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Required access and pathways: <br />• At least two pathways (one on street/driveway side, one on each PV array plane). <br />• Pathways must be at least 36 inches wide and lead from roof edge to ridge. <br />• Pathway structure must support fire fighters. <br />• No overhead powerlines, minimal obstructions (vent pipes or mechanical equipment, etc). <br />Required roof edge to ridge access: <br />At least two pathways at least 36 inches in width from roof <br />edge to ridge (one must be street/driveway side). <br />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: <br />• Setbacks on each side of ridge are based on "plan view total <br />roof area" (the roof as seen from above). <br />• PV arrays less than 33% of plan view total roof area require <br />18-inch minimum setbacks on each side of ridge. <br />• 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): <br />• PV arrays less than 66% of plan view total roof area require <br />18-inch minimum setbacks on each side of ridge. <br />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: <br />• PV panels or modules cannot be placed below an emergency escape or rescue opening location. <br />• 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: <br />• 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. <br />• Roofs with a slope of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (17%) or less do not require roof access or access <br />pathways. <br />• 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 />Revised February 2022 <br />