeting.
Comments