Interpretation #7420

Published November 05, 2014

Download Final PDF

Original Request

Code Version
2010
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Building
Chapter
16
Section
1620.6
Topic
Light poles on a roof

Question

Are light poles on top of a building in the HVHZ required to comply with the section 1620.6 titled "Rooftop structures and equipment"?

Answer Published 11/05/2014 at 4:22 PM

No.

Commentary

A light pole is not a “rooftop structure” as contemplated by Section 1620.6. Light poles in general have small diameters so the cross sectional area may not create a lot of windload. The research that led to the establishment of Section 1620.6 was based on small AC units, which are rectangular bluff sections with small heights. Consequently, the design of the light poles would be subject to Section 1620.1 which requires design and construction to be in compliance with ASCE 7.