[TowerTalk] Tower Permits

[jcowens1 at comcast.net]

When I did my permitted tower installation,  the only inspection they did on-site was to take a preliminary look at the installation site, and determine setback compliance. I provided the US Tower data sheets that shows their installation recommendations for a safe installation, but they never did an on-site inspection after the inital looksee. I invited them to at various stages of the installation, but they always declined. They didn't even want to look at the completed installation. You can bet I took plenty of photographs of the hole, rebar cage, concrete pour, etc so that they couldn't claim improper installation after the fact.  It was always in my best interest to do it by the book so that there are no surprises. 

Another good recommendation concerns neighbors trees. I have 2 neighboring lots with very tall Douglas Fir Trees on them (~130ft) that would do major damage if they were to blow down. My homeowner's insurance claims person said I should notify them of the imminent danger of their trees, and that if they were to fall or be blown down and do damage on my property, it would be their responsibity for the damages. This puts them in the position of having to decide if they wanted to continue having that responsibility/liabilty. Without this kind of notification, it would be a claim against my homeowners insurance policy with its high deductable, and the ever present possibility that they could claim that the tower or antennas are not  coverred. 

Doing this is going to annoy the neighbor a little bit, but should cover your behind if the problem happens. I did it via a very friendly letter that explained that I was merely doing what my insurance company said I should do.  Trees do not have to be obviously unhealty to fall. I have seen 3 trees in recent years (1 on my lot) blow down that appeared to be very healthy trees. I hope my insurance person is right as this could be a very expensive problem if it were to happen. Lets hope it doesn't, for everyone's sake.  

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: K7LXC at aol.com 

In a message dated 3/23/2008 10:04:06 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jimlux at earthlink.net writes:
>  They've also gotten very, very picky about things that cannot be 
visually inspected for retro permits.  It's one thing to do electrical 
work and the guy can see the new breakers, the new receptacles, etc.. 
It's another when he can't see the actual footings and rebar. They can, 
and do make people dig up their backyard to show that the footing under 
the patio cover is what it should be.

    Good points, Jim. 

    That's why I said to document everything including photos of the hole, depth and rebar cage. That, along with receipts, goes a long ways to show your compliance.

    California is well known for it's burdensome regulations.

Cheers,
Steve    K7LXC
TOWER TECH 








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