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.

Ramp building web sites

http://www.weareheavyduty.com/2007/10/02/tracy-sigler-basement-skateboard-mini-ramp/#templates

this one is the sickest

http://rampplans.org/faqs/#is_15_feet_enough_room

http://www.engineeringcalculator.net/RampCalc.html

Kern County Noise Ordinance

Kern County, California-Code of Ordinances

8.36.020

It is unlawful for any person to do, or cause to be done, any of the following acts within the unincorporated areas of the county:

H. To create noise from construction, between the hours of nine (9:00) p.m. and six (6:00) a.m. on weekdays and nine (9:00) p.m. and eight (8:00) a.m. on weekends

Kern County Building Code

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"

Decibel Scale of Common Sounds

CHECK IT OUT HERE:

Motorcycle, power lawn mower, garbage truck - 100 DB

Diesel Truck, urban street - 90 DB

Garbage disposal, dishwasher - 80 DB

Freeway traffic at 15 M, vacuum cleaner - 70 DB

Skateboarding 55-65 DB at 50 feet (see study below)

Conversation in restaurant, office, background music - 60 DB

Check out this quote from HERE:

"A noise meter reading conducted by the former Director of Safety at TRW showed skate parks to be the same as or quieter than swimming pools when comparing decibel levels."

"It was also reported that there are 16 million skateboarders in the US compared to 9 million registered little leaguers."

Another study done HERE:

"The result of a rider hitting the nose or tail on another hard surface creates a sound that one might compare to the short instantaneous sound a baseball makes when hit by a bat Instantaneous sound levels for an individual skateboard making the tail popping type of sound range from approximately 65 to 71 decibels (dBA Fast) at fifty feet. This sound is very short in duration and easily controlled by the use of any basic barrier or obstruction."

"One of the goals that modern skateboarders attempt to achieve is sliding along metal surfaces in the skateboard park on their trucks. The noise can best be described as a metal grinding type of sound. Imagine rubbing two pieces of steel together. This sound can be minimized by pumping in a sand like substance into the actual metal pipes that the skateboarders ride over. r The sand or some other resilient material limits the ability of the metal to resonate sound into the community. A little engineering work up front can help to virtually eliminate this source of sound from being a concern. This sound ranged from 54 to 63 decibels (dBA Fast) at fifty feet."

"The loudest sound level predicted above is 65 dBA. This sound level is comparable to the level of a moderate conversation between two individuals. Average conversational levels have been noted in my experience to range from 59 ABA to 63 dBA."

And check this out from HERE:

"a similar study from an October 20, 2006 newsletter of the LifeTips Web site found the following: "One of the most common misperceptions about skate parks is that the noise created by their users will surpass code limits and upset the community. But the reality is quite different. In a recent study, it was found that peak skate park noise levels averaged 70 decibels from 50 feet away. In comparison, from the same 50 feet away a dishwasher and toilet produce comparable decibel levels. A football game produces 117 decibels, heavy traffic 85 decibels and a home refrigerator 50 decibels. All in all, a skatepark is no more noisy than similar recreation areas like a basketball court or children’s playground" (LifeTips 2006)."

An example case in Kern County

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS DIRECTOR'S HEARINGS Conference Room Date: January 18, 2007

Hearing Officer: James E. Ellis Staff: Kathe Malouf Kern County Roads Department: Warren Maxwell

The hearing convened at 10:00 a.m.

Mr. Ellis explained the purpose of the hearing and appeal procedure; noting that existing zoning determines the use of the property and the density; and the hearing is to ensure that development is in accordance with Ordinance and PD standards.

5. Consideration of violation findings – 6625 Dogwood Avenue, Lake Isabella – Categorically Exempt, Section 15303(e) – Debbie Herrera

The applicant was not in attendance; however, had informed Staff prior to the hearing that she would be unable to attend due to her work schedule. Mr. Ellis stated he had reviewed the request and would allow the retention of the skateboard ramp during the processing of the conditional use permit; however, he would allow the skateboard ramp to be used no more than one hour per day and used exclusively by the applicant’s son.

There being no one else wishing to be heard, pro or con, hearing closed. The Hearing Officer approved the retention of the skateboard ramp while formal land use approval is being sought (Notice of Decision #10-07) subject to the submittal of surcharge fees and a signed Acknowledgment of Land Use Violation document that will allow adoption of the findings.

Meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.

Letter to the neighbors

SO DAY THREE OF THE RAMP THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. WHILE THEY NEVER CAME OUT, I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND THIS LETTER. I CHANGED A FEW THINGS BUT OVERALL THOUGHT IT WAS THE PERFECT WAY TO COMMUNICATE MY INTENTIONS WITH MY BACKYARD RAMP.

To my neighbors,

First off, I would like to introduce myself as your new neighbor who lives on Fairway Drive! If I haven’t met you yet, my name is Curtis Nemetz and I recently purchased a house in this beautiful neighborhood. I am a first-time homeowner and have been working hard to reach this goal for many years. I’m 30 years old, have a beautiful wife and three boys under the age of 4, a part time stay at home dad, have a Masters Degree in School Counseling from CSUB, and own my own video production company (www.curtisnemetz.com). So, I’m a pretty busy guy! I don’t party and view myself as a responsible, respectful, and mature person.

You may be wondering, why am I getting this letter?

As a lifelong skateboarder who has dedicated himself to the sport, a few friends and I recently built a mini-ramp at my house. I took into consideration the proximity of the neighbors in relation to a potential ramp location as well as the overall lot size when we made our decision to purchase this house. I saw the concrete pad, with the alley behind, and the large amount of space between each neighbor on either side of us. I have been in communication with two of the neighbors and have been willing to listen and compromise. However, recently the police were called out during the middle of the day on a noise complaint about my skating.

While I believe I am fully in my rights afforded to me as a property owner and that I am in compliance with Kern County, California-Code of Ordinances 8.36.020 which states that one is permitted to make noise from construction between the hours of 6 am and 9 pm on weekdays and 8 am and 9 pm on weekends, it is still of prime importance to me that I am a good neighbor and am respectful of others that have lived for many years in this neighborhood. (There are no noise ordinances specifically stating sporting activities such as basketball, backyard pools, baseball, or other activities like skateboarding. So I am referencing the construction noise ordinance since skating the ramp is no louder than someone sawing or hammering in their backyard which is very prevalent in this neighborhood due to all the recent remodels)

The peace and serenity of this neighborhood is part of what attracted me to it. And so, I wanted to outline some of the self-imposed rules I have established so you can be assured that the peace and serenity will be kept.

It is my hope these rules will help you eliminate your anxiety about my skating activities.

Rules:


1. Skating will not only follow the 6am-9pm guidelines for noise established under Municipal Code Section 8.36.020, skating will not be done on the ramp prior to 10am and will never be done past 8pm.

2. 
I will not skate on Sundays.


3. Skating will not be done after dark.


4. Skating will last no longer than 90 minutes.


5. I will not skate more than once per day.

6. While I skate I will be cognizant of those around us. This is in no way going to be a party ramp. It is, and will remain, secured and locked at all times. My sport is skateboarding, and I am in it for that end only. Not the party lifestyle it is so often stereotyped with.


7. Special circumstances (sickness, backyard parties etc…) will always be respectfully considered.

So, in summary: if you hear us skating it will only happen once per day and will not exceed 90 minutes. (Most times though we do not skate for more than 1 hour)

Further, I wanted to hand out my contact information in case we were skating and you had a problem. I promise I am a nice guy and do not fit the typical stereotype of skateboarders as aggressive or unruly. I will respond promptly and courteously when contacted.

Feel free to call or text me on my cell phone with any issues at 805-XXX-XXXX. My cell phone will be with me every time I am skating. Or you can send me an email at curtis@curtisnemetz.com.

If you still do not feel comfortable communicating with me through any of these channels and if you still wish to call the police, please give the dispatcher my number! As a cousin of a CHP officer, and a citizen of this county, I know how valuable a police officer’s time is in this economy and I would hate to have to take up the time and resources of a patrol car when a simple phone call will do the job.

I hope that these rules and communications channels I have established will not only afford me the freedoms guaranteed me as a property owner, but will also help me to be a good neighbor and remain respectful of your rights as well. I am hopeful that in partnership we can make sure to accommodate each other.

Thank you for your time and for reading this! Again, please, please, please contact me at any time. And if you’re in the area and wish to stop by and say hello please feel free to do so. Thanks!

Your neighbor,

Curtis Nemetz