Visit To Building Permit Folks

[WB4CMB]

It is my impression that the entire structure must withstand 100mph gusts of 3 seconds. I will ask however. Thanks Ray

[WB4CMB]

This is the latest answer to my Q, asking if the 100mph wind rating applied to both tower and antenna.

Ray
The wind rating should apply to the whole assembly, tower and antenna.
Pat

If I homebrew an antenna, which I prefer, this is more for the engineer to have to go over and charge me for. It's getting more discouraging, but I'm NOT ready to give up.
Ray

[WB2WIK]

This is the latest answer to my Q, asking if the 100mph wind rating applied to both tower and antenna.

Ray
The wind rating should apply to the whole assembly, tower and antenna.
Pat

If I homebrew an antenna, which I prefer, this is more for the engineer to have to go over and charge me for. It's getting more discouraging, but I'm NOT ready to give up.
Ray

Before doing anything, I'd want to see the code in writing, and all of it.

About 90% of the time when I've received such instructions/demands/statements/suggestions from township officials, they were all full of baloney and when I researched the actual code in place I found exceptions to almost everything they ever said.

Do you have the complete code? Along with definitions of structures, towers*, antenna supports*, temporary vs. permanent, etc?

(*Very often, in my experience, all the tower and antenna support code that pertains to commercial installations does not apply at all to amateur installations and there are often special provisions for amateur antennas.)

[W9GB]

According to my research, Aurora, CO in Adams county follows IBC 2006 (building code),
and EIA/TIA Rev. F (85 mph).
http://www.wirelessestimator.com/t_c...ilding%20Codes

Before doing anything, I'd want to see the code in writing, and all of it.

About 90% of the time when I've received such instructions/demands/statements/suggestions from township officials, they were all full of baloney and when I researched the actual code in place I found exceptions to almost everything they ever said.

Do you have the complete code? Along with definitions of structures, towers*, antenna supports*, temporary vs. permanent, etc?

(*Very often, in my experience, all the tower and antenna support code that pertains to commercial installations does not apply at all to amateur installations and there are often special provisions for amateur antennas.)

Steve has provided you VERY GOOD advice.

1. Your local building department official (taxpayer salaried) ... Is NOT a Lawyer or Professional Engineer.
FOR THAT REASON ALONE, you have every right to ASK (politely) for the codes or ordinances being referenced OR that apply to this building permit request.

2. FURTHER, you can explain that you need the complete code documents/references are needed for YOUR consultative discussions with QUALIFIED Professional Engineers, Antenna/Tower Mfg. and their Engineering staff, and your family/personal attorney. There are NATIONAL engineering standards for towers (wind) that likely meet their requirements, BUT you may have to educate your local officials.

The referenced specification would be the latest revision of the Electronics Industry Association Structural Standards for Steel Antenna Tower and Antenna Supporting Structures - EIA/TIA-222. G is actually the latest addendum.
http://www.wirelessestimator.com/windgeneral.cfm

The EIA/TIA code is uniformly accepted by the tower industry. Other codes may be referenced including the Uniform Building Code, the Standard Building Code, the Southern Building Code and the National Building Code, or the wind load requirements as defined by ANSI (American National Standards Institute).

Each of the above codes approaches the effect of wind and ice load on the structures and the guy system somewhat differently. Wind load may be stated in wind pressure (psf) or velocity (mph). Safety factors of tower members and guys are expressed differently, all of which result in confusion to the user. The current EIA/TIA-222-E attempts to consolidate the codes and define the appropriate code requirements specifically for tower structures.
http://monsterfm.com/tech/tower/towerspecs.htm

[N1VAU]

Is there any state law(s) regarding ham radio antennas that may trump local BS codes? Just a thought

~N1VAU

[WB4CMB]

Although p/o Aurora is in Adams county, the bulk of and my location are in Arapahoe county. The problem is not so much the height restriction (altho I certainly would like to go higher( as my QTH limits me anyway. The worst part is to have to get an engineer to approve both the tower and antenna. Actually, even a few more feet would help as if I use a standpipe to use to run a support down to boom/fiberglass elements, that takes away from my height even more. If I actually get to the permit stage, I "might!" be able to get a small variance on this. Thanks Ray

[WB2WIK]

Although p/o Aurora is in Adams county, the bulk of and my location are in Arapahoe county. The problem is not so much the height restriction (altho I certainly would like to go higher( as my QTH limits me anyway. The worst part is to have to get an engineer to approve both the tower and antenna. Actually, even a few more feet would help as if I use a standpipe to use to run a support down to boom/fiberglass elements, that takes away from my height even more. If I actually get to the permit stage, I "might!" be able to get a small variance on this. Thanks Ray

Rick W0RIC is your neighbor and has a large tower with beams as well as multiple 57' tall verticals on his residential property. I recommended previously that you call and ask what he did. He's a nice guy, we know each other quite well.

Did you call?

[WB4CMB]

I just ck'd with Park County, CO (in mtns, my 2 acre property (cabin) at 9800 ft) concerning antenna restrictions. Since there are covenants in our "subdivision", I also ck'd with them. The covenants only require that I comply with the County rules. The county has a 35 ft height restriction for any "structure". They also require a permit but this only concerns the base mounting, no other restrictions, no engineering requirements. Wire antennas in trees are not restricted. Better than here in Aurora but 35 ft? Guess I could live with that, I need to quit planning and get on the bands. Ray

[W9GB]

The county has a 35 foot height restriction for any "structure".

THIS IS VERY COMMON with municipal building codes.

IF you properly file the permit, you could likely get approved higher, depending on local statues.
From your responses and not calling Rick, W0RIC, you are either not very serious or looking for easy answers.

[N8EMR]

Glad I dont have t deal with that bureaucracy like that... Heck around here if a human inst going to be living inside the structure you don't even need a building permit. Be it barn, shed, or tower no paperwork.. Dig a hole and go.....