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.

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)."