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CONSTRUCTION CODES AND LICENSING <br />Required access and pathways: •At least two pathways (one on street/driveway side, one on each PV array plane). •Pathways must be at least 36 inches wide and lead from roof edge to ridge. •Pathway structure must support fire fighters. •No overhead powerlines, minimal obstructions (vent pipes or mechanical equipment, etc). <br />Required roof edge to ridge access: •At least two pathways at least 36 inches in width from roof <br />edge to ridge (one must be street/driveway side). •On same roof plane as PV array, on adjacent roof plane, or <br />straddling the same and adjacent roof plane. <br />Required setback at ridge: •Setbacks on each side of ridge are based on “plan view total <br />roof area” (the roof as seen from above). •PV arrays less than 33% of plan view total roof area require <br />18-inch minimum setbacks on each side of ridge. •PV arrays greater than 33% of plan view total roof area <br />require 36-inch minimum setbacks on each side of ridge. <br />Alternate setback at ridge (buildings equipped with automatic <br />fire sprinkler system): •PV arrays less than 66% of plan view total roof area require <br />18-inch minimum setbacks on each side of ridge. •PV arrays greater than 66% of plan view total roof area require 36-inch minimum setbacks on each side of ridge. <br />Emergency escape and rescue openings: •PV panels or modules cannot be placed below an emergency escape or rescue opening location. •A pathway of at least 36 inches to the emergency escape and rescue opening from the roof edge must be provided. <br />Are there exceptions to the roof access and pathway requirements? <br />The 2020 Minnesota Residential Code has three exceptions: •Detached, nonhabitable structures such as: detached garages, carports, parking shade structures and solar trellises <br />do not require roof access or access pathways on the roof. Detached structures with habitable attic space, finished <br />or unfinished and a ceiling height of seven feet or greater must provide roof access, pathways and ridge setbacks. •Roofs with a slope of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17%) or less do not require roof access or access <br />pathways. •Roof access is not required where the code official, with input from the fire code official, determines that rooftop <br />operations will not be used in the event of a fire. <br />How are access pathways, ridge setbacks, total roof areas, and solar array areas measured? <br />Pathways, setbacks and total roof and solar array areas are measured in plan view. Pathways and setbacks are measured <br />horizontally as in plan view so that a person standing vertically will have at least 36 inches of clear width. <br />Web: www.dli.mn.gov <br />Phone: 651-284-5012 or 1-800-657-3944 <br />Revised February 2022