Installations on low sloped roofs shall comply with the following requirements:
A. Clearances: All collectors, reflectors, engines, pipes, ducts and other components shall have sufficient clearance between the roof and the installation to permit roof repairs to be made and to permit circulation of air to avoid constant dampness, considering the configuration and location of the solar components and the roof. A space of two feet (2') or sixty one centimeters (61 cm) shall be adequate clearance in all instances; provided, that a smaller space shall be permitted if it can be demonstrated that all normal repairs and resurfacings of the roof may be made under the proposed clearances. The clearances required herein shall not apply to vertical pipes installed through the roof surface or installed outside of the outside walls to provide access to solar components.
B. Load Capacity: No solar component shall be installed on any roof unless the roof has sufficient capacity to hold the weight of the roof, the weight of the solar components and the anticipated snow load. The weight of fluid to be used in any panels, pipes or other components will be included in the calculations of load. In determining the anticipated snow load, the effect of the solar components on causing drifting shall be considered. If the rated capacity of the roof structure is at least one and one-half (11/2) times the weight of the roof components, the solar components and the anticipated snow load, the roof structure shall be deemed to have sufficient load capacity.
C. Protection From Drifting Or Sliding Snow: On any installation where solar collectors, solar engines and reflectors may cause snow to drift on a roof, provisions shall be made by snow fences, chutes or other barriers to prevent snowdrifts from accumulating on the roof. Wherever a solar collector, or other solar component may cause snow to slide, the part of the roof where the snow may accumulate as a result of sliding shall have sufficient capacity to hold the weight of the snow anticipated to accumulate because of sliding. Wherever the location and slope of a solar collector or other solar component may cause snow to slide onto any doorway, sidewalk or other place used by pedestrian traffic, protection in the form of chutes, awnings or other devices shall be provided to prevent any snow from sliding onto any such doorway, sidewalk or other place.
D. Roof Penetration: Wherever any pipe, duct or other solar component penetrates the surface of a roof, the roof shall be protected from leaks in the manner provided for any stack, pipe or conduit penetrating the roof surface.
E. Roof Preparation: Before any solar component is installed, the roof shall be inspected and any repairs and maintenance work needed shall be done to put the roof in leakproof condition.
(1987 Code § 7-221)