I have been installing solar-electric systems since 1984. Many of my projects require permitting. In the last 8 years I have some serious problems with the building department of San Luis Obispo County. These problems can be put into two categories:

1. Failure of the Building Department to comply with codes, ordinances and requirements.

2, Lack of expertise regarding solar electric equipment and practices.

Case study: Engineering requirements for ground mounted solar panels.

1. The county issues a checklist for solar permit applications. In that checklist you will find the following text:

2. "Engineering is required for arrays exceeding six feet above adjacent grade."

3. I wanted to verify this requirement so I emailed Matt Varvel. Although Varvel got the value for height wrong, he verified the language of the checklist.

4. In April of 2025 I submitted a permit application for a solar-electric system that would include aground-mount solar panel assembly that will be under 6'-0" in height.

5. The Building Department replied that engineering (a "report") would be required.

6. I pointed out that the need for engineering for a ground-mount solar panel rack is required only if the height of the rack exceeds 6'-0". I argued my point over several emails to Trevor Keith, the director of planning and building. There was no give on the point.

7. The building department claims the framewokr we have proposed is not approved by the racking manufacturer. However the manufactuer's web site states:

"The system is fully compatible with various foundation types, including
ground screws, grade beams, and standard pier concrete foundations."

From our knowledge of the English language and research we understand that Include often implies an incomplete listing

"Installations utilizing alternative foundations not listed in the Series
200 stamped engineering, available for all 50 states, may require
analysis by licensed engineering professional."

Note the manufacturer states "may require eingineering," not shall or must require engineering.

Conclusion: I would like to think we live in a society where our government will abide by their own rules and regulations. Apparently that does not apply in San Luis Obispo County.

This is one of many problems I have had with this building department. Below is a partial list of those problems:

-Not requiring wire guarding on a ground-mount solar array. This is a big safety issue.

-Mis-reading Title 19.