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Washington Administrative Code (Last Updated: November 23, 2016) |
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Title 51. Enterprise Services, Department of (Building Code Council) |
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Chapter 51-51. State Building Code adoption and amendment of the 2015 edition of the International Residential Code. |
Section 51-51-60106. Appendix U—Solar-ready provisions-detached one- and two-family dwellings, multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses).
Latest version.
- The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance.U101 Scope.U101.1 General. These provisions shall be applicable for new construction where solar-ready provisions are required.U102 General definitions. Solar-ready zone. A section or sections of the roof or building overhang designated and reserved for the future installation of a solar photovoltaic or solar water-heating system.U103 Solar ready zone.U103.1 General. New detached one- and two-family dwellings, and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) with not less than 600 square feet (55.74 m2) of roof area oriented between 90 degrees and 270 degrees of true north shall comply with Sections U103.2 through U103.10.EXCEPTIONS:1. New residential buildings with a permanently installed on-site renewable energy system.2. A building where all areas of the roof that would otherwise meet the requirements of Section U103 are in full or partial shade for more than 70 percent of daylight hours annually.U103.2 Construction document requirements for solar ready zone. Construction documents shall indicate the solar ready zone.U103.3 Solar-ready zone area. The total solar-ready zone area shall be not less than 300 square feet (27.87 m2) exclusive of mandatory access or set back areas as required by this code. New multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) three stories or less in height above grade plane and with a total floor area less than or equal to 2,000 square feet (185.8 m2) per dwelling shall have a solar-ready zone area of not less than 150 square feet (13.94 m2). The solar-ready zone shall be composed of areas not less than 5 feet (1.52 m) in width and not less than 80 square feet (7.44 m2) exclusive of access or set back areas as required in this code or the applicable provisions of the International Fire Code. No portion of the solar zone shall be located on a roof slope greater than 2:12 that faces within 45 degrees of true north.U103.4 Obstructions. Solar-ready zones shall be free from obstructions including, but not limited to, vents, chimneys, and roof-mounted equipment.U103.5 Shading. The solar-ready zone shall be set back from any existing or new permanently affixed object on the building or site that is located south, east, or west of the solar zone a distance at least two times the object's height above the nearest point on the roof surface. Such objects include, but are not limited to, taller portions of the building itself, parapets, chimneys, antennas, signage, rooftop equipment, trees and roof plantings.U103.6 Capped roof penetration sleeve. A capped roof penetration sleeve shall be provided adjacent to a solar-ready zone when the solar-ready zone has a roof slope of 2:12 or less. The capped roof penetration sleeve shall be sized to accommodate the future photovoltaic system conduit, but shall have an inside diameter not less than 1 1/4 inches.U103.7 Roof load documentation. The structural design loads for roof dead load and roof live load shall be clearly indicated on the construction documents.U103.8 Interconnection pathway. Construction documents shall indicate pathways for routing of conduit or plumbing from the solar-ready zone to the electrical service panel or service hot water system.U103.9 Electrical service reserved space. The main electrical service or feeder panel for each dwelling unit shall have a reserved space to allow installation of a dual pole circuit breaker for future solar electric installation and shall be labeled "For Future Solar Electric." The reserved space shall be positioned at the opposite (load) end from the input feeder location or main circuit location.U103.10 Construction documentation certificate. A permanent certificate, indicating the solar-ready zone and other requirements of this section, shall be posted near the electrical distribution panel, water heater or other conspicuous location by the builder or registered design professional.