?????

I called on August 19th and August 20th and just sent an email to the code compliance division. There is no way I should be responsible for an investigation that determined we were not violating any codes. The person who called in the false accusations should be responsible for this charge.

CASE CLOSED

Boo yah.

Legal Ramp!

So after my conversation this morning with the code compliance officer, I have been informed that neither the building department or the planning department is requiring my ramp to be permitted. So I am only required to write a sworn statement telling them that this ramp is for personal use only... not commercial. I guess the true language of the ordinances is intended to prevent someone in a residential zone from starting a skatepark in their back yard. After I send this letter in, I am going to receive some sort of documentation informing me that the ramp is legal. I will both post that here as well as photo copy it and hang it out on the ramp.

Woo hoo!

To the Kern County Code Compliance Division:

I, Curtis Nemetz, intend to use the skateboard ramp on my property for personal use only. The ramp will in no way be used for any commercial use or any other use besides my family’s personal use. My property will remain locked at all times and the ramp will be unavailable for neighborhood kids or people passing by to use at anytime.

My family and I will be respectful at all times of the neighbors around us and will limit use duration and hours of operation.

My family and I will be open to communication with those around us and will be willing to cease the use of the ramp due to certain circumstances (back yard BBQ at a neighbor’s house or a sick neighbor).

It is my understanding that based on the above statement being true, I am not required to obtain any permits whether from the Kern County Building Dept. or the Planning Dept. and I am in my legal rights as a property owner to own and enjoy the skateboard ramp I have built on my property.

Thank you so much for your understanding and your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

The letter from the CCD after I spent 3 hours there

My letter attached to the form below

To Officer ________:

I believe the allegations are false that state that the playground equipment (known in the skateboard world as a “skateboard mini ramp”) in my backyard is in violation with the Kern County Building Code 17.08.060.

Before constructing the playground equipment, I did extensive research on my rights and responsibilities as a homeowner in Kern County. I concluded (based on the Kern County Building Code) that my playground equipment was not in need of a permit.

I found this information in section 17.08.060- Appendix Chapter 1, Section 105.2 amended--Work exempt from permit.

Number 11. states:

"Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one and two family dwellings"

The mini ramp is not permanent. It was built entirely with screws and is has no concrete footing. It is not attached to any fences or buildings on the property.

If the playground equipment is found to violate code, I apologize for my misunderstanding of the codes and I am more than willing to take the appropriate steps to obtain a permit for my playground equipment.

I have communicated with the surrounding neighbors and expressed my willingness and desire to compromise with them and limit the amount and time duration in which my three young children and I skateboard in the backyard. I have kept a time log of the usage of the playground equipment noted above and have included a copy of that document to this letter.

For what it’s worth:

It is my personal feeling that it is not the accusers conviction or passion for California Building Codes that has led him or her to make this allegation. I do not believe that it is an issue with noise either (I have attached a document displaying decibel levels of common sounds compared with skateboarding). I believe it is a personal stigma and stereotype towards the sport of skateboarding. This is a stereotype that I believe to be unfair and untrue in my situation. I am a 30-year-old business owner, father of three, and contributor to our community such as the recent “Great American Cleanup”. I hold a master’s degree in School Counseling from Cal State Bakersfield and have a passion for providing a safe environment for my kids to enjoy the sport of skateboarding.

Thank you for your time,

Curtis Nemetz

Here We Go... The battle has begun.

Ramp Construction

Here is the coping after the ramp was completed. Sitting perfectly and secure between decking and masonite.

Here is the layout of the 4 quarter pipes and the 2 flat sections. 2x4s used in the flats and 2x6s used in the transitions.
Here is the genius design of Jeff and Jim. This is when you need some nice construction gear. Its just not possible with a skill saw. There was another 2x6 placed behind these two studs but wasn't cut at the angle (you can see the screws on the side holding it).
Here is our first step. The transition was a 7'2" radius and is 3'8.5" tall (we just cut the full plywood sheet).

Here you see the thread from the u-bolt (clothesline bolt) coming out of the 2x6. We drilled 6 holes in each coping (2 3/8 inch Outer diameter used black pipe) and then stuck the hook end of the u-bolt in the holes. Once we drilled the holes in the 2x6 we just stuck the threads right through. On this side we placed a large square washer, a large round washer, a locking washer, and two nuts. Boo-yah. The coping isn't going anywhere.

The decking is beveled to meet the coping perfectly.

We placed the first two layers of 3/8 inch plywood horizontally on the ramp and made sure every seam had at least one 2x6 underneath it. We offset the second layer of plywood to make sure the seams did not double up.
Here you can see the underside of the decking. 2x6 and 3/4 inch plywood. You can also see that the entire ramp is placed on 12x12 concrete blocks.
The finished product.