BOMA San Francisco Members:
On April 23, 2014, the California Building Standards Commission filed with the Secretary of State an emergency rulemaking change on behalf of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. This emergency rulemaking delayed the effective date for certain fire classification requirements for roof mounted photovoltaic panels/modules [systems] contained in California Code of Regulations (CCR),Title 24, Part 2, known as the 2013 California Building Code (CBC) and Part 2.5, the California Residential Code (CRC). CBC Section 1505.9 and CRC Section R902.4 have been revised to read as follows:
1505.9 Photovoltaic panels and modules. Effective January 1, 2015, Rooftop mounted photovoltaic systems shall be tested, listed and identified with a fire classification in accordance with UL 1703. The fire classification shall comply with Table 1505.1 based on the type of construction of the building.
R902.4 Photovoltaic panels and modules. Effective January 1, 2015, Rooftop mounted photovoltaic panels and modules shall be tested, listed and identified with a fire classification in accordance with UL 1703. The fire classification shall comply with Table 1505.1 of the California Building Code based on the type of construction of the building.
This emergency rulemaking was necessary as the Office of the State Fire Marshal was recently informed by industry that presently there is an insufficient supply of UL 1703 compliant Class A, Class B or Class C fire rated, tested and listed photovoltaic panels/modules [systems] to meet present demand. This circumstance may prohibit the permitting of projects to install solar photovoltaic systems on roofs, which in turn curtails efforts to meet current sustainability goals. For additional background and information please review the Finding of Emergency located on the California Building Standards Commission website.
Questions or comments regarding this Information Bulletin should be directed to Division Chief Kevin Reinertson, Code Development and Analysis at (916) 327-4998, or by electronic mail to kevin.reinertson@fire.ca.gov.
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