[SFDXA] Antenna saga -- Part II - The permit -- need input

Wed, 18 Dec 2002 21:18:56 -0500

Steve,

It just so happens that the ARRL has a volunteer consulting engineer (VCE)
program.  The VCE program provides assistance to amateurs who may need to
meet structural requirements stet forth by local zoning authorities.  Such
engineering requirements are often necessary to obtain a permit to erect an
antenna support structure.  Hams often need an "expert witness" to certify
that the tower in question meets, or will meet, the engineering requirements
of local ordinances.

VCEs are not expected to provide their services for free, but are asked to
provide an initial consultation gratis and to consider giving discounted
rates to amateurs, where possible, to meet a common goal for the good of
Amateur Radio in the community.  VCEs shall keep their Division Director
appraised of engineering work that they are doing if it was a result of a
referral through the VCE program.

For the State of FL, our VCE is:

Lewis C. Midlam, W7LVW
5389 Marina Road
Bokeelia, FL 33922-3027
Day Tel: 941-283-8242

Having built several hundred commercial cellular towers, I am very familiar
with this type of municipal scrutiny.  I have spoken with Lew regarding my
tower that will ultimately go through the same type of scrutiny.  (I live in
Boca Raton)  He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of
Florida and seems more than qualified to provide the type of supporting
information / testimony your jurisdiction seeks.  When I discussed Lew's his
rates with him, they were indeed far less than the going rate.  (Many thanks
Lew for supporting our wonderful hobby with your talents!)

You should consider yourself lucky as I have to go through a filing with the
FAA to determine how high I can go before approaching the local authorities!
I have copied Lew on this e-mail at the e-mail address listed on QRZ.com.

Good luck with your tower endeavors Steve.  I'm sure you'll be glad you went
through the effort when you work the next new country added to the DXCC
list.  (which ever one that is - hi)

If for some reason Lew is unable to answer any of your questions please drop
me a line and I'll be happy to help.

73 & Good DX!
Fred, K9VV

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard M. Gillingham" <[email protected]>
To: "Esteban J. Romagni" <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2002 8:48 PM
Subject: Re: [SFDXA] Antenna saga -- Part II - The permit -- need input

> I'm afraid what they want is referred to as a 'wet stamp'  from and
> engineer.   Check with ARRL for a local engineer/ham that may help.
>  They're around.  If you can't find one, it may get expensive.  The soil
> analysis isn't bad, but the base structure will be designed on what the
> soil checks out at.  Check with the Tower Talk reflector.  There are
> many wize heads there who may be able to cast more light on this shadow...
>
> Hang in there,
> 73
> Gil, W1RG
>
> Esteban J. Romagni wrote:
>
> >Hello all,
> >
> >I got a letter  yesterday from the city enginering office, this are they
> >guys that actually issue the permit... well, an acourse, they are asking
for
> >more stuff from before approving, so need some input from the group on
what
> >to do next:
> >
> >* I got two rejections, one for the structural and one from the
electrical:
> >
> >    Structural:
> >a- The want me to provide the estimated value of the tower -- dont know
why,
> >and a course they want this notorized , and if there is an owner
affidavit
> >or is this a contractor...
> >
> >b- I provided them drowings of the tower (from the rohn catalog), but
that
> >is sure not enough, the want the drawing done by an engineer, all
> >attachments id, also they want the soil density specified and approved by
> >the engineer, the hight of the tower, etc...
> >
> >
> >Electrical:
> >this is one is pretty much a no-brainer:
> >
> >A-The want me to get an electrical permit, dont know why.
> >b- I need to show grounding of the antenna and lead-in conductors.....
> >
> >
> >so, any inputs from the group will be welcome of what can I do next....
> >
> >Thanks in advance,
> >
> >73 de Steve
> >W4DTA - YV5DTA
> >
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >SFDXA mailing list
> >[email protected]
> >http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/sfdxa
> >
> >
> >
>
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