Cheyenne Council reviews new solar panel safety access requirements

The Public Services Committee of the Cheyenne City Council convened on February 4, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding safety regulations for solar panel installations on residential roofs. The meeting focused on proposed changes to fire safety codes that would affect how solar panels are installed, particularly concerning access pathways for emergency responders.

The discussion began with a presentation on the current fire code, which mandates a 36-inch wide pathway from the ridge of the roof to the edge. This requirement is crucial for ensuring that firefighters can safely access roofs covered with solar panels. However, concerns were raised about the practicality of this requirement, especially when obstructions like chimneys or dormers are present. Travis Spears, a local solar contractor, emphasized the need for additional language in the code to allow for a 36-inch by 36-inch step-off area adjacent to such obstructions. This modification would enable firefighters to safely exit the ladder and access the roof in emergency situations.

Spears highlighted that the existing regulations could create dangerous scenarios where firefighters might have to navigate around obstructions without a safe stepping area. He proposed that the committee consider alternative language that would address these specific circumstances, allowing for more flexibility in solar panel installations while maintaining safety standards.

The committee members engaged in a thorough discussion about the implications of these proposed changes. Questions arose regarding whether existing solar installations would be grandfathered in under the new regulations. It was clarified that the new requirements would not retroactively apply to homes that already have solar panels unless significant renovations or rebuilds occur.

Additionally, concerns were voiced about the potential financial burden on homeowners if they were required to modify existing installations to comply with the new safety measures. The committee acknowledged the importance of balancing safety with the economic impact on residents, particularly in a market where many homeowners are already facing financial challenges.

In conclusion, the committee agreed to further explore the proposed language changes and their implications for both safety and homeowner costs. They plan to continue discussions with stakeholders, including solar contractors and fire department representatives, to ensure that any new regulations effectively address safety concerns without imposing undue burdens on homeowners. The committee aims to finalize recommendations before the upcoming city council meeting.