Fire codes relating to solar panels Residential Systems-Single and Two-Unit Residential Dwellings
Plan review is required if a system is to be installed that will occupy more than '/4 of the
roof area of a residential building.
Access/Pathways
A. Residential Buildings with hip roof layouts: Modules should be located in a manner
that provides one (1) three foot (3') wide clear access pathway from the eave to the
ridge on each roof slope where modules are located. The access pathway should be
located at a structurally strong location on the building(such as a bearing wall).
B. 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 cave to the ridge on
each roof slope where modules are located.
C. Hips and Valleys: Modules should be located no closer than one and one half(1.5) feet
to a hip or a 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 equal length then
the modules may be placed directly adjacent to the hip or valley.
Smoke Ventilation
The modules should be located no higher then three feet (3') below the ridge.
Commercial Buildings and Residential Housing Comprised of Three (3) or More
Units
Exception: If the Salem fire department determines that the roof configuration is similar
to residential (such as in the case of townhouses, condominiums, or single family
attached buildings), the fire department may make a determination to apply the
residential access and ventilation requirements.
Access
There should be a minimum six feet (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:
a. Should be over structural members
b. 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.
c. Should be straight line not less than 4 feet(4') clear to skylights and/or ventilation
hatches
d. Should be straight line not less than 4 feet(4') clear to the roof standpipes
e. Should provide 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
f. Provide Straight line clear path 4 feet (4') to roof fire protection standpipe outlets