Minutes 15-12-10 - Shire of Shark Bay

ORDINARY COUNCIL MINUTES – 15 DECEMBER 2010 83
c) The Builders Registration Board believes that if the panels are not an integral
part of the building structure they are not considered building additions.
However, in cyclonic regions they believe that a legal opinion would need to be
obtained.
d) The Shire of Carnarvon requires a Building License. The Shire of Karratha is
undecided at this stage and the Town of Geraldton does not require a Building
License.
e) While the Shire of Shark Bay is in the same wind region as Geraldton it has
adopted the higher wind rating of Region “C” category 2 therefore ensuring a
higher construction standard for dwellings in Shark Bay.
Comment
The reason that I would consider a building license is required relates to the
structural integrity of the fixing of the panels to variable roof structures in cyclonic
regions. While I believe that you need to be a licensed installer, no engineer is
certifying the structural integrity of the fixing to the roof structures. Therefore if
panels were to become detached from the dwelling during strong winds and cause
injury or damage to other property or persons the owner would have no recourse to a
responsible person and could therefore be libel for the cost of any damage/injuries
caused.
I believe that the solar panels should be licensed to ensure that their attachment to
any dwelling, outbuilding or grid mounting is in accordance with structural design
specifications certified by a structural engineer. This would place the onus of the
installation onto the license holder who would be responsible to ensure that the
panels were attached in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and the
structural integrity of the fixings were in accordance with the approved plans.
Legal Implications
The Building Code of Australia
Policy Implications
All relevant policies pursuant to the Town Planning Scheme
Financial Implications
Building License application fees applicable
Strategic Implications
Environmental sustainability is important for all communities to embrace, however it
needs to have relevant safeguards in place to protect consumers.
Voting Requirements
Simple Majority Required.
Date of Report 13 December 2010
16.3 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Author
Chief Executive Officer