City of Chelsea (MA)

Massachusetts Authority Having Jurisdiction Solar permitting requirements

NEC Code Version2023

Fire Code Version2018 Building Code

SolarAPP+ StatusTargeted

Wet Stamps RequiredDigital Structural

Fire Setback Enforced1

Codes

NEC Code Version: 2023

Fire Code Version: 2018 Building Code

Code List

10TH EDITION OF THE MA STATE BUILDING CODE 780

2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE W/780 CMR

2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE W/780 CMR

2021 INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE

2021 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE

2023 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

ASCE Code Specification: ASCE 7-16

SolarAPP+ & submittal

SolarAPP+ Status: Targeted

Any SolarAPP+ Restrictions: 1

SolarAPP+ Restrictions: MPU,Derate

How Many Plansets Required: 1

Revision Required: 0

New Planset Required For Module Swap: 0

Stamps

Ee Stamp Required On SLD: Yes

Wet Stamps Required: Digital Structural

Structural Calculations Required: Yes

Ee Stamp Notes: Stamp all pages

Stamp Location On Plans: Unspecified

Date On Stamps: Expiration Date

Fire setbacks

Fire Setback Enforced: 1

Setback Notes

Standard

36" setback for flat roofs perimeter around all edges

Update -

For 1 or 2 family residence and townhouses with a ridge :

-Minimum 18'' setbacks from ridge on ALL roof planes

-Not less than two 36'' wide pathways from gutter to ridge on all buildings

-One pathway must be either on Street or Driveway side

For all other smaller residential buildings with flat roofs:

-Minimum 36'' perimeter around roof edges

-Minimum 36'' pathway near middle of structure (front to back or side to side)

For all other large residential and commercial buildings:

-The Chelsea Fire Department will follow the 2021 edition of NFPA 1

All permits require a stamped set of plans at the time of application

Under sec. 11.12.3.1.2 of 2021 NFPA 1, The Chelsea Fire Department shall be permitted to reduce or modify roof access based upon fire department ventilation procedure or alternative methods that ensure adequate fire department access, pathways, and smoke ventilation.

Structural & loads

Wind Speed: 125

Wind Notes

Exposure Category B

AHJ provided Solar Affidavit Sample Format to follow.

Snow Load: 40

Snow Load Notes: AHJ provided Solar Affidavit Sample Format to follow.

Reducible Snow Load Allowed: 1

Max Attachment Spacing: 96

Structural Notes

Please follow most recent stamping expectations guidelines. On older revisions, please submit for stamp through previous engineer.

AHJ has requested a specific format for Affidavit.

Letter to include all applicable loads, roof type, roof framing description including span info, panels anchorage details.

If roof elevation drawing is included, it requires a stamp.

ALL STRUCTURAL SECTIONS OF THE PLANS MUST BE STAMPED.

Make sure all info matches on all pages.

Inspector According to Inspector Halil:

PLANS & STRUCTURAL CALCS/PE LETTER MUST BE STAMPED BY THE SAME PE
He would like to know which way the rafters are going and it must indicate on the plans.
He needs all the measurements for the rafter-size indicated on the plans.
He needs the max span of the rafter on pv 3 or 3g.
Max Span needs to be indicated on Affidavit as well.
All struct needs to be indicated on Affidavit
Codes for Mass on Affidavit
Load criteria on Affidavit
Roof Type on Affidavit,
All struct details on Affidavit
Solar panel attachment details on Affidavit.

Halil stated he will never approve the Affidavit that we provided because it is a general affidavit and all we do is change the customer name and address and that is unacceptable. It needs to be detailed.

He stated if you have any questions, he can be reached at .

Minimum Ground On Roof: #10

Electrical

AC Disconnect Required: Yes

Electrical Load Calcs Required: Derates

Allowed POI: Load Side Taps,Meter Adapter,Line Side Taps,PV Breaker

Panel Schedule Required: Partial Home Backup

Temperature Rating: 90

De Rating Ampacity: 0.96

Battery / ESS

Unique Battery Placards Needed: 0

ESS Notes: Elevation diagram required showing distance between the ESS and any doors, windows, and other ESS.

Separate ESS Disconnect Required: ESS Disconnect

ESS Elevation Detail Required: Yes - with dimensions

Plan set

Plan Set Requirements

Cover Page

####PLEASE ASSIGN ALL PROJECTS FROM THIS AHJ TO ALEX TAS, DESIGNER OF THE REGION####

SEE JOB 496885 - Jesus Vaquerano for Accepted Example in Files

Site

1. Show rafters on used MPs

a. Include rafter attachment layout

b. Rafters should be spaced matching structural table and on rafter layer

c. Attachments should follow the staggered/stacked plan as called out on the table, matching the spacing also called out there. Place on the Roof Attachment layer.

2. Call out roof numbers corresponding to structural table

Roof Plan

Provide an elevation section explaining roof framing size, location and span info. See files section for example: Rosalba Medina (414716) Elevation Page requirement:

1. rafter size and spacing on letter and calcs

2. max Unbraced length on the structural table to be matched with LBW diagram shown in elevation page

3. Elevation page should be stamped

4. Need to show each and ALL MPs on Elevation page. Please add more pages if needed

Example project ID that passed an inspection: 414716.

Electrical Diagram: If the existing home has a multi family meter set and we have to replace the service in anyway they AHJ will require a common loads meter to also be installed (Example if 2 meters exist and we replace, Then 3 meter will be installed). New service must maintain a 3"x 3" clearance

Non Standard Planset Requirements: Home Elevation

Ground mount

Ground Mount Fencing Required: Mesh/Scrim