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Resident tells commission he was barred from self-installing home solar
Summary
A longtime Webster Groves resident told the Sustainability Commission he was denied permission to install rooftop solar himself and was told only licensed electricians may install panels; city staff said permitting falls under the planning/building office and suggested the resident contact the planning director.
Carl Wolf, who said he has lived in Webster Groves since 1960, told the commission he purchased solar equipment and was later told by the building commissioner that he could not install it himself because he is not a licensed electrician.
"I was told that I could not install solar on my residence," Wolf said. He described paying for equipment, then receiving a refund after he could not complete the installation.
Commission members and staff clarified that building permits and enforcement are outside the sustainability commission's purview. David Bookless, deputy city manager, suggested Wolf contact John Wagner, the director of planning and development, and said John is who the building commissioner reports to.
Wolf asked whether the commission had any authority over hiring the building commissioner and pressed for clarity on the building official's qualifications. Staff said the commission advises on citywide sustainability policies but does not supervise permitting staff. No formal action was taken; staff offered to pass Wolf's phone number to the planning director so the director could follow up.
