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COUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/20/2004 - ITEMS RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF THE CHANGES AND
ITEM NUMBER: 37 A-C AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: July20, 2004 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Felix Lee SUBJECT Items Relating to the Adoption of the Changes and Amendments to the 2003 International Residential Code® ,2003 International Mechanical Code®, and the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code®. RECOMMENDATION Staff,the Air Quality Advisory Board,the Electric Board,and the Natural Resources Advisory Board recommend adoption of the ordinances, including mandatory radon-reduction provisions, on First Reading. The Affordable Housing Board recommends adoption of the ordinances with only mandatory under-slab preparation for future installation of radon-reduction venting systems. The Building Review Board recommends adoption of the ordinances with no mandatory radon-reduction provisions. The Poudre Health Services District Board recommends mandatory passive radon- reduction provisions. The Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado recommends adoption of the ordinances excluding mandatory radon reduction provisions and the updated energy code provisions. Staff further recommends that the adoptions of the changes contained in said ordinances become effective and in full force on January 1, 2005. FINANCIAL IMPACT Fees The amendments relocate building permit and plan review fees from the building code to the City Code,Chapter 7.5,"Administrative Fees",which is administered by the City Manager. The change provides greater responsiveness and flexibility to adapt to changing economic conditions and service demands. No changes in fee amounts are proposed at this time. Construction Costs Some provisions of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC)® and proposed amendments will impact the cost of new housing construction. (See attached summary.) July 20, 2004 -2- Item No. 37 A-C EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 125, 2004, Amending Chapter 5, Article 2, Division 2, of the City Code for the Purpose of Making Certain Amendments to the 1997Uniform Building CodeTM B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 126, 2004, Amending Chapter 5, Article 2, Division 2, of the City Code for the Purpose of Adopting the 2003 International Residential Code(IRC)® with Amendments. C. First Reading of Ordinance No. 127,2004,Amending Chapter 5, Article 4, of the City Code for the Purpose of Repealing the 1991 Uniform Mechanical CodeTM ,Adopting the 2003 International Mechanical Code® with Amendments, and Adopting the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code®with Amendments. The 2003 International Residential Code(IRC)®,2003 International Mechanical Code 2003®and the International Fuel Gas Code®(the latest version of the nationally-recognized"model"building codes)and proposed Amendments have undergone an extensive sixteen-month review by staff and a local representative task group. These latest building codes are already in effect in much of the country. Closer to home, over 90 jurisdictions in Colorado have adopted the "I-Codes", including the State of Colorado,the City and County of Denver,Colorado Springs,Aurora, and several other cities and counties in the Metro-Denver area.The new codes are the replacement for the"Uniform" code series, which are being phased-out and no longer supported by the model code organization. The proposed(IRC)®and Amendments specifically cover pal new one-and two-family dwellings and new additions thereto. The new code package contains some of the most significant potential changes to the Fort Collins Building Code in many years. New provisions include: • Indoor Air Quality: Radon-reduction venting systems; interior moisture control; and protection of exposed interior fiberglass insulation. • Energy Conservation: Updated energy-conservation construction standards that provide increased energy- conservation and performance, and a new optional simplified compliance table. • Architectural Features: Safer, less steep stair geometry with lower risers and greater step depth. • Structural and Exterior Elements: Structural connection from foundation to roof; and, weather-resistant membrane backing behind lap siding. July 20, 2004 -3- Item No. 37 A-C BACKGROUND (A) TASK GROUP The local volunteer group,made up of building code officials from Fort Collins and Latimer County, City board members, builders, private building specialists, and representatives from the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado,met for 16 months examining the model code plus local amendments. See the attachment for a list of individual participants. Although the Task Group's purpose is to represent a range of perspectives and not to achieve consensus, general agreement was achieved on many issues. Members were encouraged to, and often did, express opinions/suggestions on the draft code update, some of which are in opposition to the proposed package as noted previously in this document. (B) SIGNIFICANT CHANGES • Model Code Reorganization The Uniform Building Code(UBC)development and publishing entity has merged with the two other prominent national model code organizations to form the International Code Council (ICC). The result is that the `Uniform' codes have been replaced by the "International" codes and are now virtually `extinct' at the national publication level. The International Residential Code(IRC®)replaces UBC provisions relating to construction of single and two-family dwelling units, and townhouses. It contains all regulations to build homes,including structural,mechanical,electrical,plumbing and energy in ONE book.The last(1997)UBC to be published will continue to apply to all other buildings in Fort Collins until being replaced by the International Building Code(IBC®), scheduled for late 2005.The 2003 International Mechanical Code (IMC®) and the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC®) replace the long-defunct 1991 Uniform Mechanical Code, still in effect locally. • Major Changes Stairs: The modest cost for actual stairway construction is not the significant issue. More important are the constraints associated with compact home designs and the greater floor opening dimensions created by the added 20 inches of horizontal stair length. This requirement would have the greatest effect on newer higher-density developments containing homes with compact floor plans on smaller lots,where a two-foot increase in stair length can affect the entire exterior footprint. Under-floor moisture control: A vapor retarder is now required on any exposed interior ground surfaces. The proposed amendments would require sealing and attaching the membrane to the foundation wall. Additionally, to compensate for expansive soils, 10% - 15%of new homes will have structural basement floor systems that are suspended above the ground surface. The new provisions offer a prescriptive standard, avoiding specialized July 20, 2004 -4- Item No. 37 A-C engineering. Also, the proposed amendments specify a continuously operating moisture ventilation system under the subfloor. To reduce the possibility of "down-drafting" combustion products into the living space,enclosed-combustion orpower-vented heating and water-heating appliances are required.Conventionally-vented appliances may also be used, provided the appliances are tested to insure combustion products are vented properly. Radon-resistant construction: The IRC®does not mandate radon systems, but provides an optional appendix to do so. In addition to the no-change option of retaining the current mandatory standards for voluntarily-installed passive radon-reduction systems, one of two mandatory proposed radon systems in new construction is offered for Council's consideration:either"A",a"Passive"system or""B",a continuously-operating fan"Active" system. Siding Weather Backing: The IRC® specifies water-resistant membrane ("house wrap") attached to exterior sheathing behind fiber board or hardboard lap siding . Energy Conservation: a) Wall insulation:IRC®increases wall insulation performance from R-13 to R-18.A local amendment allows R-15 for homes 1,600 square feet or less. b) Windows: IRC®increases windows thermal performance from U-0.5 (R-2) to U-0.35 (R-3) and specifies solar filtering factor (SHGC) of 0.4. c) HVAC ■ IRC®requires sealing all ductwork. ■ Amendment requires frame cavities used as ducts be tested for leakage. ■ Amendment requires test for manufacturer's specification and for combustion safety. ■ Amendment specifies new AC equipment to meet the 2007 Federal standard. (C) PUBLIC MEETINGS Various boards have reviewed and made recommendations on the proposed IRC®and Amendments package. City Council held a Public Hearing, December 16, 2003, and a Study Session, February 10, 2003 on the proposed IRC® and Amendments package. See attached minutes and recommendations. (D) TRANSITION PERIOD Given the changes contained in the proposed Ordinances, staff recommends that the effective date of the regulations begins on January 1, 2005. This interim period allows code compliance staff to put new procedures in place, provide training for builders and staff alike. It also gives builders a date-certain for redesign work and implementing new production methods and scheduling. Additionally,with respect to implementing the new stair provisions,staff recommends that approved development projects be handled on an individual basis to allow a phased-in IRC compliance period over several months, depending on specific circumstances of those existing affected developments that designed following the compact urban concepts emphasized under City Plan. July 20, 2004 -5- Item No. 37 A-C ATTACHMENTS 1. Power Point Presentation—Task Group Participants, Overview of Changes, Costs. 2. Updated Affordable Housing Board minutes Recommendation 3. Air Quality Advisory Board minutes 4. Building Review Board minutes 5. Electric Board minutes 6. Natural Resources Advisory Board minutes 7. Poudre Health Services District of Northern Larimer County (PHSD) — " Radon Overview and Analysis of the City of Fort Collins Proposal to Require Radon Control Systems in New Residential Construction" - 12/12/03 8. City Council Public hearing minutes 12/16/03 9. City Council Study Session summary 2/10/04 10. Costs and Benefits of Radon-Resistant New Construction 11. Updated IRC Energy and Greenhouse Gas Savings ATTACHMENT 2003 International Residential Code (IRC)0 2003 International Mechanical Code (IMC)0 2003 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGQ0 Adoption of the Changes & Amendments City of Fort Collins First Reading - 7120104 TASK GROUP PARTICIPANTS • Code officials from City & Larimer Co. • City board members • Builders & trade contractors • Building tech specialists • E-StarTM • Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado OVERVIEW 2003 IRC, IMC & IFGC — extensive review by staff and representative task group. —In effect in much of country & Colorado. —Replaces obsolete "Uniform" codes — no longer supported by code organization. —IRC complete code for gWI 1 and 2-family dwellings. IRC TASK GROUP David Anastasio, ABBCO Builders Steve Andrews, EStar Colorado Arlan Bartling, KB Home Dan Bartran, Bartran Construction Ken Bronsert, Bronsert Construction Inc. Steve Byers, Energy Smiths Jon Estabrook, B & Z Inspector Steve Foran, Stonefield Homes Isabel Garity, Affordable Housing Board Tom Garton, Larimer County Building Dept. 2 IRC TASK GROUP (cont'd) Mike Gebo, B & Z Codes Administrator Bill Gurski, KEM Homes Travis Grace, Gibson Heating & Air Terry Heyne, Progressive Living Structures Paul Higman, Thermal Concepts-MASCO Marcha Hill, B & Z Staff Support Michelle Jacobs, HBANCO Justin Jones, Centex Homes Kraig Kemp, KB Home Sandra Kendrick, B&Z Staff support Brad Massey, City Fort of Collins BRB IRC TASK GROUP— (cont'd) John McCoy, City of Fort Collins BRB Gil Paben, Aspen Construction Bob Peterson, Associates in Building & Design Jim & Jamie Sabin, Aspen Homes of Colorado Steve Sanford, Gibson Heating & Air Stacie Soriano, B & Z Staff Support Linda Stanley, Air Quality Advisory Board Doug Swartz, City of Fort Collins Utilities Jim Weisser, Poudre Valley Air Chad Wiese, Centex Homes Brian Woodruff, City Natural Resources Jim Woods, Woods Heating & Cooling 3 IMC & IFGC TASK GROUP Mark D'Rosario, The CE Group Kim DeVoe, Larimer County Building Department Tom Garton, Larimer County Building Department Dan Graham, Novation Commercial Services Mike Gebo, B & Z Codes Administrator Marcha Hill, B & Z staff support Barry Kramer, Colorado Inspection Agency Mark Shadowen, Northern Colorado Air Patty Storm, CPES Administration Dave Szanto, Northern Colorado Air Randy Wilson, B & Z Inspector Jim Woods, Woods Heating & Cooling RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY I-Codes Energy Radon City Staff ✓ ✓ ✓ Affordable Housing Board ✓ ✓ Air Quality Advisory Board ✓ ✓ ✓ Electric Board ✓ Natural Resources ✓ ✓ ✓ Advisory Board Building Review Board ✓ ✓ Home Builders Assn. ✓ 4 NEW PROVISIONS • Indoor Air Quality — Interior moisture control/ventilation — Protection of exposed interior fiberglass insulation — Radon-reduction venting systems — adopt either: • Passive system — naturally vented pipe • Active — continuous fan • Energy Conservation — standards with increased energy conservation & performance — New optional simplified compliance table • Architectural Features — Safer, less steep stair geometry with lower risers and greater step depth • Structural & Exterior Elements — Structural connection from foundation to roof — Weather-resistant membrane backing behind lap-siding TRANSITION PERIOD • Staff recommends effective date of regulations begin January 1, 2005. — Allows staff to put new procedures in place, provide training for builders & staff. — Gives builders a date-certain for redesign work and implementing new production methods. — Time to reconcile energy code savings discrepancies. • New Stair provisions — Staff recommends approved development projects be handled on an individual basis — many projects follow the compact urban design concepts under City Plan. 5 FINANCIAL IMPACT - FEES • No increased building permit/plan check fees. • Building permit/plan review fees moved to the City Code, Chapter 7.5, "Administrative Fees". • Administered by City Manager. • Flexibility to adapt to changing economic condition & service demands FINANCIAL IMPACT CONSTRUCTION COSTS 6 IRC COST SUMMARY Home Basic IRC IRC Compact Alternative B— AltemaUve A— TYPe 2000 sq.ft. <_1600 sq.ft. g0%fumace& 90%furnace& Modeled 2-story 1-story R-15 Walls R-0 Basement R-18 Walls R-15 Walls R-11 Basement R-11 Basement Added Cost Above Current Comparable $10,000 $6,000 $8,000 $8,000 UBC Home Annual Monthly Monthly Total Annual Savings by Savingsat Mortgage Energy Monthly GHG Home Current Costs Payment Payment Reduced Per Home CoMiguration (Tons CO,) Modeled Current Code "Base Model" No No No R-13 Walls Change Change $1,500 $120 $1,620 1 Change "Basic Rx"IRC 2,000 sq.ft. $108 $1,668 R-18 Walls $145 11% $1,560 1.4 Alternative A— 90%furnace& No bsmt.Insulation $154 12% $1,540 $107 $1,647 1.6 Alternative B— 90%fumace& R-15 Walls $123 9% $1,540 $110 $1,650 1.2 Compact Home < 1,600 sq.ft. R-15 Walls $90 7% $1,530 $112 $1,642 0.9 Mortgage + Energy Payments(revised 7/14/04) ®Monthly Mortgage Payment($)0 Monthly Energy $1,700 $1,00 $1,660 t 4 :',ti pt t Y t t $1,620 ; $109 X Ett { $1,600 ( 3107 �E110 $1,590 ' - $120 v l < 560 fl, 540 f $1,560 $1,520k{.ts 7). f1s40 f1,590 $1,530 $1,500 §1,500' $1,480 UK Home IRC(Rx energy SRC Compact home IRC(Alt.A) IRC(Alt e) code) GHG Reduced — CO2 Tons/year ®Annual GHG ■Reduction ❑TOns C072 1.6 1.4 'li y 1.2 t4'. FO 1 4')'8 �drz i os l.z i 0.9 0.2- 9 0 0 UBC Home IRC(Wt energy IRC Compact IRC(At.A) IRC(Alt B) code) home 8 Radon options A. Passive system B. Active system 9 Passive System Components MY • Notice to homeowner advising a radon test • Junction boxes for fan, warning device • Vent pipe from gravel thru roof • Sealing at joints & penetrations • Gravel under slab Radon - Costs & Benefits • No change — Expect 311 lung cancers • Passive systems — Cost $1000 — Reduce radon by 47% — Avoid 146 cancers @ $99,000 • Active systems — Cost $1,300 + $62/year — Reduce radon 87% — Avoid 270 cancers @ $317,000 10 More Costs & Benefits: Poudre Health Services District • Passive systems are a "good value." • Active systems save more life-years, at three times the cost. • PHSD Board voted to support requiring passive systems in new construction. Staff Recommendation — Passive Radon Reduction Makes Sense For New Homes • Protects families — lowers risk for life of the home • Simple — uses common trades, building materials • Effective — reduces radon levels by about half with no action by homeowner • Easy upgrade — homeowner can test & activate • Other benefits -- moisture control, energy savings • Larimer County and City would have similar rules 11 Comment: Why not wait until the home is finished? • Retrofit system must be active • Passive system avoids need for a fan — Sub-slab made permeable during construction — Warm, interior piping creates stack effect. • Cost comparison — Passive costs $1000 to install — Retrofit costs $800 - $2500 to install, plus $4650 to operate over life of home • Vent is hidden in chases to improve looks Comment: Active systems cut radon further, save more lives Staff response: • Code deals with parts of the radon system that cannot be added after construction. • Active systems save more life-years, but at three times the cost. • Active systems have continuing operating costs, should be installed at homeowner option. 12 Comment: Cancer risk from radon is overblown, "bad science." Staff response: • Health authorities say that radon is 2"d leading lung cancer cause, after smoking — and the risk can be reduced. • Risk findings are based on peer-reviewed research, the "gold standard" in science. • Uncertainty and dispute are part of science; that does not mean the mainstream viewpoint is invalid or inconclusive. Comment: Don't regulate radon. Don't remove choice. Let the market decide. Staff response: • Building code should address known regional hazards. • Radon is a known human carcinogen. • Local radon is 2-3 times the national average. • Fort Collins is in radon Zone 1 : new homes should be radon-resistant 13 RADON RECOMMENDATION SUMMARY • Active Air Quality Advisory Board National Environmental Health Assn. • Passive City Staff Poudre Health Services District Board Fort Collins Board of Realtors Coloradoan Editorial Board Colorado Department of Health U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Natural Resources Advisory Board Electric Board • Neither Affordable Housing Coalition Building Review Board Home Builders of Northern Colorado Affordable Housing Board 14 ATTACHMENT July 9, 2004 TO: City Council FROM: Affordable Housing Board SUBJECT: IRC and Local Amendments, At the July 1 Affordable Housing Board Meeting, Fort Collins Building and Zoning Director Felix Lee presented the Board with new information about the energy cost savings projected to accompany the energy efficiency requirements of the proposed IRC and local building code amendments. Based on more accurate E-Star modeling, staff found that energy cost savings for homeowners would be half of what was originally predicted. In addition, the Fort Collins Housing authority expressed to the Board through liaison and a March 30 letter their concern about the effects new regulation will have on new construction as well as existing housing stock. According to FCHA Director Julie Brewen, small increases in home costs can significantly affect a low-income buyer's ability to qualify for lending. Based on this new information, the Board reconsidered its position on the IRC and local amendments at the July 1 meeting. We decided to hold our current position of support for the energy efficiency and stairway safety amendments, given that the homeowner will see direct benefit from the added costs. However, we have changed our position on the proposed radon mitigation requirements, which may provide little or no benefit to go with the added cost. Energy Efficiency versus Insulation Cost In February, council member Marty Tharp asked staff to assess the impact of the proposed building code changes on housing affordability. We appreciate her proactive involvement, as the Affordable Housing Board is likewise concerned about this issue. Staff responded with data that has been useful in our discussions. Also, council member Tharp asked staff about ways to mitigate the impacts of the new code on affordable housing. Felix Lee responded by presenting a compromise insulation solution at the Affordable Housing Board regular meeting on February 5. As we understand it, the insulation requirement for houses less than 1600 square feet will not be increased to R-18, but stay at R-15. In addition, larger homes can continue to use R-15 insulation if they include a furnace that is 92% or more efficient. The Affordable Housing Board supports this insulation solution as a reasonable balance of energy efficiency and cost concerns. Stairway Safety versus Developer Hardship The new requirements for stairway design no doubt will increase the safety and comfort of homes. However, the additional square footage required will add to the cost of homes. The impact will be greatest on compact home designs that do not have square footage to spare. Of course, compact design is a common theme in affordable homes. At the January 8 Affordable Housing Board regular meeting, Felix Lee proposed allowing developers to apply for a "hardship exemption" from the new stairway design requirement. These applications would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine if a development plan should be exempt from the new requirement. The Affordable Housing Board feels a "hardship exemption" clause is essential for a smooth conversion to IRC. It will protect developers who have invested in stairway designs formulated before the new code took effect. This is particularly important for affordable housing developers who have limited profit margins. We feel the application for hardship exemption should be available for two years after the new code takes effect. Felix Lee confirmed this as a reasonable time period at our January 8 meeting. We feel a hardship exemption clause should be included in the new code, and the option to apply should be available to all developers (not just affordable housing developers). Health versus Radon Overkill The proposed radon amendment generated the most disagreement among members of the Affordable Housing Board at our February 5 meeting. Staff advocated for option 2 requiring passive mitigation. Three of five board members present supported option 2 as a reasonable balance of health and cost concerns. This alternative adds between $1000 and $1600 to the cost of a home. The remaining two members preferred option 8, which requires only sub- slab preparation. This alternative assures that a home could be mitigated after construction should the need arise. If a finished home is found to have a radon problem, the vent required by option 2 can be installed. Thus, with option 8, expensive and potentially unnecessary hardware is not added to every new home. According to Felix Lee, the added costs of option 8 over standard construction are negligible. Upon reconsideration of the radon mitigation options at our July 6 meeting, the Board unanimously chose to support option 8. Unlike the energy efficiency and stairway safety amendments, radon overkill has the potential of pricing out low-income homebuyers without providing benefit to others. ATTACHMENT Air Quality Advisory Board 06-19-2003 Page 6 of 14 Nancy York made the following motion: That we reference our position of March 20'h regarding radon mitigation and that we support the interior moisture control and ventilation aspects of code and all of the energy conservation aspects of it. The motion was seconded by Bacon • Moore: I would still like to see a minimum of passive. The active is a good alternative. I would rather at least see passive,better than nothing at all. • Sunthankar: Do you want to offer an option of at least passive? • Walters: I think that if we are recommending active they'll know we'd much rather have something than nothing. • Stanley: I'll make sure that that's spelled out. • York: Maybe I should add that particularly the heating and air conditioning proposed changes. The added insulation as well; improvement in windows. • Stanley: I can put all that into the memo. The motion unanimously passed. Master Transportation Plan • Jackson: We've gone to the Planning and Zoning Board and got unanimous recommendation of approval. We got a unanimous recommendation of approval from the Transportation Board last night. • Stanley: Without any changes? • Jackson: Not with Planning and Zoning Board. They have a couple of caveats. Transportation Board should be OK. They've got a couple of statements of things they would like to see emphasized and some minor concerns. I think the Natural Resources Board really liked the environmental chapters and the context sensitive design discussion, and they had some serious concerns about some of the Master Street Plan elements. We did go to Council, and got really good feedback. They generally support it,but they need more time to get some of the capital improvement project analysis. We are going to go back in late January. There are a couple of substantive changes that we have made; there are two elements that I wanted to let you know about: one is that we have decided to pull the recommendation to upgrade Prospect to a 6-lane major arterial from consideration. • Bacon: What are the projected volumes? • Jackson: It will push just that much more traffic onto Prospect, Vine, Monte Vista, Harmony, Carpenter. We are still maintaining the recommendation to upgrade Carpenter to a 6-lane arterial. • Stanley: Last time we asked you to find out where the funding for Carpenter road is coming from. Is it going to be paid for by street over sizing fees, or is it going to be paid for by Loveland and Windsor who are causing most of the problem? • Jackson: The least favorable option is that City capital is expended for it. Street over- sizing could pay for the upgrade between a 4 and a 6-lane arterial facility. CDOT is currently entertaining the notion of swapping roads out and taking that road over as a state highway. It could end up being federal and state funds. • Stanley: What roads would they swap? ATTACHMENT 4 Excerpt from the June 24, 2004 Building Review Board Meeting A regular meeting of the Building Review Board was held on Thursday April 29, 2004, in the Council Chambers of the Fort Collins Municipal Building at 300 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. BOARDMEMBERS PRESENT: David Carr Charles Fielder Leslie Jones Gene Little Bradley Massey John McCoy Michael Smilie BOARDMEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Felix Lee, Building and Zoning Director Delynn Coldiron, Contractor Licensing Administrator Stacie Soriano, Staff Support Other Business: Lee provided Board Members with a handout that he prepared based on the information that was obtained from E-Star of Colorado. It was an update on the energy analysis demonstrating the impacts of the shift from the current code to the proposed IRC. The Board previously voted on the adoption of the IRC and endorsed it without the radon component. Lee noted that it has been difficult to get the analysis data from E-star of Colorado due to busy schedules. He explained that E-star used the DOE engine to perform their ratings on homes and then a computer analysis with multiple variables using a standard base model home (two-story, 1000 square feet) to come up with their figures. Lee referenced a bar chart that was a graphic representation of the matrix. Lee reiterated that the Board has previously voted on this, but wanted to provide the Board with updated information. Lee reviewed the information on the chart (Attachment A). Lee noted that the graph was based on a standard prescriptive approach. Lee emphasized that half of the current plan reviews were prescriptive and the other half were energy rated. Lee felt that the amount of energy rated homes would grow. BRB 06/24/2004 Pg.2 Little asked why Alternative A was more productive than Alternative B. Fielder stated that there were two different things because one had no basement insulation and one reduced the wall insulation on the house. Alternative A has R18 insulation. Lee stated that under the current proposal one could choose Alternative A, B, or have the home energy rated. Lee reviewed the Bar Chart (Attachment B). Lee stated that he was looking for discussion regarding the updated numbers. McCoy asked staff if the homebuilders had come back with questions or concerns. Lee said the Board was the first public body to view the new data, but he planned on meeting with HBA and the Code Committee. Smilie asked if the chart included radon. Lee said the chart did include radon, but the current base model did not include radon. The Board was satisfied with their previous decision to support the IRC package with amendments, excluding mandatory radon. Lee noted that there was an effort on part of the HBA to have the contractor license regulations reviewed, specifically basement finish and interior remodel contractors. A task group will be formed in September. Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. Felix Lee, Building&Zoning Director Charles Fielder, Chairperson paYCD ° a � waaa CD �,. 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BOARDMEMBERS PRESENT: David Carr Charles Fielder Leslie Jones Gene little John McCoy Bradley Massey BOARDMEM 3ERS ABSENT: Michael Smilie STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Felix Lee, Building and Zoning Director Brian Woodruff,Natural Resources Delynn Coldiron,Contractor licensing Administrator Stacie Soriano,Staff Support AGENDA: 1. ROLLCALL The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Fielder, and roll call was taken. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Carr made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 26, 2004, meeting. Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed. 3. Periodic Review BRB 03/25/2004 Page 2 Lee explained the questionnaire that was put into board packets. Board members can either return it to Building and Zoning or the City Clerk's office. Fielder asked if the questionnaire was a collective effort. Lee said it was for individual feedback. Lee said he would seek further clarification from the City Clerk's office and inform board members. 4. IRC Update Lee said the purpose of the meeting is to gamer a recommendation by the Building Review Board for the purposes of adopting the draft codes. Lee said that the proposal is in draft form and he did not expect any changes to the document other than minor editing issues and that the content is intact. Carr stated that he had two dozen editing clarifications and asked if he could give those changes to Lee after the meeting. Lee said yes and that he appreciated Carr's efforts. Fielder asked Lee whether the Board had comments to discuss with Lee. Lee replied that comments are welcome. Lee said he invited individuals from the Task Group and others. Brian Woodruff from the Natural Resources Department was present. Lee provided a presentation on the City of Fort Collins 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) and Draft Amendments. He noted that the first reading by City Council is set for April 20, 2004. Lee stated that there is ample time to make comments and opinions known to staff and City Council. Lee noted that the IRC included provisions related to radon, energy, and general construction (administrative and miscellaneous). He indicated that staff is suggesting a transition period after Council adopts the ordinance and before it becomes effective. Comments following Let's presentation Carr asked about the exposure to smog compared to radon. Lee said that smog affected everybody and that was why it was not filtered out. Lee stated those types of things were difficult to identify. Lee noted that his job was to supply information. Lee asked Woodruff to add any comments. Carr stated that one reason why individuals have lung cancer might be exposure to smog and smoking. Carr said that smog affected everybody, and radon exposure presumably only affected people that had radon in their homes. Woodruff said that the health effects of smog (referred to as ozone) are not carcinogenic and therefore they are not comparable with a cancer causing agent like radon. According to Woodruff, the types of effects from breathing ozone were temporary death of lung cells that are generally reversible, unless one was exposed to high levels of ozone. Woodruff did not feel the two were comparable. McCoy asked Lee if he sought a recommendation from the Board on the draft by itself with the radon component separate. Lee responded that the Board is able to do whatever they wished. BRB 03/252004 Page 3 Lee said that he would like to have a recommendation that day because there would not be another opportunity to meet prior to the first reading. McCoy and Massey have been involved in the majority of the meetings crafting the draft of the residential code. McCoy proposed that the Board recommend adopting the draft of the IRC without the radon component. McCoy commended Lee for trying to draft the IRC with affordability. Massey seconded the motion. The motion passed. Vote: Yeas: McCoy,Fielder,Massey, and Carr. Nays: Little and Jones. Michelle Jacobs, representative for the Homebuilders Association of Northern Colorado (HBANCO), addressed the Board. Jacobs said that the basement wrap material that was discussed caused tumors and cancer only when injected--not inhaled. Jacobs wanted to make sure that there was not any confusion about the different hybrids of radon systems. She advised the Board that builders are installing the passive radon system, but the HBA does not support it. Jacobs went on to note that the builders who were installing passive radon systems were using it as a marketing tool and that the homes built with passive radon systems are typically custom built homes, not entry level homes. Jacobs commented that there are not definitive studies showing at what level radon was a health risk and that the health issue will always be debated. According to Jacobs,the studies that she looked at refer to the original EPA study,which she felt was flawed. Jacobs expressed hope that the radon controversy in Fort Collins would instigate a new study pertaining to radon. According to Jacobs, there are only five communities across the country that are mandating radon mitigation systems, are not within the same risk zone as Fort Collins, and are on the East Coast. Jacobs stated that the EPA study related the risk of radon cancers to other household accidents such as ladder and stair accidents is not valid. Jacobs said the Board was previously presented with the New Home Choices Colorado brochure. Jacobs felt that houses built as a system perform better. Jacobs stated that a building code is a minimum standard, and that a local municipality did not need to mandate lifestyle choices. She expressed her belief to local government's role is to protect the health and safety of the community. Jacobs said that Fort Collins is a major player with the New Home Choices Colorado campaign, and she wants to give the market a chance to see if the campaign was going to work. The campaign is state-wide with funding from the State and E-Star. Jacobs said the energy portion of the IRC is very expensive, but that the HBA strongly supported the building code portion of the IRC. Jacobs felt the energy component of the IRC was far and above other Northern Colorado community standards. Jacobs recognized that the energy conservation techniques are important because energy sources are depleting. Jacobs asked if the radon label requirement in the draft amendments reading, "SOS Radon," could be replaced with numbers. Jacobs said it was a minor change,but an appreciated one. Lee agreed to change the wording. Jacobs said that steel prices will be going up by 20%in April and wanted the Board to take inflation costs into consideration. Jacobs attended a study session on Tuesday regarding street oversizing fees and noted the street oversizing fees would be increased by$922.00. According to Jacobs, the City has added$15,000 in fees within the past year for the BRB 03/25/2004 Page 4 cost of a home. Jacobs asked if the measures are really needed, and restated her aim to maintain affordability in Fort Collins. The Board asked Jacobs questions pertaining to radon. Jacobs deferred HBA member, Gil Paben, to answer questions. Paben said that when the testing of soils is done prior to construction, there is no guarantee of what the radon levels would be in the house until after the house is built. He noted there is a potential for higher radon levels due to the soil being disturbed. Paben said the average level of radon prior to mitigation was ten, and the average level after mitigation was two pCi/L. Paben said that the HBA installed radon mitigation systems at a competitive price. Regarding passive radon systems, Paben said that all the phases have to be installed according to the passive system checklist. He noted the cost included the sub-slab, caulking and sealing the slab and joints, and running the vent pipe from beneath the slab up through the framing and out through the roof. Paben added that if there is a crawl space, the customer is charged an additional fee, which is sometimes doubles the price. The average cost according to Paben was$1388.00 for the passive radon system. Paben stated that 70-75%of the houses were above the four pCi/L guideline. Paben noted that radon was detected throughout Fort Collins,and levels can vary from house to house. The Board wanted to know what the HBA supported. Jacobs said the HBA supported the IRC, but not the energy or radon components. Jacobs stated that she liked what Latimer County is doing by not implementing the 2x6 construction due to the expense. Jacobs felt that the 90% efficient furnace trade-off was still expensive. According to Jacobs, the County will have a $3000 increase versus a$6500 increase per home in the city. McCoy said the energy code had the opportunity to pay for itself even though there was an initial increase in cost. Jacobs replied that the energy conservation measures do save on the monthly utility bills, but it was not significant ($15-20 a month), and further that an individual would have to stay in a home 20 plus years to recoup the cost. According to Jacobs, market studies have shown that families move every three to five years. Massey asked if her statement contradicted her statement of letting the market take care of energy conservation measures. Jacobs replied that the New Home Choices Colorado campaign was a market campaign. Massey was not concerned with people moving because the home would still exist. Jacobs agreed with Massey and stated that it was the builder who would have to justify the cost of the home to the original home buyer. Jacobs said by the City enforcing energy conservation measures and radon, a marketing tool would be taken away from builders. McCoy asked how the monthly energy bill was configured. Lee replied that he did an analysis based on components, and used the study that the City did versus the high performance home used by the New Home Choices Colorado campaign. Lee said he would dispute the $10420 savings, and said it was a 20%minimum savings. Lee felt the cost savings were significant. Lee asked )-star of Colorado to perform a detailed analysis to back up his argument. Jacobs explained where she received her numbers. ATTACHMENT 5 MEMORANDUM To:Mayor Martinez and Members of City Council RE: Proposed 2003 Residential Energy Code Date: February 9,2004 Dear Members of City Council, On behalf of the Fort Collins Electric Board,I would like to express our support for proposed 2003 Residential Energy Conservation Code. After listening to a presentation by Felix Lee explaining the changes,we felt that the new code would result In a better,more comfortable housing product and be a benefit to the citizens of Fat Collins while saving them money on their energy bills. Similar energy codes have been adopted In other parts of Colorado and it will protect Fort Collins home buyers to make sure our homes are built to the same standards. Sincerely, Alison Mason,Chair - Fort Collins Electric Board 970-493-1295 Electric Board Meeting Minutes January 21,2004 Page 2 Energy Conservation Code Update—Felix Lee Felix Lee,Building and Zoning Department Manager,stated that the proposed energy code update only applies to single family,two family units and townhouses;not multi family or condominiums. He stated that one of the most significant improvements to the code is the increase in R value in thermal wall insulation from R-15 to R-18 for homes over 1600 sq. ft. This change will not apply to homes that are less than 1600 square feet,which are typically affordable homes and use less energy than larger homes. He added that there are trade offs in the code which will allow more flexibility in order to accomplish the energy conservation goals. Felix explained the other major changes to the code; heat exchange and duct work,higher efficiency windows,and extended staircases for safety purposes. These requirements will apply to all size homes. Board member Tracy Babst-Wiedenbrug asked about the effective date of the ordinance. Felix responded that it will go to Council on March 2,2004 for first reading and the changes probably won't go into effect for 90 to 180 days after the ordinance is adopted. He explained that these requirements have a steep learning curve and builders will have to learn new installation procedures. Chairperson Mason asked what the cost would be to a buyer if just the energy conservation improvements were added. Felix replied that the increase in construction costs compared to the savings in energy costs would result in a very minor increase in monthly payments. The Board was in support of the code changes but concerned about the impact it would have on the local building industry. They wanted to study the changes a little more before making a recommendation to Council. Other Business Board Retreat—The Board discussed which days they were available to meet for a team building retreat. MeetingTimes imes—The Board discussed whether to change the meeting times of the regular meetings. The consensus was that 5:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month is still preferable. Million Solar Roofs Initiative—Chairperson Mason noted that there will be a seminar regarding net metering and interconnection on January 29th in the Poudre Room at the Service Center if anyone would like to attend. -2- ATTACHMENT Natural Resources Advisory Board December 3, 2003 Page 5 of 10 Fort Collins to the 100-year standards, and do we want to think about a different way of funding this. • Ohslon: I agree on both counts,but the train has left the station. They're going to do the Rolls Royce version. • Hibbard: We did look at the 50-year option, and will be presenting it to Council. The pay as you go funding mechanism plan was approved by City Council. They can change the City-wide approach. • Fischer: In perspective,I own property in Denver. The yearly stormwater bill is$30. I wondering if this is something we want to commit to. • Ohslon: I proposed a hybrid system,where the basins who have more, contribute more. It's not us versus them. I think a more rational policy would be a 2/3 and 1/3 sharing. Council's complaining the fees are too high,but its based on plans they approved. • Ohlson: We have to distinguish between having wet carpet, and mobile home parks being wiped out. • Stokes: Did you ever do an analysis of if it's cheaper to buy out properties in flood plains as opposed to building control? I'm thinking of Dry Creek. • Hayes: We do look at that. To implement some of our projects we have to buy out property. We get feedback from other City departments. • Hibbard: We do have buyout in the Poudre River. We have a few collaborative projects with the Natural Resources Department. • Ohllon: I don't care if by doing master plans it creates developable land as an offshoot. It should be neutral. You need to protect the things that need protected. They should stand on their own. • Hibbard: On North College they're looking at re-development. Another thing about financing, the next step is to recalculate our development fees. That component will be designed to have new development buy into the infrastructure that is built. We'll be reviewing the structure of our development fees when we know what Council's pleasure is. • Fischer: That's why it makes sense to do it on a basin by basin approach. • Hibbard: We can come back to the board in January. • Fischer: I would ask that board members come prepared to make specific recommendations or changes so we can expedite this whole process. Residential Building Code,Felix Lee Felix Lee made a presentation on the update. • Donovan: How much do active systems reduce radon compared to passive? • Woodruff: Active systems reduce it by 87%, and passive systems reduce it by 47%. • Ohllon: In the future I would encourage you to have an Electric Board member when there are appropriate things. • Lee: In terms of developing the provision,we worked with Utilities. • Lee: Moisture protection deals with indoor air quality as it relates to health and the production of mold spores. We took provisions that were done as a package from a Natural Resources Advisory Board December 3, 2003 Page 6 of 10 task force convened in Denver working on moisture for several months. We came up with a package recommending amendments to the IRC that would assist in averting problems with moisture. • Fischer: I appreciate the concept,but if the home owner doesn't properly maintain the fan a poorly maintained system could promote problems. • Woodruff: The fan is installed with an indicator device so you know if its running or not. • Lee: This would service both purposes,radon and moisture issues. • Panjabi: Where is this a problem? Is it everywhere? • Lee: It's selective. Certain subdivisions have expansive soils. • Fischer: There's the issue of now you're conditioning a larger area. There's continuous movement of air into that area. You're exchanging that air all of the time, it will take more energy to heat that. • Lee: There are tradeoffs, health and safety and energy usage. • Woodruff: The flow isn't very great, it's a trickle of air. • Ohlson: I went on a house tour. This is a serious issue. Is this recommendation watered down from your best recommendation? • Lee: No, in fact the Denver task force has softer language about the appliances. The recommendation staff is making is not a consensus recommendation. • Lee: Staff is recommending a passive radon system. I believe a passive system in most cases is adequate,based on research. • Ohlson: The Air Quality Board would differ. Why do they draw a different conclusion? • Woodruff: They based it on a number of factors, and it was a split vote. Mostly they were saying if you're going to get better benefits why not go all the way. The board did not have full information about the operating cost picture. • Ohlson: If you had a radon problem in your house,would you do an active system, or a passive system? • Woodruff: Home retrofits are always active. There is no option for passive in a retrofit. • Woodruff: In a new house I would want a passive system. It's very easy to test. If you're satisfied you're done. There's no advantage to an active system without knowing in advance. • Stokes: I like the passive system because it is prescriptive, but it's also choice based. You can add a fan,its all set up. It's regulatory on one side,but its choice on the other. • Ohlson: I have no problem with the recommendation. I do have a problem with Council. The first email on this was in 1987. I'm happy we're moving there,but we could have had this 5-10 years ago. I could easily live with and support the recommendation. • Fischer: If you go all the way and have a requirement to pre-wire,why not put the fan in? • Woodruf: When you bring in the affordable housing part, all of these things add up. Natural Resources Advisory Board December 3,2003 Page 7 of 10 • Fischer: Cost does not equal price. The price of a new home is driven by the market, not by the materials. • Skutchan: Why are we talking about this in the first place? • Lee: It's been on the agenda for many years. • Skutchan: Why does the government have to institute this? Why go through this process? • Byme: It's a policy choice on the part of the community. • Skutchan: So those of us not freaking out,we just have to go along with this? • Lee: You work through your representative. • Skutchan: I probably have an entirely different opinion than most of you. We're getting to the point that we'll require things instead of suggesting them. • Lee: We don't do any suggesting. • Ohlson: Felix, are you supportive of the recommendation going to Council? • Lee: Absolutely. • Woodruff: It's prudent. Look what's happening. Houses are being mitigated right and left. It's cheaper to fix the house while its being built than as a retrofit. Why wait? Get it taken care of while the house is being built. Kelly Ohlson made the following motion for discussion purposes: Move that the Natural Resources Advisory Board support the active radon mitigation program. The motion was seconded by Nate Donovan. • Donovan: In your study did you look at ranges of radon levels around the City? • Woodruff: There have been about 7000 short term tests that we're aware of About 70%of those are above 4pc,with the highest frequency being between 4 and 10. • Donovan: When we bought our house we installed an active system. This is a public health and safety issue, and a policy issue. I asked the test be done and made it a condition of sale. My realtor discouraged it. There's a lot of disincentive in the real estate industry because they believe it will screw up deals. • Fischer: It's a huge public health issue, even if you're inclined to be a non-government type of guy. It impacts the bottom line of your paycheck. The cost of one cancer caused by radon is hundreds of thousands of dollars. With radon you're talking one excess cancer in a couple hundred people. There isn't a question about excess radon exposure. If we have a system that is 99%there and we only need$300 to complete it, the logical thing is to complete the system. • Skutchan: I don't want to come out as whole heartedly against it. My three criteria are access, expertise and choice. I believe in the brochures, and the expertise is available. I think education is the key concern. • Donovan: The purpose of this regulation,if its enacted, is to protect the health and safety of people who are likely to do nothing about it. • Fischer: I believe most home owners will not do anything. • Ohlson: There is a balance of personal responsibility. Natural Resources Advisory Board December 3, 2003 Page 8 of 10 The motion was defeated with one vote in favor(Fischer), and five votes opposed (Donovan, Panjabi, Ohlson, Skutchan, Staychock). Nate Donovan made the following motion: FrlecomLmendation vat the Natural Resources Board recommend to Council that they accept staff s to install passive radon systems in new homes. The motion was seconded by Ryan Staychock. • Skutchan: Passive is a good way to go. There's an element of choice. • Ohlson: At some point it needs to considered why it's not a point of sale on used homes. The motion passed with five votes in favor(Donovan, Panjabi, Ohlson, Staychock, Fischer), and one vote opposed(Skutchan). • Fischer: I would recommend that we hold off on the energy code and have Felix come back in January. We can make our recommendation on the radon thing,but lets take a little more time on this. A lot of these technical details I don't understand. • Ohlson: The enlightened builders are going so far beyond. • Skutchan: On the face value I would agree. But,I would like to be able dedicate more time, and get the expertise. • Ohlson: Our memo should reflect we ran out of time and didn't get to the energy code. Ryan Staychock left the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Nate Donovan made the following motion: Move that Natural Resources Advisory Board recommend Council supports staffs recommendation on interior moisture control The motion was seconded by Kelly Ohlson. The motion passed with four votes in favor(Ohlson, Donovan,Panjabi,Fischer), and one vote opposed(Skutchan). CDOT—Rest Area,Mark Sears Sears said that CDOT is proposing to exchange a 27 acre piece of property along I-25 for a thirteen acre piece of property south of the Welcome Center. The appraisal hasn't been completed, but it looks like a fairly even swap. • Ohlson: Does staff believe this is a slam dunk. • Stokes: Yes. We're not seeking board action, this is informational. • McKenzie: The reason it's a slam dunk is its prime riparian area,next to the Poudre River. • Skutchan: Is there an opportunity for an education area with the existing facilities? • McKenzie: No, the problem is access. • Ohlson: Is the reason the acreages are different because that's what CDOT owns now. • Sears: The values will balance in the transaction. ATTACHMENT Radon Overview and Analysis of the City of Fort Collins Proposal to Require Radon Control Systems in New Residential Construction Health District of Northern Larimer County Board of Directors—December 12,2003 Prepared by Bruce Cooper,MD and Polly Anderson Background Radon is an odorless,gaseous radioactive element that occurs naturally in earth and rock,well water and some building materials. It has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)and others as a Class A carcinogen because of the known connection between exposure and lung cancer. It is found throughout the United States,with higher than average levels in Colorado. Radon is drawn into homes and other buildings through cracks and openings in basements,crawl spaces and slabs. Radon levels vary from house to house,and are higher on the lowest level of a house. According to the EPA,exposure to radon has no immediate effect. However,over a person's lifetime,radon particles can enter the lungs,attach themselves and eventually lead to lung cancer. The EPA estimates that between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States can be attributed to radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States,accounting for about 10%of lung cancer deaths. Studies show that smokers are at a higher risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer. The Health Effects of Radon Exposure From what is known about the biological mechanisms involved in the development of cancer,radon is an ideal suspect. Radon is radioactive—that means that radon atoms spontaneously decay to other atoms called radon progeny,releasing alpha radiation as they change.The electrically charged radon progeny can attach to dust particles in indoor air and be inhaled into the lungs where they continue to decay and emit alpha radiation.The radiation can disrupt DNA in lung cells which can be the initiating step in the development of cancer. Since alpha radiation can only travel short distances and cannot penetrate tissues like skin,lung cancer is the only potentially important cancer hazard from indoor radon. Evidence that radon indeed causes lung cancer comes from studies of underground miners whose high rates of lung cancer have been linked to high levels of radon exposure and higher rates of smoking. The concern is that much lower levels of radon in indoor air in homes might pose an important cancer hazard.The most direct way to assess the risk posed by radon in homes is to compare life-long radon exposures among people who developed lung cancer with exposures among healthy controls,accounting for other causes of lung cancer such as smoking. About a dozen such studies have been conducted to date,but they haven't provided a precise answer on the level of risk because the risk is very small and it is difficult to estimate exposures over a lifetime. The combined evidence from these studies suggests that the risk is about the size that has been postulated on the basis of lung cancer data from miners(Darby, 1998).The most comprehensive examination of the evidence to date is the BEIR VI study sponsored by the U.S.National Research Council completed in 1999(BEIR VI). City of Fort Collins Current Indoor Air Radon Reduction Efforts Radon education and mitigation is central to the City of Fort Collins 2000-2003 Air Quality Action Plan. Efforts include: Information—Encouraging radon testing and mitigation Incentive—Low cost testing kit sales Ordinances—Radon information given at point of sale,building code standards for voluntarily installed mitigation systems and inspector/mitigator certification requirements The Problem: Compliance with Current Recommendations The City's current radon program,which relies both on voluntary testing and mitigation,is similar to the programs of other municipalities in Colorado and across the nation. The problem with a voluntary system is that—even with fairly intensive public education—relatively few people test for radon,retest or mitigate when needed. A study of a community intervention radon program in the Washington,D.C. area(which has similarly high levels of radon)found the following behaviors related to radon testing and mitigation (Doyle et al, 1991): 1 Home owners purchasing short term-test 6.5% Using short term-test if purchased 55.8% Using long-term test if purchased 55.8% Mitigating(if needed) 25% It should be noted that the radon program in this study utilized public education to increase both testing and mitigation. Low compliance levels can dramatically reduce the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a voluntary program.Using the probability estimates from this Washington,D.C.study,and applying it to all Region I areas of the U.S.,Ford et.al. estimated that a radon remediation program recommending testing and remediation at or above the current threshold of 4pCi/L would cost about$320,000 to prevent one death from radon-associated lung cancer while preventing about 1317 lung cancer deaths. In contrast,using a full compliance estimate(everyone tests and everyone with high levels mitigates), about 122,000 deaths could be prevented at a cost of about$35,000 each. Radon in Fort Collins Average indoor radon levels from long term tests: Fort Collins National EPA Threshold 3.0 pCi/L 1 1.25 pCi/L 4 PUIL The Fort Collins level is the mean level from a survey using first-floor,long-term tests conducted in 1989(Borak, Woodruff and Toohey, 1989). Short-term tests are often conducted in the lowest level of house(i.e. a basement or crawl space). The average of 6,900 short-term tests in Fort Collins have yield a higher average(7.1 pCi/L). The City's New Proposal:Active Radon Redaction Systems in New Construction In May of 2003 the City Council considered a proposal to require passive radon mitigation systems in all new construction. At the May 13 study session,Council directed City staff to look into an active mitigation system proposal. As with the passive system,City staff are soliciting public comment to help formulate their recommendation to Council. The Council is now considering the radon-resistant new construction as part of a major building code update (International Residential Code or IRC). The schedule(subject to change)for the IRC changes is: • December 16,2003—public hearing on the IRC(including radon) • February 10,2004—IRC discussion by Council • March 2004—adoption The new radon proposal under discussion is to require active radon mitigation systems for all new construction. The basic component of this system is identical to the passive system,with the addition of an electric fan. The passive system consists of a PVC pipe running from the gravel or dirt beneath the slab to the roof for gas venting. A polyethylene or plastic gas-retardant layer is placed and sealed between the slab and gravel or over the exposed soil or rock. The passive system also includes installation of an electric supply, should the homeowner or builder desire to install a fan. [Note: staff did not describe this component of the passive system in the March analysis,though this piece was included in the cost estimates.] The passive system was estimated in March 2003 to cost$522 per dwellings New estimates from September 20034 are: Passive Foundation Options System Cost Sub-slab depressurization with gravel most common—described above $590 Sub-slab depressurization with perforated pipe loop $1 101 h slab '/a crawls ace depressurization $494 2 Activation of the system requires installation of a$310 fans The annuatized cost for maintenance and operation of the active system is$40/year(electricity is$4.75/year and fan replacement is expected every eight years). The City of Fort Collins estimates that radon levels are reduced as follows with each system: Passive: 47%reduction in radon levels Active: 97%reduction in radon levels City of Fort Collins estimates that 24,000 new homes housing 59,000 people will be built in the Fort Collins Growth Management area before the city runs out of land. Sixty percent of these(14,000 homes housing 24,000 people)will be single-family units and therefore subject to the proposed radon regulation. The EPA recommends testing homes with the passive system and if the radon level in elevated above 4 pCi/L, activating the system by adding a fan. Cost Effectiveness Analysis(CEA) City cost estimates Using risk estimates from the EPA based on BEIR VI risk models and exposure estimates based on radon levels measured in Fort Collins homes,staff in the City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Department constructed cost analyses using two different exposure estimates,one a worst-case exposure estimate from 6,900 consecutive short-term lower level radon tests in Fort Collins zip codes and another best case exposure estimate based on a one-year scientific survey of 56 first floor Fort Collins dwellings conducted in 1988. The City's estimated that in a hypothetical community of 14,400 dwellings and 35,300(the predicted capacity for new single family dwellings in Fort Collins): Passive: Cancer reduction 146 cases(range 75 to 300)at a cost of$51,000 per case(range$25,000 to$100,000) Note: The March analysis reported that the City concluded 200 cases would be averted with the passive system. Active: Cancer reduction 270 cases(range 150 to 600)at a cost of$42,600 per case(range$20,000 to$80,000) Health District cost estimates Expressing costs per lung cancer case averted does not fully reflect the savings and costs of resulting outcomes. Nor can this measure of cost be compared to cost-effectiveness ratios of other interventions with different purposes and outcomes. To make estimates more comparable,we conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis of the same hypothetical population using outcomes of years of life saved(YLS)and disability adjusted life years(DALYs). The analysis of the passive system uses the current approach as the comparison;the analysis of the active system uses the passive system as the comparison. Table 1—Incremental cost per life year gained Cost Estimated Lung Cancer Deaths Lung Cancer Deaths (per life year wined) Averted No Pro am - 151 - Current $21,900 148 3 Passive $17 400 130 21 18 over current Active $58,900 115 36 15 over assive Because the costs and outcomes of these interventions are spread over many years and because individuals prefer to receive benefits today rather than 20 or 25 years into the future,future costs and benefits were discounted at 3%per year as is standard in a cost effectiveness analysis(Siegel, 1996). We estimated that the useful life of the radon control system was a lifetime, and that the latency period to the first cases of radon induced cancer is 25 years.We used estimates on effectiveness of the system from the City's analysis. Estimates of the risk reduction were taken from the BEIR VI study. Baseline lung cancer rates and life expectancies were derived from county and state vital statistics,respectively. Costs of 3 treating lung cancer and estimates of lost productivity were taken from other U.S.studies(analysis available upon request).All costs were adjusted to 1993 dollars to facilitate comparison with other studies(see Table 1). The most uncertain parameter in our model is the estimate of risk attributable to radon exposure in households. Using most and least favorable estimates of risk,the cost effectiveness ratio range as follows: Current: $12,800-$35,600 per life year gained Passive: $10,300-$28,000 per life year gained Active: $35,400-$93,000 per life year gained Table 2—Comparison of Select Health Interventions Life-saving intervention Cost per life- Reference year saved 1993 dollars Radon Control Radon remediation in homes with levels 2 4 pCilL,modified $80,000 Ford,SF at al(1999) - Radon remediation in homes with levels>_4 Ci/L $140,000 Pushkin 7S(1989) Radon remediation in homes with levels 2 8.11 Ci/L $35,000 Mossman KL(1991) Radon remediation in homes with levels 2 21.6 Ci/L $6,100 Nero AV(1988) Asbestos Control Ban asbestos in brake ds blocks $29,000 Tens 1994 Ban asbestos in clutch facings blocks $2,700,000 Tens 1994 Ban asbestos in roof coatings $5,200,000 Ten 1994 Screening -Pap smears for cervical cancer $15,600 Friedenber RM 2002 Mammography screening for breast cancer $24,100 Friedenber RM 2002 Colonosco for colon cancer $127,000 Friedenb RM 2002 CXR and sputum cytology screening for lung cancer $93,000 Friedenb RM 2002 Smoking cessation counseling <$0 to$2,900 Tens 1994 Add NRT,and $1500-$3,500 Son F 2002 Add bu ion SR, $90042,150 Son F 2002 Add NRT plus bupropion SR $1,300-$2,800 Son F(2002 Hypertension screening,age 40(for heart disease and stroke) Men: $239000 Littenberg B(1990) Women:$36,000 Public Health Initiatives Routine childhood vaccines and influenza in high risk adults <$0 Tens 1994 Fluoridation to prevent dental caries <$0 Ten s 1994 Automobile Design Improvements Driver automatic vs.manual belts <$0 Ten 1994 - Dual master cylinder y brakes $13,000 Tens 1994 Collapsible steeringcolumns $63,000 T s 1994 Side structure improvements to reduce door intrusion upon $110,000 Tengs(1994) crash Our estimate can be compared with a)other interventions to reduce exposure to residential radon,b)other prevention strategies our society has adapted,and c)alternative interventions targeted at primary prevention of lung cancer. Table 2 gives some estimates of the cost per YLL(1993 dollars)of a variety of prevention measures from published studies. First, note from Table 1,that the passive radon intervention has a more favorable cost-effectiveness ratio than both the current radon remediation strategy and the active system. Comparing both the passive and the active regulations with other prevention strategies shows that the passive falls within the range of cost considered"a good buy"and that the active is quite a bit more. An alternative intervention targeted at primary prevention of lung cancer—smoking cessation treatment—is very cost effective. Studies of smoking cessation advice have been conducted. Estimates of cost per life year saved range from<$0 to$2,900(Tengs, 1994). Using pharmacotherapy(quit aids like nicotine replacement or other pharmaceuticals)roughly doubles the cost(Song F,2002). Of course,the advantage of a requirement of new homes to include passive radon 4 reduction systems over smoking cessation interventions is that the former does not require any behavior changes. Smoking cessation programs are only effective for those motivated to quit. Because 70%to 90% of lung cancer deaths attributable to radon exposure occur among current and former smokers,it is more cost-effective to target radon-reduction programs at smokers than at non-smokers(Ford, 1999). Of course,if the choice were between radon reduction and smoking cessation,it would be more desirable to have smoker's quit smoking. However,because the interaction between these two risk factors is believed to be multiplicative,lung cancer prevention will be most effective if efforts are made to reduce risk from both. Other Options for Risk Abatement The City's proposals to require passive or active radon mitigation systems in all new construction is only one of many options the City has considered or could consider to lower the risk of radon exposure and consequent illness. A partial listing follows: I. Status quo • Information at point-of-sale • Mitigation system installation standards • Mitigation/testing certification requirements 2. Increase education efforts to increase testing and mitigation by homeowners and/or builders 3. Required testing on all homes(new or new and old) 4. Required mitigation system installation on all homes(without testing) 5. Required mitigation system installation on all homes or home sites with certain actual or expected radon levels (new or new and old) 6. Targeted radon-reduction intervention for smokers Reasons to support the City's active mitigation system proposal: • Residential radon exposure is a known health risk in Fort Collins. • The active system is more effective at reducing radon levels than both the passive system and the City's current program of voluntary testing and mitigation and will save more lives. • Active radon reduction requirements in new construction do not require owners to take action. Owners do not need to purchase radon-screening devices,retest their homes or mitigate in order for their families to benefit. • It is easier and less expensive to install the active(and passive)system during construction rather than after. • Public comments appearing on the City's web page solicited as part of the public input process include the following ideas(note:most were written in response to the City's original proposal for a passive system): • Costs for the system are nothing compared to cancer. • Passive requirement is better than requiring active. • Passive systems don't do enough to lower levels so active is better(from an anonymous radon professional). Reasons to oppose the City's active mitigation system proposal: . • The active system is less cost effective than the passive system and is expensive when compared to other prevention strategies. [The passive system compares favorably with other strategies.] • The added expense of the fan for the active system is unnecessary for homes with low radon levels. • Public comments appearing on the City's web page(some on the active system some on the passive system) include the following ideas: • It is the City's responsibility to educate on this issue,not regulate. • Additional regulations will increase the already high cost of housing in Fort Collins. • The addition of the fan should be the responsibility and choice of the homeowner,not the builder or government. • Radon levels vary too dramatically to mandate one system for all new construction. 5 Some who argue against mandatory (or even voluntary)radon mitigation or testing call into question the use of the linear no-threshold(LRT)model to The LRT model applies the fact that a estimate risk(see box at right). The critics of the science behind establishing single particle of radiation hitting a radiation thresholds have suggested that background radiation—such as the single biological cell can initiate a relatively low-levels of naturally occurring radon—might actually stimulate cancer,and then assumes that the our biological defense mechanisms.However,it should be noted that: number of these initiating events 1. The LRT model is the scientific standard for calculating radiation would be proportional to the number of particles of radiation(dose and risk. 2. Knowledge about the health effects of radon s exposure has response). To simplify further,the g gas P theory uses data extrapolated from increased markedly in the last few years(Kennedy,2002).Work such high-level radiation doses—such as as BEIR VI and the findings of several multinational collaborative the radon exposure and related lung groups have provided exposure-risk estimates with greater cancer rate of miners—to calculate confidence. acceptable low-dose exposure for the 3. Risk measures from meta-analyses of epidemiologic studies of general Public. Critics of this theory residential radon exposure using case-control studies that don't rely say that this model ignores the on modeling suggest that risk at lower levels of exposure is about that biological defense mechanisms that that would be predicted from extrapolating miner data using the LRT can prevent numerous exposures from m,2003 . developing into cancers. The model(Darby, 1998, Stigu ) alternative to use of the linear no- threshold hypothesis is a threshold hypothesis. In this hypothesis, Board of Directors position: radiation results in cancer only when On December 12,2003,the Board of Directors of the Health District of there is enough radiation to Northern Larimer County voted to uphold their March 2003 decision to overwhelm the threshold mechanism. recommend that the City of Fort Collins require installation of passive radon-reduction systems in new construction. This recommendation is made over both the City's current education program and over the current proposal to require installation of active radon-reduction systems in new construction. Literature Reference List BEIR VI.Health Risks of Exposure to Radon:BEIR VI.Washington,DC:National Academy Press; 1999. Borak T.B.,Woodruff B.,Toohey,R.E.A survey of winter,summer and annual average Rn concentrations in family dwellings. Health Physics. 1989;57(3):465.470. Darby,S.;Hill,D.,and Doll,R.(Clinical Trial Service Unit,University of Oxford,UK.sarah.darby@ctsu.ox.ac.uk).Radon: a likely carcinogen at all exposures. [Review]158 refs].Annals of Oncology.2001 Oct; 12(10):1341-51. Darby,S.;Whitley,E; Silcocks,P.;Thakrar,B.;Green,M.;Lomas,P.;Miles,J.;Reeves,G.;Feam,T.,and Doll,R.(ICRF Cancer Epidemiology Unit,University of Oxford,Radcliffe Infirmary,UK).Risk of lung cancer associated with residential radon exposure in south-west England:a case-control study.[comment].British Journal of Cancer. 1998 Aug; 78(3):394.408. Doyle J.K.;McClelland G.H.;Schulze W.D.;Elliott S.R.,and Russell G.W.,Protective responses to household risk:a case study of radon mitigation. Risk Analysis. 1991; It121-134. Ford,E. S.;Kelly,A.E.;Teutsch,S.M.;Thacker,S.B.,and Garbe,P.L. (National Center for Environmental Health,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,Atlanta,GA,USA,esf2@cdc.gov).Radon and lung cancer:a cost-effectiveness analysis. American Journal of Public Health. 1999 Mar;89(3):351-7. Friedenberg R.M.The 21 st century:The age of screening. Radiology.2002;223:14. Kennedy,C.A.and Gray,A.M.(Health Economics Research Centre,Institute of Health Sciences,University of Oxford,UK. christine.kennedy@institute-of-health-sciences.oxford.ac.uk). Cost effectiveness analysis of radon remediation programmes. Science of the Total Environment.2001 May 14;272(1-3):9-15. Kennedy,C.A.;Gray,A.M.;Denman,A.R.,and Phillips,P. S.(Health Economics Research Centre,Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oxford,UK).A cost-effectiveness analysis of a residential radon remediation programme in the United Kingdom.British Journal of Cancer. 1999 Dec;81(7):1243-7. Kennedy,C.A.The cost-effectiveness of residential radon remediation programmes:assumptions about benefits stream profiles over time. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity.2002;59(1):19-28. 6 Lagarde,F.;Pershagen,G.;Akerblom,G.;Axelson,0.;Baverstam,U.;Dumber,L.;Enflo,A.;Svartengren,M.,and Swedjemark,G. A.(Institute of Environmental Medicine,Karolinska Institute,Stockholm,Sweden).Residential radon and lung cancer in Sweden:risk analysis accounting for random error in the exposure assessment.[comment].Health Physics. 1997 Feb; 72(2):269-76. Littenberg B.; Garber A.M.,and Sox I.I.C.Screening for hypertension.Ann Intern Med. 1990; 112 192-202. Lubin,J.H.and Boice,J.D.Jr(Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program,National Cancer Institute,Bethesda,MD,USA).Lung cancer risk from residential radon:meta-analysis of eight epidemiologic studies.[comment].Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 1997 Jan 1; 89(1):49-57. Lubin,J.H.;Boice,J.D.Jr;Edling,C.;Hornung,R.W.;Howe,G.R.;Kunz,E.;Kusiak,R.A.;Morrison,H.I.;Radford,E.P.; Samet,J.M.and others(Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program,Division of Cancer Etiology,National Cancer Institute, Bethesda,Md 20892-7368,USA).Lung cancer in radon-exposed miners and estimation of risk from indoor exposure.Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 1995 Jun 7;87(11):817-27. Mossman,K.L.and Sollitto,M.A.(Department of Radiation Science,Graduate School,Georgetown University,Washington,DC 20007).Regulatory control of indoor Rn.[comment].Health Physics. 1991 Feb;60(2):169-76. Nero AV.Elements of a strategy for control of indoor radon.in.Radon and Its Decay Products in Indoor Air.New York:John Wiley; 1988. Pushkin J.S.and Nelson C.B.EPA's perspective on risks from residential radon exposure.J.Air Pollut Control Asso. 1989;39:915- 920. Siegel,J.E.;Weinstein,M.C.;Russell,L.B.,and Gold,M.R.(Department of Maternal and Child Health,Harvard School of Public Health,Boston,Mass,USA).Recommendations for reporting cost-effectiveness analyses.Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine.[comment]. [Review]117 refs].JAMA. 1996 Oct 23-1996 Oct 30;276(16):1339-41. Song,F.;Raftery,J.;Aveyard,P.;Hyde,C.;Barton,P.,and Woolacott,N.(Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham,Edgbaston,Birmingham,B 15 2TT,UK.fsong@bham.ac.uk).Cost-effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation:a literature review and a decision analytic analysis.[Review] [39 refs]. Medical Decision Making.2002 Sep-2002 Oct 31;22(5 Suppl):526-37. Tengs T.;Adams M.E.;Pliskin J.S.;Safi-an D.G.;Siegel J.E.;Weinstein M.C.,and Graham J.D..Five-hundrred life-saving interventions and their cost-effectiveness.Risk Analysis. 1994; 15(3):369-390. Environmental Protection Agency Radon Frequently Asked Questions,U.S.Environmental Protection Agency(htto://www.epa.eov/iag/radon/radon(lal.html) a The Costs and Benefits of Passive Radon Control Systems in New Residential Construction,City of Fort Collins,Z78/03. `Construction Cost Estimate City of Fort Collins:Radon Mitigation Program New Single-Family Dwellings,B&C Project Services for the City of Fort Collins,Natural Resource Department.September 22,2003. 'Ibid About this Analysis This analysis was prepared by Health District of Northern Larimer County staff to assist the Health District Board of Directors in determining whether to take an official stand on various health-related issues. Analyses are based on bills or issues at the time of their consideration by the Board and are accurate to the best of staff knowledge.To see whether the Health District Board of Directors took a position on this or other policy issues,please visit www.heahhdistrict.org/policy. About the Health District The Health District is a special district of the northern two-thirds of Larimer County,Colorado,supported by local property tax dollars and governed by a publicly elected five-member board. The Health District provides medical,mental health,dental, preventive and health planning services to the communities it serves. For more information about this analysis or the Health District,please contact Polly Anderson,community projects coordinator at (970)224.5209 or panderson@healthdistriet.org. ATTACHMENT December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes Public Hearing on Draft Changes and Amendments to the 2003 International Residential Code(IRC) ® Held The following is staffs memorandum on this item. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this hearing is to provide Council a public forum in which to hear a variety of responses to the draft changes and amendments to the 2003 International Residential Code(IRC)® (the latest version ofthe nationally-recognized "model"residential building code); and to obtain information on which to base an informed decision for adoption. Following the public hearing, the proposed changes and amendments are scheduled to be considered by the City Council at a study session on February 10, 2004, after which staffwill present ordinances proposing the changes and amendments at a regular Council meeting. The draft changes and amendments to the IRC®have undergone a sixteen-month review by staffand a joint Fort Collins-Larimer County task group. This latest residential building code, already in effect in much ofthe country, replaces the now-obsolete Uniform Building Code currently adopted by Fort Collins. It specifically covers only new one- and two-family dwellings and contains some ofthe most signifzcant potential changes to the Fort Collins Building Code in many years, including important new provisions for: • Indoor Air Quality: Radon-reducing venting systems and interior moisture control/ventilation systems. • Energy Conservation: Updated energy-conservation construction standards providing increased energy- conservation and performance, and a new optional simplified compliance table. • Architectural Features: 1) Safer, less steep stair geometry with lower risers and greater step depth. 2) Lower minimum ceiling height. • Structural and Exterior Elements: 1) Structural connection from foundation to roof. 2) Weather-resistant membrane backing behind lap siding. FINANCIAL IMPACT Fees The draft amendments relocate building permit and plan review fees from the building code to the I December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes City Code, Chapter 7.5, "Administrative Fees", which is administered by the City Manager. The change provides greater responsiveness and flexibility to adapt to changing economic conditions and service demands. No fees changes are proposed except for anew amendment that codifies the current policy for issuing "Foundation and Framing" (F& F)permits and increases the amount of the flat fee from $150 to $200. An "F& F"is a limited conditional permit that allows builders to start and complete construction up to the unfinished structure and shell without paying the full building permit fee and associated Capital Improvement Expansion Fees, and other related utility fees. Increased Construction Costs Some provisions of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE(IRC) ®and amendments as drafted will have an impact on the cost of new housing construction. BACKGROUND (A) TASK GROUP A local volunteer group, made up of building code officials from Fort Collins and Larimer County, City board members, builders, private building specialists, and representatives from the Home Builders Association ofNorthern Colorado, has been meetingfor the past 16 months examining the model code plus local amendments. Although the Task Group's purpose is to represent a range of perspectives and not to achieve consensus, general agreement was achieved on many issues. Members were encouraged to, and often did express opinions/suggestions on the draft code update package. The major remaining issues are: Roof to Foundation Connection:No significant net cost increase. Cost of IRC requirement for a continuous roof-to-foundation connection to resist wind-uplift forces will be offset by more extensive wall-bracing provisions currently in effect. Stairs: The modest costfor actualstairway construction is not the significant issue.More important are the constraints associated with compact home designs and the greater floor opening dimensions created by the added 20 inches of horizontal stair length. This requirement would have thegreatest effect on newer higher-density developments containing homes have compact floor plans on smaller lots, where a two foot increase in stair length can affect the entire exterior footprint. Under floor moisture control: A vapor retarder is now required on any exposed interior ground surfaces. The draft amendments would require sealing and attaching the membrane to the foundation wall. Additionally, in the 10% - 15% of new homes with suspended structural 2 December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes basement floor systems, the new provisions require special criteria for the under floor space below if the basement floor is wood, and therefore subject to moisture damage and fungal growth. In such cases, the draft amendments specify enclosed-combustion or power-vented heating and water-heating appliances to reduce the possibility of"down-drafting"combustion products into the living space when they are located in basement space above;and a moisture ventilation system with a continuously operating fan. Radon-resistant construction: The IRC® does not mandate radon systems, but provides an optional appendix chapter for jurisdictions that opt to do so. One of the following three mandatory draft options for only new construction are provided; a) passive system, b) a continuously-operatingfan "active"system, or c)active system for homes with basements and passive systems elsewhere. Siding Weather Backing: The IRC®specifies water-resistant membrane("house wrap')attached to exterior sheathing behind fiber board or hardboard lap siding. Energy Conservation: IRC®increases wall insulation performance fromR-13 to R-18. IRC®increases windows thermal performance from U-0.5(R-2)to U-0.35(R-3)and specifies solar filtering factor (SHGC) of 0.4. HVAC IRC®requires sealing all ductwork. Amendment requires frame cavities used as ducts be tested for leakage. Amendment stipulates testingformanufacturer's specification and forcombustion safety. Amendment specifies new AC equipment must meet the 2007Federal efficiency standard upon adoption. (B) SCHEDULED PUBLIC MEETINGS DATE/TIME PUBLIC HEARING TYPE • November 20, 2003, 1:00 p.m. Building Review Board • November 20, 2003, 5:00 p.m. Air Quality Advisory Board • December 3, 2003, 6:00 p.m. Natural Resources Advisory Board • December 4, 2003, 4:00 p.in. Affordable Housing Board • December 16, 2003, 4:00 p.m. City Council—Public Hearing • December 18, 2003, 1:OOp.m. Building Review Board • January 21, 2004, 5:00 p.m. Electric Board • February 10, 2004, 6:OOp.m. City Council -Study Session • March (?), 2004, 6:00 p.m. City Council -First Reading 3 December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes (C) RANGE OF OPTIONS The draft code changes could have long-term effects in terms of both housing costs and public benefit. " Mayor Martinez stated that this was a public hearing. City Manager Fischbach introduced the agenda item. Greg Byrne, CPES Director, presented background information regarding the agenda item. He stated that this public hearing would lead to a Study Session on February 10 and that this was an opportunity for the public to be heard. He stated that extensive background materials had been given to the Council. He stated that all of the options were technically sound and had the endorsement of the Building Official. He stated that there were important cost considerations and policy options for the Council to consider. He stated that staff wanted to hear questions and concerns from the Council and the public. Felix Lee,Director of Building and Zoning, stated that the purpose of revising the current building codes was two-fold. He stated that the building code review process occurred on a regular three- year cycle when model codes were updated and published. He stated that the City had historically adopted the new building code with its own local amendments. He stated that the code review and adoption process was an opportune time to include any new provisions that offered improved health, safety and welfare benefits to the community. He stated that this code cycle offered an opportunity to correct many of the current energy efficiency problems in current construction practices identified in the New Home Energy Efficiency Study of July 2002. He stated that this code cycle was unique in that the City would be considering a published code that was the product of a historic merger of three national principal code writing organizations. He stated that the 1997 Uniform Building Code was being phased out nationally and that the UBC had been adopted by the City since 1958. He stated that the International Residential Code contained all needed regulations in a single code book. He stated that a volunteer group which had convened twice monthly over the past 16 months included code officials, public board members, builders, building specialists, nonprofit energy specialists and representatives from the Homebuilders Association ofNorthem Colorado. He stated that the process was not consensus driven at the outset and that it was made clear that the idea was to represent as many perspectives as possible. He stated that the draft code had been presented to the Building Review Board,the Air Quality Advisory Board,the Natural Resources Advisory Board, and the Electrical Board and that it would be presented to the Affordable Housing Board in January. He stated that the Building Review Board would be conducting a second review with the added cost data that was included in the Council's material. He stated that the draft code amendments included administrative housekeeping changes and several important technical revisions. He stated that the major changes that would have the most impact on home construction practices related to safety, architectural features, indoor air quality, and energy conservation. He explained in detail the 4 December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes proposed changes in requirements relating to minimum ceiling height in habitable rooms(from 7.5 feet to 7 feet), a less steep and safer stair geometry, fan-powered moisture exhaust ventilation pipe, and energy efficient enclosed combustion of power vented heating and water heating appliances. He explained the radon system options: a passive radon system with provisions for a future fan installation, fan installation at the time of construction, fan installation only in new homes with basements, or a sub-slab area beneath the basement floor slab which would have a layer of gravel vented to the roof. He described the proscriptive compliance method in the energy code and explained new thermal criteria that would specify an increase in the wall insulation (from R-15 to R-18) and window thermal performance (from R-2 to R-3) with the added required feature of a minimum solar shading factor to reduce summer cooling loads. He stated that all joints and seams in HVAC systems must be sealed with approved sealants and that frame cavities used as part of the duct system must be pressure tested for leakage. He stated that new air conditioning systems must meet seven federal standards and that all systems must be tested. He stated that the size of heating and cooling systems would be limited to the size set out in industry standards. He stated that vinyl faced fiberglass insulation would be required to be protected from damage to prevent the release of carcinogenic materials. He presented visual information relating to the range of options and the range of associated buyer costs. He stated that 52 other jurisdictions in the State had adopted the IRC and that 30 had adopted the new energy standards. He stated that no other jurisdiction in Colorado was requiring radon mitigation with the exception of Larimer County in specific subdivisions. Mayor Martinez stated that each participant would have three minutes to speak at the public hearing. Greg Snyder, 619 Bear Creek, stated that Fort Collins was below the State and national averages in lung cancer rates. He stated that radon mitigation would be fixing a problem that did not exist. He stated that he had seen an article in Forbes magazine that discussed studies that had been done to show that low levels of radon and radium were beneficial to people's health. He presented copies of the article to the City Council. Leo Bucellato spoke regarding the dangers of radon and the benefits of radon mitigation. He asked that the Council not underestimate environmental problems facing the community. Juliette Wilson spoke regarding the benefits of radon mitigation. She stated that the costs of radon mitigation systems would be less than the costs of cancer. Jim Lane stated that he had seen no definitive scientific studies showing that radon was an issue. He stated that the EPA had never issued a final rule regarding radon, and that science should lead regulation. He questioned how radon could be a problem when Colorado had the third lowest lung cancer rate in the country. He stated that those in the mitigation business and City staff would gain from passage of radon mitigation requirements. 5 December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes Bob Peterson, small business owner and builder, spoke regarding the impact of the model energy code of 1997 on affordable housing and remodeling and renovation projects. He stated that the regulations needed to be adjusted so that local builders could make a living. He stated that more regulations equated to more cost. He stated that the IRC was a good code but that the proposed amendments to the IRC such as radon mitigation and the energy code were an invasion of our rights to make choices. He stated that the cost of the radon system in the future had never been addressed. ("Secretary's Note: The Council took a brief recess at this point.) Darrel Schriner,construction employee,stated that some of the code changes would raise the price of homes. He requested that the Council consider some of the projects that were currently underway. He stated that he was requesting that some existing approved plats grandfathered to allow them to remain under the 1997 code. He stated that some plats would have to change if they were required to meet the new requirements, that some model homes would have to be remodeled, and that there would be confusion on the part of homebuyers. He stated that the best way to mitigate radon was to open doors and windows on a daily basis. Jamie Basler stated that the costs of running the fans in an active radon mitigation system had not been addressed. He stated that the energy demand of a radon fan was 60 watts (.06 kilowatt) and that the life of home was 75 years. He stated that the energy used per system was 39,420 KW and that the current cost would be 6¢per kilowatt. He stated that the operational cost for the life of the home would be$2,365 and that the cost to consumers for the 14,400 new homes built over the next 20 years would be $34 million. Peter Benson, Village Homes, supported the IRC and spoke against adding the other options. He stated that his company already offered some of the options as a choice but that not every builder or homeowner should be forced to pay for the options. He stated that radon mitigation was based on "bad science." He asked that the IRC be approved without the radon mitigation requirement. Will Harper, Fort Collins Board of Realtors, stated that all homeowners should have full use and enjoyment of their homes as free government interference as possible while maintaining the public good. He supported the current process of informed choice regarding radon mitigation. He stated that the adoption of an ordinance requiring radon mitigation in new construction would eliminate informed choice for new homebuyers. He asked that the City consider the impact on the increasing cost of new home construction. He stated that the ability to have affordable housing for all citizens was further eroded by the passage of each new ordinance that added to the cost of new homes. He stated that passive radon mitigation systems were adequate in most cases to preserve the integrity of housing costs without compromising health and quality of life for homebuyers. He stated that homebuyers could choose to enhance the system. He stated that the Board of Realtors would support a requirement for passive radon mitigation systems rather than active radon mitigation Systems. 6 December 16, 2003 Excerpt front Draft City Council Minutes Eric Levine, 145 North Meldrum Street,spoke in support of active radon mitigation systems in new housing. He stated that lowering exposure to powerful cancer-causing agents such as radon would lower the incidence of cancer and save lives. He stated that Larimer County required passive radon mitigation systems in nearly all new subdivisions. He stated that animal studies agreed that radon was dangerous and caused cancer. He stated that this was probably the single most important issue the Council would wrestle with and that it was a "life or death" issue for hundreds of people purchasing new homes in Fort Collins. He stated that much of what was before Council had been recommended many years ago by the Air Quality Advisory Board and that no action had been taken. He stated that radon was deadly and that the City's program fell short of what the County had been doing for the last seven years. Rondell Ferguson, Fort Collins Board of Realtors, stated that there was no sufficient data to make any conclusive statement linking lung cancer with elevated radon levels. She stated that an EPA study found that no significant change in the relationship between radon levels and lung cancer had been observed. She stated that outdoor air contained about one part radon for every two trillion parts of air. She stated that there was no concrete evidence that radon was linked to lung cancer. Harry Pullman,remodeling contractor,urged the Council not to require mandatory radon mitigation systems. He stated that staff was proposing that heaving and cooling systems not be oversized,yet the proposal was to put radon mitigation in every house whether it was needed or not. He stated that his company always encouraged customers to test for radon during basement remodels. He stated that if radon mitigation was installed in new housing that it would not take into consideration how basements would be finished in the future and the cost of having to do it more than once. Jim Wetzler,Fort Collins Board of Realtors,stated that active radon mitigation systems would need to be replaced every three to five years at a cost of approximately $300 for parts and labor. He stated that Larimer County had one of the lowest lung cancer mortality rates in the country. He stated that a passive mitigation system might be sufficient and cost effective. He stated that passive systems could easily be turned into active systems if necessary. He stated that the cost for adding radon mitigation during construction was approximately$350-$500 per unit building as opposed to $80042,500 for retrofitting an existing structure. He stated that the citizens should have the right to make personal choices concerning their own homes. He stated that the proposed regulation for adding passive or active mitigation systems to new homes would remove personal choice and would drive housing costs up. He stated that the Board of Realtors advocated a passive system if one must be mandated at all. Dr.Bruce Cooper,Medical Director of Health District of Northern Larimer County, stated that the Board of the Health District considered the issue of radon reduction system systems, gave careful consideration to the exposure levels in this area, considered the science behind the risks of radon at those concentrations,and discussed the costs of regulation. He stated that the Board recommended that the City add passive radon reduction systems to building codes. He stated that the Board had 7 December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes recently discussed whether active systems would be better. He stated that active systems would save more lives but that after consideration of cost effectiveness issues the Board supported passive systems as being more cost effective than active systems. He stated that there was undisputable evidence that radon exposure for miners caused significant lung cancer and that there was accumulating evidence that exposure to the radon levels in housing caused lung cancer. He stated that the National Research Council had said that between 10-14% of lung cancers were caused by radon exposure at the levels seen on average across the nation. He stated that the levels in Fort Collins were twice as high as the national average. He stated that the Board of the Health District strongly supported the addition of passive radon mitigation systems to the building code. Paul Olan, 3336 Gunnison Drive, spoke in opposition to reducing ceiling heights to seven feet because of the impact on taller people. An unidentified man stated that reducing ceiling heights would be inappropriate because it would work against spaciousness in homes. He spoke regarding radon studies and stated that EPA regulators were wasting money on scaring people about radon. Eric Crohnwall, Fort Collins Board of Realtors, spoke regarding the cost effectiveness of passive and active systems. He stated that the Natural Resources Department attempted to address the issue in a study entitled "Health Benefits of Radon Resistant New Construction and Associated Costs." He stated that the study did not include the operational expense of active systems. He stated to run an active system in all affected homes would cost $34 million, which would be about three times the estimated costs for construction. He stated that an active system would cost$168,500 per cancer avoided and that a passive system would cost $51,000 per cancer avoided. Tom Horn, 1601 Quail Hollow Drive, stated that Larimer County's code required that some new subdivisions required radon tests on finished homes before a Certificate of Occupancy and that certain areas required that passive radon systems be installed. He stated that the issue was whether radon mitigation should be required at all based on inadequate science. He stated that people should have a choice regarding whether it should be done. He stated that it was unknown whether radon systems would reduce the levels of radon exposure and that it was unfair to lead people to think that they would be protected. He stated that the there was a cumulative effect of code changes on the cost of housing. Arnold Drennen, 3412 Canadian Parkway, stated that he had installed radon mitigation in about 2,000 houses. He urged the Council to consider requiring at least a skeleton passive system to ensure that all houses could be mitigated in the future. He stated that a passive system would guarantee future mitigation at the minimal expense of$400-$500 including a post-mitigation test. Bill Kiche, Northern Colorado builder, stated that the Council was underestimating the building 8 December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes community and potential homeowners. He stated that radon mitigation should be their choice. He stated that the City required that the realtor disclose radon to buyers of new construction and existing properties. He stated that this allowed the homeowner to make a choice about what to do. Gil Paven, representing the Homebuilder's Association of Northern Colorado, stated that an ordinance was passed in 1996 requiring that radon information be provided at the time of contract signing for all residential sales. He stated that radon mitigation providers increased their business more than tenfold. He stated that this proved that radon awareness and installation of systems could be market driven. He stated that 70-75%of homes in Fort Collins were above EPA guidelines and that 25-30%were not. He stated that the radon ordinance being discussed would be unfair to those homes that were below EPA guidelines. He stated that there were builders installing systems voluntarily. He stated that the average cost for a retrofit system was approximately $850 and that retrofits were being bid competitively by approximately five mitigators listed with the National Environmental Health Association. He spoke regarding the methods used to reduce costs in installations. He stated that it would be most fair to allow the general public to make the decision regarding whether they want to retrofit or use a passive reduction system. Carl Glaser, contractor and architect, stated that he had voluntarily installed passive systems in multifamily dwellings since 1996. He stated that passive systems were less expensive at the outset. He stated that one issue was monitoring and inspection. He stated that classes in Fort Collins to qualify inspectors had been discontinued, that it was costly and time consuming to attend a course in Colorado Springs to become licensed to inspect work, and that it was necessary for most installers to hire outside consultants to inspect work on passive systems. He asked that if the Council decided to require a passive system that testing be conducted in the City to allow contractors and City inspection forces to become qualified to inspect the work. Nancy York, Air Quality Advisory Board, stated that 3 out of 4 homes in Fort Collins had high radon levels. She stated that the EPA had stated that no level of radon was safe and that all of the major health organizations agreed that many lung cancers could be prevented with radon mitigation. She spoke in favor of the code as presented and stated that energy conservation would reduce costs and consumption of finite resources overtime. She stated that the issue of radon mitigation went beyond money. She supported the adoption of at least a requirement for passive radon mitigation in new residential construction and testing of the systems. She stated that passive mitigation would lower radon levels by an average of 47% and that active systems would render an overall reduction of between 85-90%. Linda Stanley, chair of the Air Quality Advisory Board, 2040 Bennington Circle, stated that the Board recommended that City Council adopt the proposed amendments to the following sections of the International Residential Code:interior moisture control and ventilation,energy conservation and radon. She stated that the Board recommended active mitigation. She stated that the Board felt that the adoption of the energy code was a big step forward. She stated that the Board reviewed a 9 December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes report that found that most new homes in Fort Collins were not meeting the energy code and that these amendments to the code would help correct that problem. She stated that the changes would also save builders costs in call-backs and warranties. She stated that price was not the same thing as cost. She stated that the Board recommended active mitigation for radon because of significant health risks. She stated that at a minimum there should be passive systems with some sort of testing and owner notification. Randy Fisher,chair of the Natural Resources Advisory Board,stated that the majority of the Board voted to recommend some sort of passive system for radon mitigation and to support the interior moisture control and indoor ventilation provisions of the new code. He stated that the Board discussed radon reduction and mitigation at length and that the Board had supported some kind of radon mitigation for a long time. He stated that the risk for unmitigated radon was about 10 to the minus 3 and as high as 10 to the minus 2 if there were existing health issues. He stated that this meant that there could be as much as one excess cancer per 1,000 people or even 100 people. He stated that this was an unacceptable risk for this society when the minimal mitigation measures required by these codes would be very cost effective in reducing risks. He stated that he personally felt that an active mitigation system was the best. David May,president of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce,stated that the real issue was science versus myth. He stated that there were studies on both sides of the issue of risks associated with radon. He stated that the Chamber of Commerce believed that any government regulations that were imposed on the community should be based on strong scientific data, especially when the regulations would cost the citizens of the community money. He stated that costs issues must be kept in mind and that these kinds of costs impacted affordable housing. He stated that no other community in Colorado required radon resistant new construction even though those communities had the same radon levels as Fort Collins. He stated that there was not enough hard science to warrant mandatory government intervention on this issue. He stated that the Chamber of Commerce opposed the adoption of any type of mandatory radon resistant new construction in the building code. He stated that the market should decide what choices to make. Michelle Jacobs, Director of Community Affairs for the Homebuilder's Association of Northern Colorado, stated that members of the Association had participated in the dialogue on the code and local amendments. She stated that the Association supported the international codes as more user friendly and self-contained document but that the Association had concerns about the energy conservation code and the inclusion of appendix relating to radon control methods. She stated that a survey was sent by the City to local realtors to determine the effectiveness of the current radon program and that 77%of buyers and sellers were informed about radon,76%had radon inspections done, 84% encouraged buyers to test for radon, 76% of buyers requested mitigation when levels were above EPA standards, and that in 91%of sales the buyer and seller came to agreement on the cost of mitigation. She stated that this demonstrated that the public was aware of radon and that homebuyers would take the necessary actions that they deem appropriate for their families. She 10 December 16, 2003 Excerpt from Draft City Council Minutes stated that Fort Collins had been active since 1997 in pursuing public awareness of indoor air quality. She stated that decisions should be made based on sound scientific evidence, which was absent from the radon discussion. She stated that homebuyers had the choice now to mitigate for radon or not and that the decision should be left in their hands. She presented an official position paper for distribution to the Council. Mayor Martinez asked ifCouncilmembers had any requests for follow-up. City Manager Fischbach stated that there would be a Study Session on this issue. 11 ATTACHMENT MEMORANDUM Date: February 12, 2004 To: Mayor Martinez and Council Members Through: John Fischbach, City Manager Gregory Byrne, CPES Director From: Felix Lee, Building and Zoning Director Brian Woodruff, Environmental Planner Subject: Study Session Summary 10 Feb 04—Building Code and Radon The City Council discussed the adoption of the International Residential Code including local amendments regarding radon and energy. The agenda item summary is attached. Council Members Bertschy, Hamrick, Kastein, Martinez, Roy, and Tharp participated in the study session. Question 1: Which options does council wish to consider on First Reading? Regarding RADON, Council members expressed interest in various options, as follows: 1. No change from current code—Martinez 2. Passive required—Bertschy, Hamrick, Tharp 3. Active required—Bertschy, Hamrick, Roy 4. Active required for homes with basements, passive required for all others—Bertschy 5. Passive required, test required, and activation required based on test result—Hamrick 6. Passive required, except caulking not required—Tharp 7. Sub-slab preparation required—Kastein Regarding ENERGY, Council members expressed interest in various options, as follows: 1. No change from current code 2. Adopt all recommended energy provisions including retaining current R-15 wall insulation for homes 1,600 square feet or less 3. Adopt all recommended energy provisions with no insulation exemption for homes 1,600 square feet or less 4. Consider individual energy conservation components options based on cost/benefit Regarding OTHER PROVISIONS, Council members expressed interest in various options, as follows: 1. No change from current code 2. For current developments, proposed new stair geometry would be implemented over extended period of time to avoid undue hardship 3. Adopt recommended IRC provisions except for new minimum ceiling height of 7 feet Question 2: Does council wish to consider a transition period for the effective date when the new Codes would become effective? Council members expressed support for a minimum of 180 day grace period after adoption, except for stairs as noted above. Question 3: Does Council have any other comments or questions on the proposed changes and amendments? 1. What is the frequency distribution of radon test results in Fort Collins? 2. What is the impact of the energy options on citywide energy use, and how do the options fit with the City's energy policy? Next steps: Based on the council's direction, staff will bring forward the above- mentioned options for a vote at the April 20th meeting. DATE: February 10, 2004 STUDY SESSION ITEM STAFF: Felix Lee FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL Brian Woodruff SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION Staff is seeking direction on which provisions City Council wishes to consider as part of the package of code changes and amendments related to the adoption of the model residential building code, the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE(IRC) ®,scheduled for First Reading on March 2, 2004. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. As Council requested at its May 2003 study session, additional medical and epidemiological testimony will be presented identifying radon exposure as a health hazard. 2. Which options does Council wish to consider on First Reading on March 2, 2004: a) Radon 1. No change 2. Passive required 3. Active required 4. Active required for homes with basements, passive required for all others 5. Passive required, unless original home buyer"opts out" 6. Passive required, test required, and activation required based on test result 7. Passive required, except caulking not required 8. Sub-slab preparation required 9. Mitigation required to below 4 picoCuries/liter b) Energy 1. Change, retain current standards 2. Provisions for increased wall insulation and window performance, and local amendments for HVAC testing and sealing plus AC 2007 federal standards 3. Provisions for increased wall insulation and window performance, and HVAC design criteria 4. IRC provisions with local amendments plus current wall insulation for homes 1,600 sq. ft or less c) Other provisions 1. No change, retain current obsolete UBC code ( ,l New IRC including larger stair geometry and moisture backing behind siding 3. Retain UBC stair geometry February 10, 2004 Page 2 3. Does Council wish to consider a transition period for the effective date when the new Codes would become effective? 4. Does Council have any other comments or questions on the proposed code changes and amendments? BACKGROUND AND CURRENT STATUS: Since the December 16 City Council public-comment hearing, staff has performed additional cost analysis and research primarily related to the key draft provisions for radon-reduction systems and energy conservation summarized below. Details are provided in the attachments. Radon: • Costs — A recent meeting with builders, radon mitigation contractors, the HBA government affairs liaison, and the AQAB Chair presented a convincing argument that the minimum cost estimate for passive radon-reduction system installed in the"example home"(two stories,2,000 sq. ft. above a full-basement foundation)by a professional mitigation contractor starting around $1,000, is consistent with the estimate previously presented to Council. This cost replicates the current "market" price to a builder. • Benefits — City staff calculated (Attachment B) that requiring passive radon systems each costing$1,000 would result in avoiding about 150 lung cancer cases during the first 75 years the homes are occupied, at a cost of about $99,000 per lung cancer avoided. Requiring active systems, each costing $1,300 to install and $62 per year to operate and maintain, would result in avoiding about 270 lung cancer cases at a cost of about $317,000 per lung cancer avoided. The Poudre Health Services District independently examined the costs and benefits of RRNC (Attachment Q. District staff calculated that requiring passive systems would cost in the range of $10,300 to $28,000 per life year gained, which falls within the "good buy" range when compared with other strategies for prevention of disease and premature death. Requiring active systems would cost in the range of$35,000 to$93,000 per life year gained. The Health Services District Board voted to support the requirement of passive mitigation systems in new construction. • Options — From the May 2003 study session, Council directed staff to develop the code provisions mandating in all new homes either: (a) a passive radon-reduction system—still the staff recommendation—or, (b)an active radon-reduction system, for consideration. Since then, several variations have been suggested by Council Members and others. Several of these are discussed further in the attachments. Energy Code: New exemption for compact homes—In response to the concerns raised by the Affordable Housing Board, the draft IRC®energy provisions have been revised to allow homes not exceeding 1,600 sq. ft. of floor area above grade, which in 2003 accounted for around 25%of new single-family homes, the ability to retain the current minimum R-15 insulation value in above-grade exterior walls. This item alone would cut estimated cost increase for this housing segment ranging from approximately $2,600 to $4,500, or by as much as 40%, while still providing a significant level of energy savings and initial cost savings,as well. The proposed standards for higher performing windows and HVAC systems would be retained for all new housing. February 10, 2004 Page 3 New Code Transition: Given the extensive changes contained in the "complete" draft IRC® package beyond the current UBC standards, relative to proposed new radon-reduction, energy-conservation, and larger stair geometry,staff is recommending that the effective date of the regulations begins a minimum of 180 days after passage on First Reading. This interim period would allow code compliance staff to put new procedures in place, provide training for builders and staff alike; and allow builders a date- certain for redesign work and implementing new production methods and scheduling. Public Outreach: In addition to the December 16, 2003 City Council Public Hearing, staff has presented the;'RC® proposed code and amendments to the following boards: Affordable Housing Board, Air Quality Advisory Board, Building Review Board, Electric Board, and Natural Resources Advisory Board. The AQAB has endorsed the IRC® package (including the proposed new energy-conservation regulations and moisture-control provisions) with a mandatory fan-powered "active" radon- reduction system in all new homes. The NRAB has endorsed the IRC®package with a mandatory naturally-vented "passive" radon-reduction system in all new homes. The Affordable Housing Board, Building Review Board, and Electric Board are scheduled to consider the draft code and amendments further before making a final recommendation prior to the First Reading. ATTACHMENTS A. Radon alternatives B. Staff analysis: Costs and benefits of Radon Resistant New Construction (with estimated cost worksheet) C. PHSD analysis: Radon Overview and Analysis of the City of Fort Collins D. Proposal to Require Radon Control Systems in New Residential Construction E. A Citizen's Guide to Radon F. Larimer County Radon Policy G. Historical Comparisons of Impact Fees to Sales Price H. Energy Bill and Mortgage Payments comparison I. IRC Status Summary J. IRC Cost Matrix K. Power Point Presentation: Indoor Radon- Science or Myth ATTACHMENT10 City of Fort Collins,Natural Resources Department January 28, 2004 COSTS AND BENFITS OF RADON-RESISTANT NEW CONSTRUCTION The City of Fort Collins will soon decide whether to require radon-resistant new construction (RRNC) for single-family units as part of the Building Code. It is important to keep some questions in mind. What happens if we do nothing, i.e., leave things as they are? What are the benefits and costs of requiring a passive radon reduction system? What if an active system were required? Calculation details follow the narrative. What happens if we do nothing? About 14,400 single-family dwelling units would be built in the Fort Collins Growth Management Area before we run out of land. About 9,600 multi-family units would also be built, but they would not be covered by the current proposal. About 35,300 people would live in those homes. Radon exposure inside these homes would be about 3.0 pCi/L, which is the average of long-term, first-floor measurements in Fort Collins homes. Each new home is assumed to have about the same useful life as a person's lifespan, about 75 years. The above radon exposure over the homes' lifetime would result in about 311 lung cancer cases. USEPA reports that cancer risk estimates are uncertain by about a factor of two, so the expected number of cancer cases if we do nothing would lie in the range of about 150 to 600. If the City"does nothing,"the cancer risk would still be reduced somewhat by voluntary installation of RRNC and by voluntary mitigation of homes after construction, but these are not included in the cost-benefit calculation. What are the benefits and costs of requiring a PASSIVE radon reduction sum? Adding a passive system to each new home would reduce radon exposure by about 47%, with a consequent reduction in cancer cases of about 146. It would cost about$14.4 million to add passive systems to 14,400 new homes. It would therefore cost about $99,000 to avoid one case of lung cancer (range $50,000 to $200,000). What are the benefits and costs of requiring an ACTIVE radon reduction system? An active system includes all the components of the passive system plus a fan. Adding an active system to each new home would reduce radon exposure to near-background level, or about 87%total reduction, with a consequent reduction in cancer cases of about 270. It would cost about $86 million to add active systems to 14,400 new homes, and to operate and maintain them for 75 years. It would therefore cost about $317,000 to avoid one case of lung cancer (range $150,000 to $600,000). City of Fort Collins,Natural Resources Department January 28, 2004 Calculation details Formula Definition Data Data source symbol I or formula NO RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM Units Number of new single-family 14,400 City of Fort Collins, dwelling units to be built Advance Planning Occupancy Occupants per dwelling unit 2.45 2000 Census People Number of people benefiting from 35,300 Units x Occupancy lifetime radon reduction Annual Rate Latimer County age-adjusted lung Males: 51.4 PHSD cancer rate, deaths/year Females: 27.9 Life-years Life expectancy, years Males: 75.2 PHSD Females: 77.7 Lifetime Lifetime lung cancer risk from all Males: 3865 Annual Rate x Life-years Baseline sources, per 100,000 population Females: 2168 Risk Radon Fraction of lung cancers Males: 9.45% BEIR V1 Fraction attributable to radonper Ci/L Females: 10.28% Radon Risk Lifetime lung cancer risk from Males: 365 Lifetime Baseline Risk x radon exposure, per 100,000 Females:223 Radon Fraction population, per Ci/L Both: 294 Exposure Average radon exposure 3.0 i/L Borak Expected Number of cancer cases expected 311 People/100,000 x Radon without mitigation I Risk x Exposure PASSIVE RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM Reduction Avg. radon reduction achieved by 0.47 (47%) Kladder , citing three passive system studies Passive- Number of cancer cases avoided by 146 Expected x Reduction avoided passive systems Passive-cost Avg. cost of passive system $1,000 City of Fort Collins Passive-total Total cost of passive systems $14.4 million Units x Passive-cost installed Cost per cancer avoided with $99,000 Passive-total/Passive- passive radon reductions stems avoided ACTIVE RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM (passive + fan Background Avg. radon level achieved by 0.4 pCi/L Assumption: same as active system outdoor background, or about 87%total reduction Active- Number of cancer cases avoided by 270 People/100,000 x Radon avoided active systems Risk x(Exposure— Background) Active-cost Avg. cost of active system $1,300 $1,000 + $300 Operating Annual cost to operate&maintain $62 Electricity: $32/year actives stem Maintenance: $30/ ear' Active-total Total cost of active systems $86 million Units x [Active-cost+ installation and operation (O eratin x 75 y ears)] Cost per cancer avoided with $317,000 Active-total/Active- active radon reductions stems avoided City of Fort Collins, Natural Resources Department January 28, 2004 1 Bruce Cooper, Poudre Health Services District, personal communication 2 David Pawel, US Environmental Protection Agency,personal communication, based on Health Effects of Exnosure to Radon: BEIR VI, Board on Life Sciences, National Academy of Sciences, 1999. The risk per pCi/L is calculated by dividing the geometric mean of two preferred risk models (page 96) by 1.25, the national average indoor radon level. 3 Borak, T.B., et al.; A Survey of Winter, Summer, and Annual Average Rn-222 Concentrations in Family Dwellings, Health Physics Vol. 57, No. 3 (September), pp. 465- 470, 1989. The average of first-floor, 12-month tests in a study of 100 Fort Collins homes is 3.0 pCi/L. ° Madder, D.L.;Proposal for the Addition of Radon Resistant Construction Techniques to the Appendix Of the Uniform Building Code— Supplemental Information, submitted to the International Conference of Building Officials, 1996 s City of Fort Collins estimate, based on current market conditions s Electricity assumptions: 60 watt fan operated continuously @ 6 cents per kilowatt hour. 'Maintenance assumptions: fan must be replaced every 8 years @$243 per replacement for labor and materials. v' pz� > 7z� C trJ c� l 1 o o o CD o � oCD C r- • N CD �' _ CD � r-r C/] O �-- n CD p cn ^ J O (�) O CAD \ n ►-D `C W CIO M--t CD O �U�zQ cn CD Vl Q. cA O O C CD C A� cn cD BCD � � CD �• � . ,� d CD O tcn O N ¢, r-•r CDCD CD VD CD cn O lz:� CD o O � • �' r., the building $ Zoning dept. ATTACHMENT 11 Fort Collins Community Planning and Environmental Services 81 N.College Ave.. P O Box 5119 Fort Collins, GO 80 0 80• Yalce, 970 221 6760 FAX 70 224 61 July 14, 2004 TO: Fort Collins City Boards SUBJ: IRC Revised Cost v. Energy Savings Analysis Earlier this year you recommended that City Council adopt the proposed 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC) as amended, including increased energy-conservation requirements. City Council's First Reading hearing that was originally scheduled for April 20, 2004 has since been rescheduled for July 20, 2004. In the interim, initial energy cost-savings estimates have been revised with the assistance of E-Star ColoradoTM, the organization that promotes energy-efficient housing and which provides state-wide"energy-rating"services for new homes through certified independent`raters". The earlier savings data upon which you included in your decisions were somewhat higher at around 15%less energy than the same house under the current codes.Monthly mortgage is based on $260K (IRC `Basic Rx Minimum") v. $250K (UBC) loan @ 6% over 30-year term for initial price increase above current code v. IRC. `Basic Rx Minimum" includes basic prescriptive energy-component improvements in the proposed Fort Collins Energy code plus all other proposed IRC measures including a radon system, weather barrier on exterior sheathing, etc. Initial price varies according to the various hypothetical configurations depicted. N TABLE NOTES E-Star's computer model provides anticipated energy savings data for four different new home configurations as noted in the attached table. The Fort Collins base"model"home for this analysis is 2-story, 1,000 sq. ft. per floor with full conditioned basement,designed under the current code(UBC)and uses 7,951 kWh of electric energy and 1158 therms of natural gas annually— $1,330, based upon present-day costs of$0.065/kWh, and $0.7/therm. 1. "Basic Rx"—proposed IRC using the simplest, least flexible criteria.This"prescriptive path"is based entirely on a small table of requirements with minimal trade-offs for improving energy-efficiency in one building component for lowering efficiency in another. Exterior walls above the foundation are R-18 insulation, R-11 in unfinished basement, and the minimum efficiency allowed: 80% AFUE furnace. 2. "Alternative A"—same as"Basic Rx"except no basement insulation traded-off for 90% AFUE furnace. 3. "Alternative B"—same as"Basic Rx"except with R-15 exterior walls traded-off for 90% AFUE furnace. 4. "Compact Home"—max.1,600 sq. ft. above foundation, R-15 exterior walls per proposed locally-amended IRC. Monthly Monthly Total Annual Savings by Home Annual Savings Mortgage Energy Monthly GHG Configuration at current costs Payment Payment Payment Reduced Modeled $$ Per Home Tons CO Current Code (UBC) No No No "Base Model" Change Change $1,500 $120 $1,620 Change Basic Rx Minimum Floor Area = 2,000 sq. ft. R-18 walls $145 11% $1,560 $108 $1,668 1.4 Alternative A— 90% furnace & no bsmt. insulation $154 12% $1,540 $107 $1,647 1.6 Alternative B — 90% furnace & R-1 5 wall insulation $123 9% $1,540 $110 $1,650 1.2 Compact Home floor area 5 1,600 s . ft. R-15 walls $90 7% $1,530 $112 $1,642 0.9 2 ®Monthly Mortgage Payment ($) E3 Monthly Energy Bill ($) $1,700 ' $1,680 / $1,660 rl $1 64018 5i aia.i ;ter ro e >'`ti $1,620 t7 � $108saie ti a r r5 wy� n a ��E a�• , �e �u� ll E" $1,600 (ay�ayl rie ,.t , de $107 $110 / t $112pjgq t„ lI $1,580 w y °a fall a� e g n �1 alb $120 w�a' �9t�lr�I � eyaWl $1,560 MNO $1,540 = 1.,;111 $1,560 $ , .� �1520 $1530 $1,540 $1,540 $1,500 $1,500 $1,480 UBC Home IRC(Rx energy IRC Compact home IRC(Alt.A) IRC(Alt. B) code) ANNUAL ENERGY SAVINGS BY BUILDING COMPONENT Yearly Savings Yearly savings Total Yea ly Savings Electricity Nat. Gas Individual Energy Component % kWh therms R-18 walls 78 r 6% 156 10 96 68 Low-e Windows c 17 r 1% 136 9 11 8 90% AFUE Furnace 74 r 6% 0 0 107 74 Reduced exterior duct leakage d 13 r < 1% 7 18 13 Cooling a 8 r < 1% 126 18 0 0 NOTE: The anticipated savings is less for the modeled house containing all of the above improvements than the summation of the savings resulting from each component modeled individually. Department of Energy's, "DOE2 Engine"models the energy component improvements integrated as"whole-house"system. When all of the components are modeled together, the overall effect is that the anticipated energy savings taken collectively diminish somewhat. ORDINANCE NO . 125 , 2004 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING CHAPTER 5 , ARTICLE II, DIVISION 2 OF THE CITY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE UNIFORMBUILDING CODE WHEREAS , the Council of the City of Fort Collins has determined that it is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the City and its citizens that the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, as amended, regulating the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of one- and two-family dwellings only, be adopted; and WHEREAS, the current building code adopted by City is based on the UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, 1997 EDITION, published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), as enacted in May 1998 , regulates all buildings in the City; and WHEREAS , it is necessary to continue regulating buildings not covered by the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, as amended, by maintaining current provisions applicable to such buildings and to adopt regulations that integrate the current UNIFORM BUILDING CODE and the proposed 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that Chapter 5 , Article II, Division 2 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins be amended and revised in the following respects : Section 1 . That Section 5 -26(a) and (c) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows : Sec. 5-26. Adoption of standards. (a) There is hereby adopted by reference as the building code of the city, the 1997 Uniform Building Code, Volumes 1 , 2 and 3 , published by the International Conference of Building Officials, as if set forth in full herein. The subject matter of the codes adopted herein includes comprehensive provisions and standards regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, conversion, demolition, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area and maintenance of buildings and structures other than detached one ( 1 ) and two (2) family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3 ) stories above grade in height for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety and general welfare. (c) The Model Energy Code, 1995 Edition, promulgated by the Council of American Building Officials, as amended by the city, is hereby adopted by reference ; provided, however, that the Model Energy Code shall apply to all buildings and structures other than detached one ( 1 ) and two (2) family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) that are not more than three (3 ) stories above grade in height. Section 2 . That Section 5 -27 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended by the addition of the following new subsections, which shall read in their entirety as follows, with all subsections in Section 5 -27 to be renumbered accordingly: ( 1 ) Section 101 . 3 "Scope" is hereby amended by the addition of a new subsection 101 . 3 . 1 which shall read as follows : "101 .3. 1 Exclusions and effective date. Except as otherwise provided in the International Residential Code as adopted by the city, this code shall not apply to one ( 1 ) and two (2) family dwellings that are completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space ("detached") , or to multiple, attached single-family dwellings (townhouses) that are not more than three (3 ) stories in height, with each townhouse having its own separate means of egress . " (2) Section 106. 3 "Application for Permit ", is hereby amended by adding a new subsection thereto, which reads in its entirety as follows : "106.3 .6 Time limitation of application. Applications for which a permit has not been issued within ninety (90) days following the date of application shall automatically expire and plans submitted for code-compliance review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official . The building official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days upon written request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and plan review fee as provided in this Code . Exception : For applications for affordable housing units as defined in Section 26-631 of the Code of the City, such expiration shall occur when a permit has not been issued within one hundred eighty ( 180) days following the date of permit application. " (3 ) Section 106. 6. 6 "Expiration " is hereby amended by revising the section in its entirety to read as follows : "106.4.4 Permit expiration and incompletion of authorized work. Every permit issued, both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, shall become invalid if the work authorized by such permit has not been commenced within one hundred eighty ( 180) days after issuance of the permit, or if such work, once commenced, is suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred eighty ( 180) days after the date the work was commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, extensions of time for periods of not more than one hundred eighty ( 180) days each. Each extension must be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. No more than two such extensions may be granted by the building official unless the additional extension(s) have first been approved by the Building Review Board. Both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, any work authorized by a permit regulated by this code, or under any other building construction code administered by the building official, that involves the construction or alteration of an exterior building component, assembly or finish material, such as the foundation, wall and roof framing, sheathing, siding, fenestration, and roof covering, shall be fully completed for permanent outdoor exposure within twenty four (24) months of the date of issuance of such permit, regardless of when the permit was issued. Failure to comply with the foregoing time period shall constitute a violation of this code, resulting in revocation of the permit, and shall subject the permit holder and property owner to all penalties provided by the Code of the City. No such revoked permit may be reinstated, nor shall a new permit be issued for work previously authorized by the revoked permit, unless such reinstatement or issuance of a new permit has first been approved by the Building Review Board. " (4) Section 107, Fees is hereby amended by revising the section in its entirety to read as follows : "SECTION 107 - FEES 107. 1 Payment of fees. No permit with any amendments and related constructions plans therefore shall be valid until the fees prescribed by the city manager pursuant to Chapter 7 . 5 , Article I of the Code of the City, entitled, "ADMINISTRATIVE FEES", have been paid. 107.2 Related fees. The payment of the fee required pursuant to Section 107 . 1 shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law. 107.3 Fee refunds. Any fee paid hereunder that is erroneously paid or collected shall be refunded. The building official may authorize the refunding of ninety percent (90%) of a plan review fee or building permit fee to the applicant who paid such fee pursuant to this section, provided the plan review is withdrawn or cancelled and the plan review and/or work authorized under a permit issued in accordance with this Code has not commenced, and provided further such plan review or permit is valid and not expired as set forth in this section. Prior to authorizing the refunding of any fee paid to the original applicant or permittee, a written request from such party must be submitted to the City within one hundred eighty ( 180) days of the date of the fee payment. " Section 3 . That Section 5 -29 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows : Sec. 5-29. Violations and penalties. The following section of the Uniform Building Code contains a penalty clause, which is amended in its entirety to read as follows : `205 . ft shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, %�4uiF5 U3%� 5 OCCUPY or 111111aintain any building or structure in the city or cause the same to be dotic contrary to or in violation of any of thc pro Visions of this codc , *ny person, firm or corporation violating any of th I of this code shall the eode of the eity of Fort eoiiins . n "103 . 1 Violations and penalties . Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects , installs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to the penalties and fines pursuant to Section 1 - 15 of the Code of the City, punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($ 1 ,000) or by imprisonment not exceeding one hundred eighty ( 180) days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense . 103 .2 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to the penalties set forth in 103 . 1 , any person or firm who, before obtaining the necessary permit(s) , commences any construction of, or work on, a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that is not otherwise exempted from obtaining a permit, shall be subject to a processing and penalty fee in addition to the standard, prescribed permit fee . Such additional fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee, except that the additional fee shall be not less than fifty dollars ($ 50) nor more than one thousand dollars ($ 1 ,000) for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such violation repeatedly shall be subject to processing and penalty fees equal to double the amount of the permit fee or double the amount charged for the last preceding violation, whichever is greater, for every subsequent violation committed within any one hundred eight ( 180) day period. The foregoing fees may be appealed to the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 2 , Article VI of the Code of the City. " Section 4 . That all of the foregoing changes enacted by this Ordinance shall become effective for implementation commencing on January 1 , 2005 . Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published in summary form this 20th day of July A.D . 2004, and to be presented for final passage on the 17th day of August A.D . 2004 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading this 17th day of August, A.D . 2004 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk ORDINANCE NO . 126, 2004 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING CHAPTER 5 , ARTICLE 11, DIVISION 2, OF THE CITY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC) o WITH AMENDMENTS WHEREAS , the current building code adopted by City is based on the UNIFORM BUILDING CODE, 1997 EDITION, published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), as enacted in May 1998 ; and WHEREAS , ICBO has since merged the other two nationally prominent building-code promulgating organizations, Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc . (BOCA) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI), to form International Code Council (ICC) ; and WHEREAS ICC jurisdiction members, following extensive deliberation, have published the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE as the ICC ' s most recent edition of a building code regulating the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of one- and two-family dwellings ; and WHEREAS , a Code Review Task Group (represented by code officials from the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County, the building industry in the Larimer County region and nationally, the Home Builders ' Association of Northern Colorado, various product suppliers, building science professionals from E- Star Colorado, the Building Review Board, the Affordable Housing Board, and the Air Quality Advisory Board) has completed a sixteen-month review of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE and the proposed amendments thereto ; and WHEREAS, the Affordable Housing Board, the Air Quality Advisory Board, the Building Review Board, the Electric Board, the Health District of Northern Larimer County Board, and the Natural Resources Advisory Board have made certain recommendations with respect to the adoption of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE and proposed amendments ; and WHEREAS , the Council of the City of Fort Collins has determined that it is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the City and its citizens that the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, as amended be adopted. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that Chapter 5 , Article 11, Division 2 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended and revised in the following respects : Section 1 . That Section 5 -26 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended by the addition of a new subparagraph (d) which reads in its entirety as follows : 1 (d) There is hereby adopted by reference as the residential building code of the city, the 2003 Edition of the International Residential Code, published by the International Code Council as if set forth in full herein. The subject matter of the International Residential Code adopted herein includes comprehensive provisions and standards for the protection of the public health and safety by prescribing regulations governing the construction, alteration, enlargement, relocation, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal an demolition of, and its applicability is hereby limited to, individual non-attached one and two family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3 ) stories above grade in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures . Section 2 . That Section 5 -28 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended to read as follows : Sec. 5-28. Defintions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in the T T,, i fee, .., Building Go4e, Article II of this chapter and in any code adopted by reference therein, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section: This jurisdiefion, municipahly or- city? shall mean the City of Fea Collins-. Whenever the word municipality,jurisdiction or city is used it shall mean the City of Fort Collins . Whenever the term Building Official is used the term shall be synonymous with Director of Building and Zoning or authorized representative . Section 3 . That the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended by the addition of a new Section 5 -30 which reads in its entirety as follows : Sec. 5-30. Amendments and deletions to code. The 2003 International Residential Code adopted herein is hereby amended in the following respects : (1) Section R101 . 2, 'Scope. ' is hereby amended to read as follows : "R101 .2 Scope. The provisions of the International Residential Code for One and Two-family Dwellings shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of "detached" one- and two-family dwellings, which dwellings are completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed 2 physical space, and multiple, attached single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height above grade and with each townhouse having its own separate means of egress . " (2) Section R102, `APPLICABILITY' is hereby amended in the following respects : a) Subsection R102. 4, `Referenced codes and standards, "is hereby amended by adding the following new subsections thereto reading as follows : 102.4. 1 All references to the International Building Code shall mean the general building code currently in effect as enacted by the City. 102.4.2 All references to the International Plumbing Code shall mean the plumbing code currently in effect in the City. 102.4.3 All references to the International Fire Code shall mean the fire code currently in effect as enacted by the City. 102.4.4 All references to " flood hazard" shall refer to the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection. b) A new subsection, `R102. 8Areas prone to flooding, "is hereby added, reading as follows : "R102.8 Areas prone to flooding. All references to " areas prone to flooding" in this code and appendices adopted therewith shall be in accordance with the Code of the City , Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection. " (3) Section R103, is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows : " SECTION R103 - CODE ADMINISTRATION R103. 1 Entity charged with code administration. The Building and Zoning Department as established by the Code of the City, is hereby charged with the administration and enforcement of this code . R103.2 Building official. The building official is charged with the administration of this code, and in the performance of said duties may delegate the necessary authority to the appropriate technical, administrative, and compliance staff under the supervision of the building official. " (4) Section R105, `PERMITS ' is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) Subsection R105. 2, `Work exempt from permit. " is hereby amended by revising the first paragraph and subsequent listed numbered items related to "Building : " to read as follows and the remainder of the subsection adopted as published : 3 "R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following buildings, structures, or alterations thereto listed below. Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of the City. Building : 1 .Detached one-story accessory buildings used for lawn and garden equipment storage, tool storage and similar uses provided such buildings do not exceed one hundred twenty ( 120) square feet ( 11 . 15 m2) of floor area nor eight (8) feet (2 .438 m) in height, do not house flammable liquids in quantities exceeding ten ( 10) gallons (38 1) per building and are constructed entirely of noncombustible materials when located less than three (3 ) feet (0 . 914 m) from an adjoining property line . 2 . Fences not over 6 feet ( 1 . 829 m) high. 3 . Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet ( 1 .219 m) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge . 4 . Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5 ,000 gallons ( 18 ,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1 . 5 . Platforms and decks intended for human occupancy or walking, which are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and are not over any basement or story below, and walks and driveways . 6 . Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work. 7 . Prefabricated and portable swimming or wading pools, hot tubs or spas when the walls are entirely above grade and which cannot contain water more than twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm) deep . 8 . Swings and other play or playground equipment, including elevated playhouses not exceeding ( 120) square feet ( 11 . 15 m2) of floor area nor eight (8) feet (2 .43 8 m) in height measured from the floor to the highest point of such structure, designed and used exclusively for play. 9 . Window awnings on Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies projecting not more than 54 inches ( 1372 mm), window replacement requiring no structural alteration and when such work is determined not to be historically significant, storm window, storm door and rain gutter installation. IO .Roofing repair or replacement work not exceeding one square of covering per building . 11 . Replacement of nonstructural siding. 4 12 . Minor work valued at less than five hundred dollars ($ 500 .) when such minor work does not involve alteration of structural components, fire-rated assemblies, plumbing, electrical, mechanical or fire-extinguishing systems . " (b) Section RI05 . 3 .2. "Time limitation of application . " is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows : "R105.3 .2 Time limitation of application. Applications for which a permit has not been issued within 90 days following the date of application shall automatically expire and plans submitted for code-compliance review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official. The building official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding 90 days, upon receipt of a written request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and plan review fee as provided in this Code. Exception : For applications to construct affordable housing units as defined in Section 26- 631 of the Code of the City, such expiration shall occur when a permit has not been issued within 180 days following the date of permit application. " (c) Section R105 . 5 , "Expiration. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R105.5 Permit expiration and incompletion of authorized work. Every permit issued, both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. No more than two such extensions may be granted by the building official without the permit holder first requesting and being granted the additional extension(s) by the Building Review Board pursuant to Section R112 . Both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, any work authorized by a permit regulated by this code or any other building construction code administered by the building official that involves the construction or alteration of an exterior building component, assembly or finish material, such as the foundation, wall and roof framing, sheathing, siding, fenestration, and roof covering, shall be fully finished and completed for permanent outdoor exposure within 24 months of date of this issuance of such permit, regardless of when then permit was issued. Failure to comply with the preceding specified time-period shall constitute a violation of this code, resulting in revocation of the permit and subject the permit holder and property owner to all penalties provided by the Code of the City. No such revoked permit may be reinstated or a new permit issued therefor without the property owner or permit holder first requesting and being granted such reinstatement or issuance of a new permit by the Building Review Board pursuant to Section R112 . 5 (d) Two new subsections, "R105 .9 Premises . " and "R105 . 10 Transfer ofpermits . ", are hereby added to read as follows : "R105.9 Premises Identification. The approved permit number and street address number shall be displayed and be plainly visible and legible from the public street or road fronting the property on which any new building is being constructed "R105. 10 Transfer of permits. A current valid building permit may be transferred from one parry to another upon written application to the building official. When any changes are made to the original plans and specifications that substantially differ from the plans submitted with the permit, as determined by the building official, a new plan review fee shall be paid as calculated in accordance with Section R108 . A fee of fifty dollars ($50 . ) shall be paid to cover administrative costs for all building permit transfers . No change shall be made in the expiration date of the original permit. " (5) Section R106, `SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : " SECTION R106 - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS R106. 1 Submittal documents. Construction documents, special inspection and structural observation programs, and other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional. Exception : The building official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code. R106. 1 . 1 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be drawn upon suitable material . Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted when approved by the building official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the building official. R106. 1 .2 Manufacturer' s installation instructions. Manufacturer' s installation instructions, as required by this code, shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection. R106. 1 .3 Information for construction in areas prone to flooding. For buildings or structures regulated under the scope of this code that are in whole or in part located in flood hazard areas, construction documents shall be submitted as established in accordance with the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection. 6 R106. 1 .4 Grading performance plans and certificate. Every building permit application for a new building regulated by this code shall be accompanied by a site drainage plan as prescribed by City standards . R106. 1 .5 Exterior wall envelope. Construction documents for all buildings shall describe the exterior wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with this code and with Section N1111 . When applicable as determined by the building official, construction documents submitted as part of the building permit application shall provide details of the exterior wall envelope as required, including flashing, intersections of dissimilar materials, corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves, or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive membrane, and details around openings . The construction documents shall include manufacturing installation instructions that provide supporting documentation that the proposed penetration and opening details described in the construction documents maintain the weather resistance of the exterior wall envelope. The supporting documentation shall fully describe the exterior wall system which was tested, where applicable, as well as the test procedure used. R106.2 Site plan. The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site and distances from lot lines . In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The site plan shall include a grading performance plan as specified in R106 . 1 .4 . (6) Section R107, TEMPORARY STR UCTURES AND USES" , is deleted in its entirety. (7) Section R108, `FEES" , is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows : " SECTION — 108 FEES R108. 1 Payment of fees. No permit with any amendments and related construction plans therefor shall be valid until the fees prescribed by the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 7 . 5 , ARTICLE I of the Code of the City, entitled, "ADMINISTRATIVE FEES " , have been paid. R108.2 Related fees . The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition for work done in connection with or concurrently with the work authorized by a building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law. R108.3 Fee refunds. Any fee paid hereunder that is erroneously paid or collected, shall be refunded. The building official may authorize the refunding of 90% of a plan review fee or building permit fee to the applicant who paid such fee pursuant to Sections R108 .2 and R108 . 6, provided the plan review is withdrawn or cancelled and the plan review and/or work authorized under a permit issued in accordance with this Code has not commenced; and provided further such plan review or permit is valid and not expired as set forth in Sections R105 . 5 and R108 .4 . Prior to authorizing the refunding 7 of any fee paid to the original applicant or permitee, a written request from such party must be submitted to the City within 180 days of the date of the fee payment. " (8) Section 109, `INSPECTIONS" , is hereby amended to read as follows : " SECTION 109 - INSPECTIONS R109. 1 Types of inspections. For on-site construction, from time to time the building official, upon notification from the permit holder or his agent, shall make or cause to be made any necessary inspections and shall either approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code. R109. 1 . 1 Foundation inspection. Inspection of the foundation shall be made after poles or piers are set or trenches or basement areas are excavated and any required forms erected and any required reinforcement is placed on approved supports prior to the placing of concrete. The foundation inspection shall include excavations for thickened slabs intended for the support of bearing walls, partitions, structural supports, or equipment and special requirements for wood foundations . R109. 1 .2 Plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems inspection. Preliminary inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and prior to framing inspection. Exception : Ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with Section M2105 . 1 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection. R109. 1 .3 Floodplain inspections. Construction permitted in " areas prone to flooding" shall be regulated in accordance with the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection. R109. 1 .4 Frame and masonry inspection. Inspection of framing and masonry construction shall be made after the roof, masonry, all framing, firestopping, draftstopping and bracing are in place and after the plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough inspections are approved. R109. 1 .5 Fire-resistance-rated construction inspection. Where fire-resistance-rated construction is required between dwelling units or due to location on property, the building official shall require an inspection of such construction after all lath and/or wallboard is in place, but before any plaster is applied, or before wallboard joints and fasteners are taped and finished. R109. 1 .6 Site Survey required. A survey or improvement location certificate of the site on which a new building or addition is to be constructed may be required by the building official to verify that the structure is located in accordance with the approved plans and any other regulations of the City. R109. 1 .7 Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made after the permitted work is complete and prior to occupancy. 8 R109. 1 .8 Other inspections. In addition to the inspections above, the building official may make or require any other inspections to ascertain compliance with this code and other applicable laws enforced by the building official. R109.2 Inspection agencies. The building official is authorized to accept reports of approved agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability. 109.3 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the building official that such work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work. R109.4 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. The building official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the building official. (9) Section RI10, `CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY" , is hereby amended to read as follows : " SECTION R110 - CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY R110. 1 Use and occupancy. No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. Exception : Work exempt from permits under Section R105 .2 and accessory buildings and structures as noted in Section R101 . 2 . R110.2 Change in use. Changes in the character or use of an existing structure shall not be made except in conformance with this code and the general building code enacted by the City. R110.3 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and finds no violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy which shall contain the following : 1 . The building permit number. 2 . The address of the structure . 3 . The name and address of the owner. 4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued. 9 5 . A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code . 6 . The name of the building official. 7 . The edition of the code under which the permit was issued. 8 . If an automatic sprinkler system is provided and whether such is required. 9 . Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit. R110.4 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid. R110.5 Revocation. The building official shall, in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy issued under the provisions of this code wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code. " (10) Section R112, `BOARD OFAPPEALS" , is hereby amended to read as follows : "SECTION R112 - BOARD OF APPEALS 112. 1 General. The Building Review Board (hereafter "Board") as established in Section 2- 117 of the Code of the City is hereby empowered in accordance with the procedures set forth in this section to hear and to decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of this code; to the suitability of alternative materials or alternative methods of construction; and the granting of permit extensions and reinstatements as prescribed by Section R105 . 5 . The building official shall be an ex offici member of the Board without vote and shall serve as the Secretary of the Board. The Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business, and shall render all decisions and findings in writing. 112.2 Applications/Hearings . When a building permit applicant or a holder of a building permit desires relief from any decision of the building official related to the enforcement of this code, except as is otherwise limited in Section R112 .4, such building permit applicant, building permit holder, or representative thereof may appeal the decision of the building official to the Board stating that such decision by the building official was based on an erroneous interpretation of the building regulations or that an alternative design, alternative materials and/or the alternative methods of construction proposed by the appellant are equivalent to those prescribed by this code considering structural strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and any other pertinent factors . The Board shall hear and decide all appeals made to it and shall have the authority to rule in favor of the appellant when the Board determines that the interpretation of the building regulations of the City by the building official was erroneous, or when the Board determines an alternative design, alternative materials and/or the alternative methods proposed by the appellant are equivalent to those prescribed by this code considering structural strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, 10 durability, safety and any other pertinent factors . The Board shall require that sufficient evidence be submitted to substantiate any claims made regarding the proposed alternative design, alternative materials and/or alternative methods of construction. A quorum of four (4) members shall be necessary for any meeting of the Board. 112.3 Fees and Notification . Persons desiring to appeal to the Board any decision of the building official as provided in this section shall, at the time of filing such appeal, pay to the City a filing fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50 .) . Written notice of hearings shall be given to the Appellant and, with respect to requests for exceptions or variances authorized pursuant to Section R322 of this code and Section 1101 . 1 of the UNIFORMBUILDING CODE as enacted by the City, to the secretary to the Commission on Disability, at least three (3) days prior to the hearing by mailing the same to such parry's last known address by regular U. S . mail. 112.4 Limitations . The Building Review Board shall have no authority with respect to any of the following functions : 1 . The administration of this code except as expressly provided otherwise; 2 . Waiving requirements of this code, except as provided for pursuant to this section; 3 . Modifying the applicable provisions of, or granting variances to, this code, or approving the use of alternative designs, alternative materials and/or alternative methods of construction except as provided for in this section and based upon a specific appeal from a determination or decision of the building official on an individual case basis ; and 4. Modifying, interpreting, or ruling on the applicability or intent of the zoning and land use regulations or other laws of the City except as expressly empowered otherwise. (11) Section R113, `VIOLATIONS. " , is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) Subsection R113. 4, `Violation penalties. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : "11113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to the penalties and fines pursuant to Section 1 - 15 of the Code of the City, punishable by a fine of not more than $ 1 ,000. 00 dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding 180 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense. " (b) A new subsection, "R113. 5, `Work commencing before permit issuance. '; is hereby added to read as follows : "R113.5 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to penalties set forth in R113 .4, any person or firm who, before obtaining the necessary permit(s) , commences any construction of, or work on, a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that is not otherwise exempted from obtaining a permit, shall be subject to a processing and II penalty fee in addition to the standard prescribed permit fee. Such additional fee shall be equal to the permit fee, except that such fee shall not be less than fifty dollars ($ 50) nor more than one thousand dollars ($ 1 ,000) for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such violation repeatedly is subject to processing and penalty fees equal to double the amount of the permit fee or double the amount of the preceding violation, whichever is greater, for every same such subsequent violation committed thereafter within any 180-day period. The foregoing fees may be appealed to the City manager pursuant to Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of the city. CHAPTER 2 — DEFINITIONS (12) Section R202, `DEFINITIONS" , is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) The term, "APPROVED ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "APPROVED. Acceptable to the building official." (b) The term, "BASEMENT' , is hereby amended to read as follows : "BASEMENT. That portion of a building located partly or completely below grade, wherein the underside of the floor system immediately above is 72 inches ( 1829 mm) or more above the surface of an approved permanent basement floor system. " (c) The term "BUILDING OFFICIAZ" , is hereby amended to read as follows : "BUILDING OFFICIAL. The person designated by the City Manager and such person' s authorized representative(s) charged with the administration and enforcement of this code. " (d) The term, " CITY" is hereby added in alphabetical sequence, to read as follows : " CITY. Is defined as set forth in the Code of the City of Fort Collins . (e) The term, " CRAWLSPACE" is hereby added to read as follows : " CRAWLSPACE . That portion of a building that is conditioned or non-conditioned space located partly or completely below grade (excluding the under-floor space beneath below- grade structural floor systems), wherein the underside of the adjacent finished floor above is less than 72 inches ( 1829 mm) above the bottom surface of such crawlspace. " (f) The term, "DWELLING" is hereby amended to read as follows : "DWELLING. Is defined as set forth in the Land Use Code. " (g) The term, "DWELLING UNIT' is hereby amended to read as follows : 12 "DWELLING UNIT. Is defined as set forth in the Land Use Code. " (h) The term, "EXTERIOR WALL ", is hereby revised to read as follows : "EXTERIOR WALL . An above grade wall that defines the exterior boundaries of a building, including walls between floor spandrels and peripheral edges of floors, roof and basement knee walls, dormer walls, gable end walls, walls enclosing a mansard roof, and basement walls with an average below grade wall area that is less than 50 percent of the total opaque and non-opaque area of that enclosing side. " (i) The term, "FAMILY" is hereby added in alphabetical sequence, to read as follows : " FAMILY. Is defined as set forth in the Land Use Code . " (j ) The term, "FLOOR AREA " is hereby added in alphabetical sequence, to read as follows : "FLOOR AREA. The area included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building or portion thereof, exclusive of vent shafts and courts . The floor area of a building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. " (k) The term, " GRADE" is hereby amended to read as follows : "GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION) . The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk with the area between the building and the property line or, when the property line is more than 5 feet ( 1 . 524 m) from the building, between the building and a line 5 feet ( 1 . 524 m) from the building" . (1) The term "HABITABLE SPACE" , is hereby amended to read as follows : "HABITABLE SPACE. A space in a building approved for living, sleeping, eating or cooking, bathing and personal hygiene. Closets, halls, crawlspaces, storage, laundry rooms, utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces . " (m) The term "ROOM, SLEEPING (BEDROOM) " , is hereby added in alphabetical sequence to read as follows : "ROOM, SLEEPING (BEDROOM). A habitable room within a dwelling unit designed primarily for the purpose of sleeping . Built-in features such as closets and similar storage facilities shall not be considered as relevant factors in determining whether or not a room is a sleeping room. " (n) The term "SITE" , is hereby added in alphabetical sequence to read as follows : 13 " SITE. A parcel of land bounded by a property line or a designated portion of a public right- of-way. " (o) The term, " TOWNHOUSE" , is hereby amended to read as follows : " TOWNHOUSE : A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of two or more attached individual units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines that is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling. " (p) The term " UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION' is hereby amended to read as follows : "UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION. Construction which results in a demonstrated interior air-infiltration rate of 0 .40 air changes per hour (AHC) or less, or which meets the following standards : 1 . Doors and openable windows meet the air-infiltration requirements Section N 1111 .7.2 of the FORT COLLINS RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE. 2 . Caulking or sealant are applied to areas such as joints around window and door frames between sole plates and floors, between wall-ceiling joints, between wall panels, at penetrations for plumbing, electrical and gas lines, and at other openings . " (q) The new term, "WALL, RETAINING", is hereby added to read as follows : "WALL, RETAINING. A wall not laterally supported at the top, that resists lateral soil load and other imposed loads . CHAPTER 3 - BUILDING PLANNING (13) Section 301 . 1 . 3. "Engineered Design" , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R301 . 1 .3 Engineered design. When a building of otherwise conventional light-frame construction contains structural elements not conforming to this code, these elements shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. The extent of such design need only demonstrate compliance of nonconventional elements with other applicable provisions and shall be compatible with the performance of the conventional framed system. Engineered design, in accordance with the general building code enacted by the City, is permitted for all buildings, structures, and portions thereof included in the scope of this code. (14) Table R301 . 2(1), " Climatic and Geographic Design criteria" , is hereby amended to read as follows : 14 For SI : °C = [(°F)-32] / l . 8 . WIND SEISMIC SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM WINTER AIR MEAN SPEED " DESIGN DESIGN FREEZ- ANN- FLOODe CATEGOR TEMP ING UAL HAZARDS GROUND Y INDEX` TEMP.g SNOW Roof Iee` Frost line Termite Decay LOAD Weathering' Damming depth 100mph B Severe No 30 inch Slight to None to +1° F(-17° 906 48.4 July 16, 30psf (161 kph) (762mm) Moderate Slight C) 1979 ( 1436.4pa) a. Weathering may require a higher strength concrete or grade of masonry than necessary to satisfy the structural requirements of this code. The weathering column is based on the weathering index (i .e. , " severe") for concrete as determined from the Weathering Probability Map [Figure R301 .2 (3 )] . The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C 34, C 55 , C 62, C 731 C 90, C 129, C 1455 C 216 or C 652 . b. Wind exposure category shall be determined on a site-specific basis in accordance with Section R301 .2 . 1 .4 . c . Based on the average daily temperature in January greater than 250 F (40 C) or where the history of local damage from the effects of ice damming is not substantial. d. "None to slight" in accordance with Figure R301 .2(7) . e . Date of the City' s entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas), or the date(s) of the currently effective FIRM and FBFM, or other flood hazard map adopted by the community. f. 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403 . 3 (2) or from the 100-year (99%)value on the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index- USA Method (Base 320 Fahrenheit) " at www.ncdc .noaa. gov/fpsf.html. g. Mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 320 Fahrenheit)" at www.ncdc.noaa. gov/fpsf.html. (15) A new Section R301 . 2. 1 . 5, "Basic Wind Speed" , is hereby added, to read as follows : "R301 .2. 1 .5 Basic Wind Speed. The " Special Wind Region" as indicated on Figure 301 .2(4) of this Code shall apply using a "Basic Wind Speed" of 100 miles per hour ( 161 kph) based on the exposure category as described in Section 301 .2 . 1 .4, or the equivalent pressure thereto . " (16) Section R302. 1 `Exterior walls" , is hereby amended to read as follows : 15 R302. 1 Exterior walls. Exterior walls with a fire separation distance less than 3 feet (0 . 914 m) shall have not less than a one-hour fire-resistive rating with exposure from both sides . Projections shall not extend to a point closer than 2 feet (0 . 610 m) from the line used to determine the fire separation distance . Exception : Detached garages accessory to a dwelling located within 2 feet (0 . 610 m) of a lot line may have roof eave projections not exceeding 4 inches ( 102 mm) . Projections extending into the fire separation distance shall have not less than one-hour fire- resistive construction on the underside. The above provisions shall not apply to walls which are perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance. Exceptions . 1 . Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures exempted from permits by Section R105 .2 are not required to provide wall protection based on location on the lot. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not extend over the lot line. 2 . Separated buildings on the same property (site) may be considered as portions of one building provided that buildings or portions thereof which are classified as garages or carports, or buildings housing accessory uses that are not exempted from permits by the preceding exception, and which are located by a fire-separation distance of less than 36 inches (914 mm) from a dwelling, are separated from such dwelling as prescribed by Section R309 . (17) Section R303. 1. `Habitable Rooms " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R303. 1 Habitable rooms. All habitable rooms shall be provided with aggregate glazing area of not less than 8 percent of the floor area of such rooms . Natural ventilation shall be through windows, doors, louvers or other approved openings to the outdoor air. Such openings shall be provided with ready access or shall otherwise be readily controllable by the building occupants . The minimum openable area to the outdoors shall be 4 percent of the floor area being ventilated. Exceptions . 1 . The glazed areas need not be openable where the opening is not required by Section R310 and an approved mechanical ventilation system is provided capable of producing 0 . 35 air change per hour in the room or a whole-house mechanical ventilation system is installed capable of supplying outdoor ventilation air of 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (7 . 08 Us) per occupant computed on the basis of two occupants for the first bedroom and one occupant for each additional bedroom. 2 . The glazed areas need not be provided in rooms where Exception 1 above is satisfied and artificial light is provided capable of producing an average illumination of 6 foot candles (6 .46 lux) over the area of the room at a height of 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor level. 16 3 . Sunroom additions, solariums, and open patio covers in which 40 percent or more of the exterior sunroom walls are open, or are enclosed only by insect screening, and the ceiling height of the sunroom is not less than 7 feet (2 . 134 m), shall be permitted to be used for natural ventilation. " (18) Section R303. 2, `Adjoining Rooms" , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R303 .2 Adjoining rooms. For the purpose of determining light and ventilation requirements, any room shall be considered as a portion of an adjoining room when at least one-half of the area of the common wall is open and unobstructed and provides an opening of not less than one-tenth of the floor area of the interior room but not less than 25 square feet (2 . 32 m2) . Exceptions . 1 . Light and ventilation for an interior room maybe supplied from an adjoining exterior room, provided the following conditions are met: a) The common wall is provided with permanent openings that permit the passage of light and free movement of air. Such openings when fully open shall provide an aggregate unobstructed area of not less than one-twentieth ( 1 /20) of the floor area of the interior room. b) The adjoining exterior room has exterior openings for light and ventilation as required in this section, plus additional such openings not less in area than the amount required for the interior room. 1 . Openings required for light and/or ventilation shall be permitted to open into a thermally isolated sunroom addition or patio cover, provided that there is an openable area between the adjoining room and the sunroom addition or patio cover of not less than one-tenth of the floor area of the interior room but not less than 20 square feet ( 1 . 86 m2) . The minimum openable area to the outdoors shall be based upon the total floor area being ventilated. " (19) A new section, "R303. 7. 2 Sunrooms, solariums, open patio covers . " , is hereby added, to read as follows : "R303 .7.2 Sunrooms, solariums, open patio covers. Required glazed openings shall be permitted to open into a sunroom addition, as defined in Section R202, a solarium, or an open patio cover that abut a street, yard or court, provided more than 40 percent of the exterior sunroom, solarium, or covered patio walls are open, or are enclosed only by insect screening, and the ceiling height of the sunroom is not less than 7 feet (2 . 134 m) . " (20) Section R303. 8, `Required Heating", is hereby amended to read as follows : "R303 .8 Required heating. Every dwelling unit shall be provided with permanently installed heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 682F (20°C) at a point 3 feet (0 . 914 m) above the floor and 2 feet (0 . 610 m)from exterior walls in all habitable rooms at the design temperature. The installation of one or more portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance with this section. " 17 (21) Section R304, `MINIMUMROOMAREAS" , is hereby amended to read as follows : " SECTION R304 - MINIMUM ROOM AREAS R304. 1 Minimum area. Every dwelling unit shall have at least one habitable room that shall have not less than 120 square feet ( 11 .2 m 2) of gross floor area. R304.2 Other rooms. Other habitable rooms shall have a floor area of not less than 70 square feet (6 . 5 m 2) . Exception : Toilet rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens . R304.3 Minimum dimensions. Habitable rooms shall not be less than 7 feet (2 . 134 m) in any horizontal dimension. Exception : Kitchens, toilet rooms and bathrooms . R304.4 Height effect on room area. Portions of a room with a sloping ceiling measuring less than 5 feet ( 1 . 524 m) or a furred ceiling measuring less than 7 feet (2 . 134 m) from the finished floor to the finished ceiling shall not be considered as contributing to the minimum required habitable area for that room. " (22) The first paragraph of Section R305. 1 `Minimum ceiling height. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R305. 1 Minimum height. Habitable rooms, hallways, corridors, bathrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms and basements shall have a ceiling height of not less than 90 inches (2,286 mm) . The required height shall be measured from the finish floor to the lowest projection from the ceiling. " (23) Section R309. 2 "Separation Required" , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R309.2 Separation required. The garage shall be separated from the residence and its attic space above by not less than 1 /2-inch ( 12 . 7 mm) gypsum board or 1 /2-inch ( 12 . 7 mm) fire-retardant- treated wood applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms shall be separated from all habitable rooms above by not less than 5/8-inch ( 15 . 9 mm) Type X gypsum board or equivalent. Where the separation is a floor-ceiling assembly, the structure supporting the separation shall also be protected by not less than '/z -inch ( 12 . 7 mm) gypsum board, 1 /2-inch ( 12 . 7 mm) fire-retardant- treated wood or equivalent. Garages located adjacent to a dwelling unit on the same property shall be protected with materials as prescribed in Section R309 .2 applied to the interior side of exterior walls where such garage walls are less than 3 feet (0 . 914 m) from the adjacent dwelling unit. Openings in such walls shall be regulated by R309 . 1 . This provision does not apply to garage walls that are perpendicular to an adjacent dwelling unit wall. " 18 (24) Section R310 `EMERGENCYESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS" , is hereby amended to read as follows : " SECTION R310 - EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS R310. 1 Emergency escape and rescue required . Every basement and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable exterior window or door approved for emergency escape and rescue. Such opening shall open directly into a public street, public alley, yard or court. Where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches ( 1118 mm) above the floor. Where a door opening having a threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening and is provided with a bulkhead enclosure, the bulkhead enclosure shall comply with Section 310 . 3 . The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the emergency escape and rescue opening from the inside . Emergency escape and rescue openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Section R310 .2 . Exception : Basements used only to house mechanical equipment and not exceeding total floor area of 200 square feet ( 18 . 60 m2). R310. 1 . 1 Minimum opening area. All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 . 7 square feet (0 . 530 m2) . Exception : Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet (0 .465 m2) . R310.1 .2 Minimum opening height. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm) . R310. 1 .3 Minimum opening width. The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm) . R310. 1 .4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools or special knowledge . R310.2 Window wells. The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet (0 . 84 m2), with a minimum horizontal unobstructed projection and width of 36 inches (914 mm) . The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue door or window opening to be fully opened. Exceptions : 1 . The ladder or steps required by Section R310 .2 . 1 shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 inches ( 152 mm) into the required dimensions of the window well. 19 2 . With the window in the full open position, the bottom window well step may encroach a maximum of 12 inches (304 mm) into the minimum horizontal projection, provided the well meets the following criteria : 2 . 1 The bottom of the well is not less than 36 inches wide (914 mm), centered horizontally on the openable portion of the emergency escape and rescue door or window, and 2 .2 An unobstructed clear horizontal projection of 36 inches (914 mm) is maintained at the centerline of the openable portion of the emergency escape and rescue door or window. R310.2 . 1 Ladder and steps. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches ( 1118 mm) shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be required to comply with Sections R311 . 5 and R311 . 6 . Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced vertically not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on-center for the full height of the window well. R310.3 Bulkhead enclosures. Bulkhead enclosures shall provide direct access to the basement. The bulkhead enclosure with the door panels in the fully open position shall provide the minimum net clear opening required by Section R310 . 1 . 1 . Bulkhead enclosures shall also comply with Section R314 . 9 . R310.4 Bars, grills, covers and screens. Bars, grills, covers, screens or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or window wells that serve such openings, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with Sections R310 . 1 . 1 to R310 . 1 . 3 , and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, special knowledge or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening . " (25) Section R311 . 2, 'Construction. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : "R311 .2 Stair Construction. R311 .2 . 1 Attachment. All exterior exit balconies, stairs and similar exit facilities shall be positively anchored to the primary structure to resist both vertical and lateral forces . Such attachment shall not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal. R311 .2 .2 Under stair protection. Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have walls, under stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 1/2-inch ( 12 . 7 mm) gypsum board. " (26) Section R311 . 4, `Doors" , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R311 . 4 Doors. 20 R311 .4. 1 Exit door required. Not less than one exit door conforming to this section shall be provided for each dwelling unit. The required exit door shall provide for direct access from the habitable portions of the dwelling to the exterior without requiring travel through a garage. Access to habitable levels not having an exit in accordance with this section shall be by a ramp in accordance with Section R311 . 6 or a stairway in accordance with Section R3311 . 5 . R311 .4.2 Door type and size . The required exit door shall be a side-hinged door not less than 3 feet (0 . 914 m) in width and 6 feet 8 inches (2 . 032 m) in height. Other doors shall not be required to comply with these minimum-dimensions . R311 .4.3 Landings at doors . There shall be a floor or landing on each side of each exterior door. The landing shall be permitted to have a slope not to exceed 25 units vertically in 12 units horizontally (2 percent) . Exception. Where a stairway of not more than two risers is located on the exterior side of a door, other than the required exit door, a landing is not required for the exterior side of the door. The floor or landing at the exit door required by Section R311 .4 . 1 shall not be more than 1 . 5 inches (38 mm) lower than the top of the threshold. The floor or landing at exterior doors other than the exit door required by Section R311 .4 . 1 shall not be required to comply with this requirement but shall have a rise no greater than that permitted in Section R311 . 5 . 3 Exception : In other than accessory buildings, the floor or landing at an exterior doorway shall not be more than 7 3/4 inches ( 197 mm) below the top of the threshold, provided the door, other than an exterior storm or screen door does not swing over the landing. The width of each landing shall not be less than the door served. Every landing shall have a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel. R311 .4.4 Type of lock or latch . All egress doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. " (27) Section R311 . 5. 3 `Riser height" , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R311 .5.3 . 1 Riser height. The riser height shall be not less than 4 inches ( 102 mm) nor greater than 7 3/4 inches ( 197 mm) . The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads . The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9 . 5 mm) . " (28) Section R311 . 5. 8. 1 `Spiral stairways " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R311 .5.8. 1 Spiral stairways. Spiral stairways are permitted, provided the minimum width shall be 26 inches (660 mm) with each tread having a 7 1 /2-inches ( 191 mm) minimum tread depth at 12 inches (305 mm) from the narrower edge. All treads shall be identical, and the rise shall be no 21 more than 9 1 /2 inches (241 mm) . A minimum headroom of 6 feet 6 inches ( 1 . 981 m) shall be provided. Such stairways may be used as a required means of the exit component where the area served is limited to 400 square feet (37 . 16 m2) . " (29) Section R311 . 6. 3. 1, `Handrail height" , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R311 .6.3 . 1 Handrail height. Handrail height, measured vertically above the finished surface of the ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) . " (30) Section R312 `GUARDS" , is hereby amended to read as follows : " SECTION R312 - GUARDS R312. 1 Guards required. Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches (864 mm) in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads . Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect screening shall be provided with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below. R312. 1 . 1 Area well retaining walls. Where any area well wall, bulkhead enclosure wall or similar retaining wall or barrier is located less than 36 inches (914 mm) from the nearest intended walking surface, parking surface, or driveway and the surface elevation difference between the higher and lower side of the well wall, bulkhead enclosure wall, or retaining wall is greater than 36 inches, such wall shall be protected with guards conforming to this section or be provided with an equivalent barrier. Exceptions , 1 . The access side of stairways need not be barricaded. 2 . Area wells provided for emergency escape and rescue windows may be protected with approved grates or covers that comply with Section R310 .4 . 3 . Covers and grates may be used over stairways and other openings used exclusively for service access or for admitting light or ventilation. 4. Area well walls, bulkhead enclosure walls, or retaining walls adjacent to a building that are located 24 inches (610 mm) or less measured perpendicular from the building. 5 . Locations where the slope of the embankment or the side of the enclosure or the opening adjacent to such walls does not exceed 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. R312.2 Guard opening limitations. Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies, porches, area wells and other bulkhead enclosures protected as specified hereunder shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches ( 102 mm) or more in diameter. Exceptions . 22 1 . The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a stairway are permitted to be of such a size that a sphere 6 inches ( 152 mm) cannot pass through. 2 . Openings for required guards on the sides of stair treads shall not allow a sphere 4-3/8 inches ( I I I mm) to pass through. " (31) Section R313, `Smoke Alarms . " is hereby amended to read as follows : " SECTION R313 - SMOKE ALARMS R313. 1 Smoke alarms. Smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations : 1 . In each sleeping room. 2 . Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms . 3 . On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics . In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. 4. In dwelling units where the ceiling height of a room open to the hallway serving the bedrooms exceeds that of the hallway by 24 inches 610 mm) or more, smoke alarms shall be installed in the hallway and in the adjacent room. When more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. All smoke alarms shall be listed and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72 . R313. 1 . 1 Alterations, repairs and additions. When interior alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be provided with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings . All such smoke alarms shall be interconnected and permanently wired into the building electric system. Exceptions : I . Smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required to be interconnected and permanently wired where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space, or basement available which could provide access for permanent wiring and interconnection without the removal of interior finishes . 23 2 . Repairs to the exterior surfaces of dwellings are exempt from the requirements of this section. R313.2 Power source. In new construction, the required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source, and when primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings without commercial power or in buildings that undergo alterations, repairs or additions regulated by Section R313 . 1 . 1 . " (32) New section, "R316. 6, Glass and Mineral Wool Insulation", is hereby added to read as follows : "R316.6 Glass and mineral fiber insulation . Glass and mineral fiber (wool) insulation installed on the conditioned side of basement foundation walls and in framed cavities or on interior surfaces less than 72 inches ( 1829 mm) above the floor below shall be protected from damage and releasing insulation fibers into the conditioned space by a permanent covering material securely fastened in place such that the insulation is maintained in substantial contact with the covering. The covering material shall be gypsum wallboard, wall paneling, wall sheathing, or similar durable materials conforming to Section R315 , that provide equivalent physical protection as determined by the building official. See Section N1110. 3 . 1 . " (33) Section R317. 1, "Two-family dwellings. " , through Section R317. 2, `Townhouses '; inclusively, is hereby amended to read as follows : "R317. 1 Two-family dwellings. Dwelling units in two-family dwellings shall be separated from each other by wall and/or floor assemblies having not less than 1 -hour fire-resistance rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 . Fire-resistance-rated floor-ceiling and wall assemblies shall extend to and be tight against the exterior wall, and wall assemblies shall extend to the underside of the roof sheathing. Exceptions , 1 . In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13R. 2 . Wall assemblies need not extend through attic spaces when the ceiling is protected by not less than 5/8 -inch ( 15 . 9 mm) Type X gypsum board and an attic draft stop constructed as specified in section R502 . 12 . 1 is provided above and along the wall assembly separating the dwellings . The structural framing supporting the ceiling shall also be protected by not less than '/z -inch ( 12 . 7 mm) gypsum board or equivalent. R317. 1 . 1 Supporting construction. When floor assemblies are required to be fire-resistance- rated by Section R321 . 1 , the supporting construction of such assemblies shall have an equal or greater fire-resistive rating. 24 R317.2 Townhouses. Each townhouse shall be considered a separate building and shall be separated by fire-resistance-rated wall assemblies meeting the requirements of Section R302 for exterior walls . R317.2 . 1 Continuity. The adjoining walls along property lines in adjacent townhouses shall be continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab and shall extend the full length of the common wall including walls extending through and separating attached accessory structures . R317.2.2 Parapets. Parapets constructed in accordance with Section R317 .2 . 3 shall be provided for townhouses as an extension of adjoining walls along property lines in adjacent townhouses in accordance with the following : 1 . Where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at the same elevation, the parapet shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the roof surfaces . 2 . Where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at different elevations and the higher roof is not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof, the parapet shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof surface . The following alternative construction methods are permitted in lieu of a parapet provided openings in the roof are not located within 48 inches ( 1219 mm) of the 1 -hour fire-resistance- rated, adjoining walls along property lines in adjacent townhouses . 1 . A parapet is not required when the roof decking or sheathing is of noncombustible materials or approved fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance of 48 inches ( 1219 mm) on each side of the wall or walls, or one layer of 5/8-inch ( 16 mm) Type X gypsum board is installed directly beneath the roof decking or sheathing, supported by a minimum of nominal 2-inch (51min) ledgers attached to the sides of the roof framing members, for a minimum distance of 48 inches ( 1219 mm) on each side of the wall or walls . 2 . A parapet is not required where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at different elevations and the higher roof is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof. The common wall construction from the lower roof to the underside of the higher roof deck shall not have less than a 1 -hour fire-resistive rating. The wall shall be rated for exposure from both sides . 3 . A parapet is not required when the roof is constructed entirely of noncombustible materials . 4. A parapet is not required when the dwelling unit has an area of not more than 1 ,000 square feet (93 m2) on any floor. 5 . A parapet is not required where the roof-ceiling framing elements and supporting framing are constructed as follows : 25 a) Where the roof-ceiling framing is parallel to the adjoining walls along property lines in adjacent townhouses, the roof-ceiling framing and supporting framing are constructed as prescribed for a one-hour fire-resistance rating for a minimum distance of 48 inches ( 1219 mm) from either side of the adjoining walls and approved continuous draftstopping is installed vertically from the ceiling to the roof sheathing for a minimum distance of 48 inches ( 1219 mm) from both sides of the adjoining walls . b) Where the roof-ceiling framing is not parallel to the adjoining walls along property lines in adjacent townhouses, the entire span of such roof-ceiling framing and supporting framing are constructed as prescribed for a one-hour fire-resistance rating. R317.2 .3 Parapet construction. Parapets shall have the same fire-resistance rating as that required for the supporting wall or walls . On any side adjacent to a roof surface, the parapet shall have noncombustible faces for the uppermost 18 inches (457 mm), to include counter flashing and coping materials . Where the roof slopes toward a parapet at slopes greater than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal ( 16 . 7-percent slope), the parapet shall extend to the same height as any portion of the roof within a distance of 3 feet (0 . 914 m), but in no case shall the height be less than 30 inches (762 mm) . R317.2.4 Structural independence. Each individual townhouse shall be structurally independent. Exceptions . Foundations supporting exterior walls or common walls . Structural roof and wall sheathing from each unit may fasten to the common wall framing . Nonstructural wall coverings . Flashing at termination of roof covering over common wall. " (34) Section R318, `MOISTURE VAPOR RETARDERS" , is hereby amended to read as follows : " SECTION R318 - PROTECTION FROM MOISTURE R318. 1 Moisture control. The design of any building regulated by this code shall not create conditions hazardous to occupants or of accelerated deterioration due to the presence of excessive water vapor and condensation. Moisture control shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of this code and as determined necessary by the building official where special conditions or construction methods are encountered, such as steam rooms and rooms containing spas or pools, or below grade sub-floor spaces, or other interior locations subject to excessive moisture . R318.2 Moisture during construction. Under-floor spaces and building construction materials shall be protected from moisture during construction as follows : 26 Under-floor spaces shall be protected from moisture during construction and no water, snow, ice or other evidence of moisture in substantial amounts shall be present in any under-floor space upon approval for occupancy of the building. Construction materials shall be protected from damaging moisture in accordance with the manufacturer' s specifications . " (35) Section R320. 1. `Subterranean termite control. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R320. 1 Subterranean termite control. In locations subject to termite damage as established by Table R301 .2( 1 ), methods of protection shall be by chemical soil treatment, pressure- preservatively treated wood in accordance with the AWPA standards listed in Section R319 . 1 , naturally termite- resistant wood or physical barriers (such as metal or plastic termite shields), or any combination of these methods . (36) Section R322. 1. `Scope", is hereby amended to read as follows : "R322. 1 Scope. Where four or more dwelling units are constructed as a single structure and where dwelling units that are separated from adjacent dwelling units by a physical space of less than three feet (0 . 914 m) are constructed as part of a planned development containing a total of seven or more dwelling units, regardless of whether such units are separated by fire-resistance-rated assemblies, the applicable provisions of the general building code enacted by the City, Colorado Revised Statutes, and Federal regulations shall apply with respect to the construction of accessible dwelling units . " (37) Section R323, `TTOOD RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION '; is revised in the following respects : (a) Subsection R323. 1, "General ", is hereby revised to read as follows : "R323. 1General. In addition to complying with the provisions of this section, buildings and structures constructed in flood hazard areas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection . " (b) New Subsection R323. 1 . 3. 1, "Determination of cumulative impacts ", is hereby added, reading as follows : "R323. 1 .3. 1 Determination of cumulative impacts. In riverine flood hazard areas where design flood elevations are specified but floodways have not been designated, the applicant shall demonstrate that the cumulative effect of the proposed buildings and structures on design flood elevations, including fill, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the design flood elevation more than one foot at any point within the City. (c) Subsection R323. 1 . 7, "Flood-resistant materials ", is hereby revised to read as follows : 27 "R323. 1 .7 Flood Resistant Materials. Building materials used below the design flood elevation shall comply with the following : 1 . All wood, including floor sheathing, shall be pressure-preservatively treated in accordance with AWPA UI for the species, product, preservative and end use or the decay-resistant heartwood of redwood, black locust, or cedars . Preservatives shall conform to AWPA P 1 / 13 , P21 P3 or P5 . 2 . Materials and installation methods used for flooring and interior and exterior walls and wall coverings shall conform to the provisions of FEMA/FIA-TB-2 . (d) Subsection R323. 2. 2, "Enclosed areas below design flood elevation ", through subparagraph 2. 4, is hereby revised as to read indicated below, with subparagraphs 2. Sand 2. 6 unchanged: "R323 .2 .2 Enclosed area below design flood elevation. Enclosed areas, including crawl spaces, that are below the design flood elevation shall : 1 . Be used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage. 2 . Be provided with flood openings which shall meet the following criteria: 2 . 1 . There shall be a minimum of two openings on different sides of each enclosed area. When a building has more than one enclosed area below the design flood elevation, each area shall have openings on exterior walls . 2 .2 . The total net area of all openings shall be at least 1 square inch (645 mm2) for each square foot (0 . 093 m2) of enclosed area, or the openings shall be designed and the construction documents shall include a statement that the design and installation will provide for equalization of hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters . 2 . 3 The bottom of each opening shall be I foot (305 mm) or less above the adjacent ground level. 2 .4 The minimum dimension of such openings shall be 3 inches (76 mm) . " Subparagraphs 2. 5 and 2. 6, to remain unchanged CHAPTER 4 FOUNDATIONS (38) Section R401 . 1. `Application. ; is hereby amended to read as follows : "R401 . 1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for all buildings . In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the design and construction of foundations in areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301 .2( 1 ) shall meet the provisions of Section R323 . All foundations shall be designed by a qualified professional licensed in the State of Colorado . Such designs shall be performed in accordance with accepted and approved engineering practices including considerations for soil load-bearing capacities, surface and subsurface water conditions, adequate foundation and floor drainage, 28 adequate ventilation of enclosed interior foundation spaces, and foundation waterproofing and dampproofing. Exception : Foundations for accessory buildings and minor additions unlikely to be located on expansive, compressible, or shifting soils, soils of unknown characteristics, or for other valid reasons as determined by the building official, need not be designed by a licensed professional. Wood foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance with AF&PA Report No . 7 . Exception . The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood foundations only in the following situations : 1 . In buildings that have no more than two floors and a roof. 2 . When interior basement and foundation walls are provided at intervals not exceeding 50 feet ( 15 .24 m) . (39) Section R401 . 5, "Compressible or shifting soil ". is renumbered and revised to read as follows : "R401 .4.2 Compressible or shifting soil. In lieu of a complete geotechnical evaluation, when top or subsoils are compressible or shifting, such soils shall be removed to a depth and width sufficient to assure stable moisture content in each active zone and shall not be used as fill or stabilized within each active zone by chemical, dewatering, or pre-saturation. (40) A new Section, `R401 . 6 `Placement of backfill. ' is hereby added to read as follows : "R401 .6 Backfill and placement. The excavation outside the foundation, including utility trenches and excavation ramp, shall be backfilled with soil that is substantially free of organic material, construction debris and cobbles, boulders, and solid soil masses larger than 6 inches ( 152 mm) diameter; or of frozen soil. The backfill shall be placed in lifts and compacted as set forth in the engineering documents . The backfill shall be placed in a manner that does not damage the foundation or the waterproofing or dampproofing material. Excavation ramps shall be backfilled in such a manner that the ramp does not become a conduit for surface water to flow toward the foundation. Where excavations include more than one house, a specially engineered drainage system may be required by the building official. " (41) Section R402. 1 . 2 Wood treatment ", is revised to read as follows : "R402. 1 .2 Wood Treatment. All lumber and plywood shall be pressure preservatively treated and dried after treatment in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use Category 4B and section 5 .2), and shall bear the label of an accredited agency. Where lumber and/or plywood is cut or drilled after treatment, the treated surface shall be field treated with copper naphthenate, the concentration of which shall contain a minimum of 2 percent copper metal, by repeated brushing, dipping or soaking until the wood absorbs no more preservative. 29 (42) Section R403. 1. 4, `Minimum depth. " is hereby amended to read as follows : "R403. 1 .4 Minimum depth. All exterior footings shall be placed a minimum depth of 30 inches (762 mm) below the undisturbed ground or shall be placed a minimum depth of 12 inches (305 mm) below the undisturbed ground and be protected from frost by one or more of the following methods : 1 . Constructed in accordance with Section R403 . 3 for frost-protected shallow foundations ; 2 . Constructed in accordance with ASCE 32-01 ; or 3 . Erected on solid rock. Exceptions . 1 . Freestanding accessory structures with an area of 400 square feet (37 m2) or less and an eave height of 10 feet (3 . 048 m) or less shall not be required to be protected. 2 . Decks not supported by a dwelling need not be provided with footings that extend below the frost line . Footings shall not bear on frozen soil unless such frozen condition is of a permanent character. " (43) Section R403. 1 . 6 "Foundation anchorage. ", is hereby amended by adding exceptions "2 ." and "3 . " in numerical sequence, reading as follows : "I Walls 24 inches (610 mm) total length or shorter connecting offset braced wall panels shall be anchored to the foundation with a minimum of one anchor bolt located in the center third of the plate section and shall be attached to adjacent braced wall panels per Figure R602 . 10 . 5 at corners . 3 . Walls 12 inches (305 mm)total length or shorter connecting offset braced wall panels shall be permitted to be connected to the foundation without anchor bolts . The wall shall be attached to adjacent braced wall panels per Figure R602 . 10 . 5 at corners . " (44) Section R404. 1 . 5. 1, `Pier and curtain wall foundations. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : "R404. 1 .5. 1 Pier and curtain wall foundations. Pier and curtain wall foundations shall be permitted to be used to support light-frame construction not more than two stories in height, provided the following requirements are met: 1 . All load-bearing walls shall be placed on continuous concrete footings placed integrally with the exterior wall footings . 2 . The minimum actual thickness of a load-bearing masonry wall shall be not less than 4 inches ( 102 mm) nominal or 3 3 /8 inches (86 mm) actual thickness, and shall be bonded integrally with piers spaced in accordance with R606 . 8 . 3 . Piers shall be constructed in accordance with Section R606 . 5 and Section R606 . 5 . 1 , and shall be bonded into the load-bearing masonry wall in accordance with Section R608 . 1 . 1 or Section R608 . 1 . 1 .2 . 30 4 . The maximum height of a 4-inch ( 102 mm) load-bearing masonry foundation wall supporting wood framed walls and floors shall not be more than 4 feet ( 1 .219 m) in height. 5 . Anchorage shall be in accordance with Section R403 . 1 . 6 or as specified by engineered design accepted by the building official. 6 . The unbalanced fill for 4-inch ( 102 mm) foundation walls shall not exceed 24 inches (610 mm) for solid masonry or 12 inches (305 mm) for hollow masonry. " (45) New section, "R404. 5, Retaining walls. ", is hereby added in numerical sequence to read as follows : "R404.5 Retaining walls. Retaining walls that are not laterally supported at the top and that retain in excess of 24 inches (610mm) of unbalanced fill shall be designed to ensure stability against overturning, sliding, excessive foundation pressure and water uplift. Retaining walls shall be designed for a safety factor of 1 . 5 against lateral sliding and overturning . " (46) Section R405. 1. "Concrete or masonry foundations. " is hereby amended to read as follows : "R405. 1 Concrete or masonry foundations. Drains consisting of piping conforming with ASTM Designation D2729- 89 shall be provided adjacent to the lowest concrete or masonry foundations that retain earth and enclose spaces that are partially or entirely located below grade. Unless perimeter drains are designed to daylight, they shall terminate in sump pits with an electrical power source permanently installed within 36 inches (914 mm) of the sump opening. Piping for sump pumps shall discharge at least 60 inches ( 1524 mm) away from foundations or as otherwise approved by the building official. Drains shall be installed in bedding materials that are of such size and installed in such manner to allow ground water to seep into the perimeter drain. Filter fabric or other measures to restrict the passage of fines shall be used to further protect the perimeter drain from blockage . Exception : A drainage system is not required when the foundation is installed on well- drained ground or sand gravel mixture soils according to the Unified Soil Classification System, Group I Soils, as detailed in Table R405 . 1 . " R405. 1 . 1 Landscape irrigation. Landscape irrigation systems shall be installed such that the ground surface within 60 inches ( 1524 mm) , measured perpendicular from the foundation, is not irrigated. " (47) Section R406. 1. `Concrete and masonry foundation dampproofing. " is hereby amended to read as follows : "R406. 1 Concrete and masonry foundation dampproofing. Except where required to be waterproofed by Section R406 . 1 , foundation walls that retain earth and enclose interior spaces and floor located partially or entirely below grade shall be dampproofed from the top of the footing to the finished grade. Masonry walls shall have not less than 3/8 inch (9 . 5 mm) portland cement parging applied to the exterior of the wall. The parging shall be dampproofed in accordance with one of the following : 31 (a) Bituminous coating . (b) 3 pounds per square yard ( 1 . 63 kg/m2) of acrylic modified cement. (c) 1 /8-inch (3 .2 mm) coat of surface-bonding cement complying with ASTM C 887 . (d) Any material permitted for waterproofing in Section R406 .2 . (e) Other approved methods or materials . Concrete walls shall be dampproofed by applying any one of the above listed dampproofing materials or any one of the waterproofing materials listed in Section R406 .2 to the exterior of the wall. Exception : Parging of unit masonry walls is not required where a material is approved for direct application to the masonry . (48) Section R406. 2, "Concrete and masonry foundation waterproofing. ", is hereby amended to read as follows "R406.2 Concrete and masonry foundation waterproofing. In areas where a high water table or other severe soil-water conditions are known to exist, exterior foundation walls that retain earth and enclose interior spaces or floors located partially or entirely below grade shall be waterproofed extending from the top of the footing to the finished grade. Such walls shall be waterproofed with one of the following : (a) Two-ply hot-mopped felts . (b) 55 pound (25 kg) roll roofing. (c) 6-mil (0 . 15 mm) polyvinyl chloride. (d) 6-mil (0 . 15 mm) polyethylene. (e) 40-mil ( I mm) polymer-modified asphalt. (f) 60-mil ( 1 . 5 mm) flexible polymer cement. (g) 1 /8 inch cement-based, fiber-reinforced, waterproof coating . All joints in membrane waterproofing shall be lapped and sealed with an adhesive compatible with the membrane used. (49) Section R408, `vNDER-FLOOR SPACE. ; is hereby amended to read as follows : " SECTION R408 - UNDER-FLOOR SPACE R408. 1 General. The under-floor space between the bottom of the structural floor sheathing and the earth under any portion of a building with living or conditioned space above shall be provided with ventilation using the methods and materials as prescribed hereunder. R408.2 Mechanical ventilation. Where such spaces are ventilated by a dedicated, continuously operated electrically-powered ventilation system, the fans in such system shall be of the type specified in Section AF 103 . 11 for radon-resistant construction methods . Sufficient make-up air shall 32 be provided from the conditioned spaces in the building by outside-air inlets in the HVAC return-air system, heat recovery ventilators or by approved methods considering the impact of negative pressures created by exhaust fans, clothes dryers and similar appliances . R408.3 Spaces under above-grade floors . Spaces directly under floors that are located entirely above grade shall be ventilated by one of the methods as set forth hereunder. Exposed ground surface in such spaces shall be covered with an approved vapor and soil-gas retarder material. All joints in the retarder shall be overlapped by 6 inches ( 153 mm) and sealed or taped, with the retarder edges extending a minimum of 6 inches ( 153 mm) up the foundation wall and attached and sealed thereto in an approved manner. R408.3. 1 . Non-conditioned under-floor spaces. Where thermally-isolated above-grade floor systems are insulated and sealed to reduce heat loss and air infiltration from non-conditioned spaces below, as prescribed by N1111 . 7 .4, exterior ventilation openings may be used provided that such under-floor spaces do not contain HVAC appliances and the ventilation can be provided directly through openings in an exterior wall. The minimum total net free area of exterior ventilation openings shall not be less than 111 , 500 of the floor area of the under-floor space . Openings shall be placed so as to provide cross-ventilation of the space and shall be covered for their height and width with any of the following materials provided that the least dimension of the covering shall not exceed 1 /4 inch (6 .4 mm) . 1 . Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0 . 070 inch ( 1 . 8 mm) thick. 2 . Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0 . 047 inch ( 1 .2 mm) thick. 3 . Cast iron grills or grating. 4. Extruded load-bearing brick vents . 5 . Hardware cloth of 0 . 035 inch (0 . 89 mm) wire or heavier. 6 . Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being 1 /8 inch (3 .2 mm) . R408.3 .2. Conditioned under-floor spaces . Where the perimeter walls enclosing conditioned under-floor spaces are thermally insulated and sealed to reduce air infiltration as prescribed by Table N 1111 . 1 , ventilation of the under-floor space shall be accomplished by approved methods including a continuously operated mechanical ventilation at the rate of 1 . 0 cfm ( 1 . 02 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4 . 65 m2) of under floor space floor area, or by conditioned air supplied from the building HVAC system either indirectly through air-transfer openings or directly through supply-air ducts . R408.4 Spaces under below-grade floors. Spaces under floors which are located partially or entirely below the adjacent exterior ground level and under-floor spaces located such that ventilation cannot be provided directly through exterior wall openings shall comply with the following conditions : The ground surface of the under floor space shall be covered with a vapor retarder material. The vapor retarder membrane shall be equivalent to minimum 10-mil (0 .25 mm) non-reinforced or 6-mil (0 . 15 mm) " cross-linked" or reinforced polyethylene membrane when tested in accordance with ASTM E154-99 . The sheet shall be continuously sealed in an approved manner to the 33 foundation walls, to the interior caissons or footing pads, plumbing lines and at all laps of multiple sheets . See Figure 408 .2 . 2(2). Such spaces shall be provided with ventilation and space conditioning by a continuously operated electrically-powered system that provides ventilation at a rate of 7 . 5 cfin (3 . 5 L/s) per person plus 0 . 01 cfm per square foot (0 . 11 L/s/m2 ) of total conditioned floor area in the home, computed on the basis of two occupants for the first bedroom and one occupant for each additional bedroom. The vent pipe served by the ventilation fan shall be constructed in accordance with Section AF 103 .4 . 3 for radon-resistant construction methods except that the intake inlet for such vent riser pipe shall be located above the gas-retarder membrane in accordance with R408 . 7 . 3 and be at least 60 inches ( 1525 mm) from the nearest transfer floor opening. The intake inlet shall be covered with corrosion-resistant wire mesh having openings with the least dimension being 1 /8 inch (3 . 2 mm) . Fuel-burning environmental or service-water heating equipment installed in the conditioned space on the floor directly above such spaces shall be power-vented or direct-vent appliances . Exception : Open-combustion, naturally-vented appliances may be installed in such locations that are tested and verified to be compliance with M1501 .2 and in accordance with the protocols established by the building official. A minimum of one transfer floor opening shall be provided above the ventilated space for every 250 square feet (23 .25 m2) of under-floor space or portion thereof. The openings shall be sized by dividing the fan ventilation rate by the total number of openings and determining the opening size based on Table R408 .2 .2 . See Figure R408 .2 .2( 1 ) for transfer floor detail. Exceptions , 1 . Engineered systems that maintain the relative humidity so that all surfaces in such under-floor spaces have a surface humidity level no greater than 70% . 2 . Engineered non-cellulose and other approved inorganic floor systems designed to be a sealed system shall not require ventilation when corrosion of the system components has been considered and mitigated, assuming that the minimum required structural integrity of such components is to be maintained for the life of the building. " 34 Table R408 .2 . 2 Exhaust Rate/Transfer Opening (_ cfm) Opening Size, net free area 0- 10 1 . 5 to 2 .4 sq. in. ( 1 - 3 /8 " to 1 - 3 /4 " dia. hole 11 - 15 2 . 4 to 3 . 6 sq. in. ( 1 -3 /4 " to 2- 1 /8 '3 dia, hole 16-20 3 . 6 to 4 .4 sq. in . (2- 1 /8 " to 2- 3 /8 " dia. hole) 35 Figure R408 .22 ( 1 ) Floor Transfer Detail I- BASEMENT- - - - - - - - - -- -- (CONDITIONED SPACE) — — J DECK/ 1OTRANSFER MIN. CLEARANCE FLOOR OPENING FACE CDRDITIORE6 - - 1UR — — — — — �/ 7 ° d REMOVE DAMPER & R ° 2 O MIN 1 " PROVIDE ROUGH OPENING IN FLOOR DECK TO d CLEAR FORCE-FIT REGISTER. DO FLOOR BOX/ 4 NOT PENETRATE FLOOR d RECEPTACLE STRUCTURAL MEMBERS. ° DRILLED HOLE, DIAMETER PER TABLER CONCRETE lid FOUNDATION ° d R MIN. 1 " UP WALL ° BELOW-GRADE I d ° UNDER-FLOOR SPACEJ NOTES: 1O FLOOR AIR TRANSFER ASSEMBLY: STANDARD FLOOR REGISTER OR GRILLE. MODIFY AS FOLLOWS: 2 DAMPER LEVER: REMOVE DAMPER ACTUATION LEVER (IF PRESENT). 3 DAMPER: REMOVE DAMPER IF PRESENT. ® PROVIDE SHEET METAL 'BOX", SAME SIZE AS GRILLE OR REGISTER FLANGE. Q PROVIDE CUT OR DRILLED SHARP EDGE HOLE IN SIDE OF BOX CLOSEST TO FOUNDATION WALL AS FOLLOWS: ® NET OPENING THROUGH TRANSFER: IN ACCORDANCE WITH TABLE N.J. ® "BOX" SHALL PROVIDE CODE INTENT FOR NON-COMBUSTIBLE RECEPTACLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH UMC 607 & IRC M1601 .4.3. RECEPTACLE SHALL HAVE MINIMUM 1 " VERTICAL LIP. ALL TRANSFER OPENINGS SHALL BE THE SAME CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA +/- 10%. DETAIL SHOWN IS SUGGESTED MEANS OF ACHIEVING SPECIFIED NET TRANSFER OPENING AREA AND RECEPTACLE. ALTERNATE MEANS OF ACHIEVING THESE GOALS MAY BE USED AT DESIGNER'S OPTION. TABLE IV .J : FREE AREA OF OPENING IN FLOOR BOX EXHAUST RATE PER NET FREE AREA / HOLE DIAMETER TRANSFER OPENING 0 - 9 CFM NOT APPLICABLE - TRANSFER AT LEAST 10 CFM THROUGH EACH OPENING 10 - 15 CFM 1 . 7 TO 2 . 6 SQ . IN . FREE AREA / ( 1 - 5 /8 " 0 drilled hole ) 16 - 20 CFM 2 . 6 TO 3 . 7 SQ . IN . FREE AREA / 2 " 0 drilled hole 21 - 25 CFM 3 . 7 TO 4 . 7 SQ . IN . FREE AREA / 2 - 1 /4 " 0 drilled hole 26 - 30 CFM 4 . 7 TO 5 . 8 SQ . IN . FREE AREA / ( 2 - 1 /2 " 0 drilled hole ) Figure 408 . 22(2) 36 PROVIDE FLASHING SYSTEMS TO DRAIN WATER AWAY FROM BUILDING OPENINGS. FIRST FLOOR PROVIDE POSITIVE GRADE AWAY FROM BUILDING PER GEOTECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS ;, II R I 1I- -�I I I� I ICI I I 4 CONSIDER THE USE OF TERMINATE DRAINS EXTERNAL INSULATION TO DIRECTLY ABOVE , . RAISE THE INSIDE SURFACE FLOOR FIXTURES. TEMPERATURE OF THE FOUNDATION WALL (TO REDUCE CONDENSATION) , u ESPECIALLY IN GARDEN LEVEL OR WALKOUT ALLOW WETTED DECKING ° . BASEMENTS. TO DRY BEFORE FINISHING FLOOR. INTERIOR INSULATION WITHIN L J BASEMENT STRUCTURAL FLOOR BELOW— GRADE UNDER—FLOOR TT SPACE NOT RECOMMENDED. q a . PROVIDE MINIMUM ° CLEARANCE BETWEEN 6 " SEAL RETARDER TO WALL, BOTTOM OF PIPE AND VOID HT. ALTERNATE: EXTEND RETARDER EARTH (WHERE PIPE + 4" BELOW TO TOP OF FLOOR FULLY CROSSES BELOW BOTTOM BEAM BEHIND LEDGER OR RIM JOIST. OF STRUCTURE). a VAPOR RETARDER. a. .. FOUNDATION/ BASEMENT WALL PER _ GEOTECH AND STRUCTURAL DIVISION =11 11=111=11 II 11=11 11=11 ' ",ffi— RECOMMENDATIONS ' CONTROL MOISTURE OF SOILS DURING >t ,z; ;& COVER VOID FORM WITH VAPOR CONSTRUCTION. (SECTION VI.N . ): RE—GRADE t . '' RETARDER AND CLEAN SURFACE OF SOIL PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF VAPOR RETARDER as a INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR PERIMETER EXTEND VAPOR BARRIER UP INTERIOR CONCRETE CAISSONS DRAIN SYSTEM PER GEOTECH OR FOOTINGS. SEAL TO CONCRETE. DO NOT COVER RECOMMENDATIONS STEEL OR STRUCTURAL WOOD MATERIAL. ATTACH AWAY o ° FROM COLUMN TO ALLOW THE CONCRETE TO BREATH . (50) Section R408. 3, `Access. ; is hereby amended to read as follows : 37 "R408.3 Access. Access shall be provided to all under-floor spaces . Access openings through the floor shall be a minimum of 18 inches by 24 inches (457 mm by 610 mm) . Openings through a perimeter wall shall be 16 inches by 24 inches (407 mm by 610 mm) . When any portion of the through-wall access is below grade, an areaway of not less than 16 inches by 24 inches (407 mm by 610 mm) shall be provided. The bottom of the areaway shall be below the threshold of the access opening. Through-wall access openings shall not be located under a door to the building. See Section M1305 . 1 .4 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located under floors . Exception : Engineered non-cellulose and other approved inorganic floor systems designed to be a sealed system shall not require ventilation when corrosion of the system components has been considered and adequately mitigated, assuming that the minimum required structural integrity of such components is to be maintained for the life of the building. " (51) A new section, `R 408. 7 Under floor clearances. " is hereby added, to read as follows : "R408. 7 Under-floor clearances. In areas where expansive or collapsible soils are known to exist, under floor clearances shall be provided in accordance with Sections R408 . 7 . 1 through R408 . 7 . 3 unless specified otherwise by the soils report. R408.7. 1 Steel Framed Floors. A minimum clearance equal to the height of the void form plus four inches ( 102 mm) below the foundation shall be provided below steel beams and floor joists . R408.7.2 Wood Framed Floors. A minimum clearance equal to the height of the void form plus four inches ( 102 mm) below the foundation shall be provided in addition to the requirements set forth in Section R323 , item 1 . R408.7.3 Pipes, Conduits, and Ducts. A minimum clearance equal to the height of the void form plus four inches ( 102 mm) shall be provided below pipes, conduits and ducts installed in under-floor spaces, including those located below the foundation wall. Exception : Where the building drain and water service pass under or through the foundation the clearance shall be as set forth in the engineering documents . " (52) New subsection, "R506. 2. 4, "Reinforcement. ", is hereby added, reading as follows : 506.2.4 Reinforcement. Slabs on ground must be reinforced with a minimum of welded wire mesh set on approved supports located in the center to upper one third of the slab, or equivalent reinforcement prior to inspection set forth in Section R109 . 1 . (53) Section R602. 6, `Drilling and notching - studs. " is hereby amended to read as follows : 38 "R602 .6 Drilling and notching - studs. Drilling and notching of studs shall be in accordance with the following : 1 . Notching. Any stud in an exterior wall or bearing partition may be cut or notched to a depth not exceeding 25 percent of its width. Studs in nonbearing partitions may be notched to a depth not to exceed 40 percent of a single stud width. 2 . Drilling. Any stud may be bored or drilled, provided that the diameter of the resulting hole is no greater than 60 percent of the stud width, the edge of the hole is no greater than 5/8 inch to the edge of the stud, and the hole is not located in the same section as a cut or notch. Studs located in exterior walls or bearing partitions drilled over 40 percent and up to 60 percent shall also be doubled with no more than two successive studs bored. See Figures R602 . 6( 1 ) and R602 . 6(2) . Exception . Approved stud shoes may be used when installed in accordance with the manufacturer' s recommendation. " (54) Section R613. 1. "General. ", is hereby revised to read as follows : "R613. 1 General. This section prescribes performance and construction requirements for exterior window systems installed in wall systems . Windows shall be installed and flashed in accordance with the manufacturer' s written installation instructions . Each window shall be provided with written installation instructions provided by the manufacturer detailing proper installation and flashing of their product." (55) New Section R613. 2, " Window sill placement. " is hereby added, reading as follows : "R613.2 Window location and sill height. In dwelling units, where the rough opening for the sill portion of an operable window is located more than 72 inches above the ground or other surface below, the rough opening for the sill portion of the window shall be a minimum of 24 inches above the finished floor of the room in which the window is located. Exception : Windows whose openings will not allow a 4 inch diameter sphere to pass through the opening when the opening is in its largest opened position. (56) New Section R702. 3. 7, "Horizontal gypsum board diaphragm ceilings. ", is added , reading as follows : " R702 .3.7 Horizontal Gypsum Board Diaphragm Ceilings. Gypsum board shall be permitted to be used on wood joists to create a horizontal diaphragm in accordance with Table R702. 3 . 7. Gypsum board shall be installed perpendicular to ceiling framing members . End joints of adjacent courses of board shall not occur on the same joist. The maximum allowable diaphragm proportions shall be 1 lh : 1 between shear resisting elements . Rotation or cantilever conditions shall not be permitted. Gypsum board shall not be used in diaphragm ceilings to resist lateral forces imposed by masonry or 39 concrete construction. All perimeter edges shall be blocked using wood members not less than 2- inch (51 mm) by 6-inch ( 159 mm) nominal dimension. Blocking material shall be installed flat over the top plate of the wall to provide a nailing surface not less than 2 inches (51 mm) in width for the attachment of the gypsum board. " (57) New Section, 1? 702. 4. 4, Cement, fiber-cement, composite backers. '; is hereby added, reading as follows : "R702.4.4 Cement, fiber-cement, and composite backers. Cement, fiber-cement, or composite backers in compliance with ASTM C 1288 , C 1325 and installed in accordance with manufacturer recommendations shall be used as backers for wall tile in tub and shower areas and wall panels in shower areas . " (58) Section R703. 1. "General. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "R703. 1 General. Exterior walls shall provide the building with a weather—resistant exterior wall envelope. The exterior wall envelope shall be designed and constructed in such a manner as to prevent the accumulation of water within the wall assembly by providing a water—resistive barrier behind the exterior veneer as required by Section R703 .2 and a means of draining water that enters the assembly to the exterior of the veneer. Protection against condensation in the exterior wall assembly shall be provided in accordance with the International Energy Conservation Code . Exceptions , 1 . A weather-resistant exterior wall envelope shall not be required over concrete or masonry walls designed in accordance with Chapter 6 and flashed according to Section R703 . 7 or R703 . 8 . 2 . Compliance with the requirements for a means of drainage, and the requirements of Section 703 . 2 and Section 703 . 8 . shall not be required for an exterior wall envelope that has been demonstrated to resist wind-driven rain through testing of the exterior wall envelope, including joints, penetrations and intersections with dissimilar materials, in accordance with ASTM E331 under the following conditions : 2 . 1 Exterior wall envelope test assemblies shall include at least one opening, one control joint, one wall/eave interface and one wall sill. All tested openings and penetrations shall be representative of the intended end use configuration. 2 .2 Exterior wall envelope test assemblies shall be at least 4 feet by 8 feet in size . 2 . 3 Exterior wall assemblies shall be tested at a minimum differential pressure of 6 .24 pounds per square foot. 2 .4 Exterior wall envelope assemblies shall be subjected to a minimum test exposure duration of 2 hours . The exterior wall envelope design shall be considered to resist wind-driven rain where the results of testing indicate that water did not penetrate control joints in the exterior wall envelope, joints at the perimeter of openings penetration, or intersections of terminations with dissimilar materials . 40 (59) Section R703. 2, `Weather-resistant membrane. " is hereby amended to read as follows : "R703 .2 Weather-resistant membrane. One layer of No . 15 asphalt- saturated felt free from holes and breaks, complying with ASTM D 226 for Type I felt, or other approved weather-resistant material shall be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls . Such felt or material shall be applied horizontally, with the upper layer lapped over the lower layer not less than 2 inches (51 mm) . Where joints occur, felt shall be lapped not less than 6 inches ( 152 mm) . All such materials shall be continuous to the top of walls and terminated at penetrations and building appendages in such a manner that meets the requirements of the exterior wall envelope as described in Section R703 . 1 . Exception : Such felt or material is permitted to be omitted in the following situations : 1 . In detached accessory buildings . 2 . Under exterior wall finish materials as permitted in Table R703 .4 . 3 . Under paperbacked stucco lath when the paper backing is an approved weather-resistant membrane . " CHAPTER 8 - ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION (60) Section R801 . 3, `Roof drainage. " Is hereby amended to read as follows : "R801 .3 Roof drainage. All dwellings shall have a controlled method of water disposal from roofs that will collect and discharge all roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5 feet ( 1 . 524 m) from foundation walls or to an approved drainage system. Devices shall not be installed that restrain in any way or that otherwise interfere with downspout extensions being fully extended. Landscape edging shall not interfere with the discharge of the roof drainage system. Downspout extensions shall terminate above ground or at an approved location. " (61) Section R802. 11, `Roof Tie-down. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R802. 11 Roof tie-down. Roof assemblies shall be connected to supporting walls with rafter or truss ties installed at bearing locations to provide a continuous load path for transmitting the uplift forces from the rafter or truss ties to the foundation in accordance with Table R802 . 11 . Alternatively, wind uplift pressures on roof assemblies and roof tie-down requirements may be designed in accordance with Section R301 . 1 .2 " CHAPTER 9 - ROOF ASSEMBLIES (62) Section R902. 1, `Roofing covering materials. ; is hereby amended to read as follows : "R902. 1 Roofing covering materials. Except as otherwise allowed, roofs shall be covered with Class A assemblies and with materials as set forth in SectionsR904 and R905 . Classes A. B and C roofing required to be listed by this section shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E 108 . Roof assemblies with coverings of brick, masonry, slate, clay or concrete roof tile, exposed 41 concrete roof deck, ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, and metal sheets and shingles, shall be considered Class A roof coverings . Exception . Any Class B or Class C roof covering may be applied on any new construction that is added to an existing building, provided the roof extremities of such existing building and new construction are located a minimum distance of five (5 ) feet ( 1 . 524 m) from the nearest adjacent property line and are a minimum distance of ten ( 10) feet (3 . 048 m) from another building. " (63) Section R905. 1. "Roof covering application. ". is hereby amended to read as follows : "R905. 1 Roof covering application. Roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section and the manufacturer' s installation instructions . Unless otherwise specified in this section, roof coverings shall be installed to resist the component and cladding loads specified in Table R301 .2(2), adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301 .2(3 ) . " (64) Section R905. 2. 6, `Attachment " is hereby amended to read as follows : "R905.2 .6 Attachment. Asphalt shingles shall have the minimum number of fasteners required by the manufacturer. Where the roof slope exceeds 20 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (20 : 12) and where roof assemblies are subject to wind uplift pressures of 20 pounds per square foot (0 . 958 kN/m2) or greater, as established in Table R301 .2(2), adjusted for height and exposure per TableR301 .2(3 ), special methods of fastening are required. Special fastening methods shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 3161 , modified to use a wind speed of 110 mph ( 177 km/h) . Where asphalt shingles are used in the forgoing applications, such shingle packaging shall bear a label indicating compliance with ASTM D 3161 at a wind speed of 110 mph ( 177 km/h) ." (65) Section R907. 1. "General. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R907. 1 General. Materials and methods of application used for recovering or replacing an existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 9 . No portion of an existing nonrated roof covering may be permanently replaced or covered with more than one square of nonrated roof covering . Exceptions , 1 . Reroofing shall not be required to meet the minimum design slope requirement of one-fourth vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent slope) in Section R905 for roofs that provide positive roof drainage . 2 . Any existing roof covering system may be replaced with a roof covering of the same materials and classification, provided the replacement roof covering has a minimum rating of Class C . " 42 (66) Section R907. 3. "Recovering versus replacement. ", is hereby amended by adding a third exception, reading as follows : "3 . The application of new protective coating over existing spray polyurethane foam roofing systems shall be permitted without tear-off of existing roof coverings when applied in accordance with ASTM D-6705 ." CHAPTER 10 - CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES (67) Section RI001 . 6. 1, `park arrestors. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "R1001 .6. 1 Spark arrestors . Chimneys attached to any appliance or fireplace that burns solid fuel shall be equipped with an approved spark arrester meeting all of the following requirements : 1 . The net free area of the arrestor shall not be less than four times the net free area of the outlet of the chimney flue it serves . 2 . The arrestor screen shall have heat and corrosion resistance equivalent to 19-gage galvanized steel or 24-gage stainless steel. 3 . Openings shall not permit the passage of spheres having a diameter greater than 1 /2 inch ( 12 . 7 mm) nor block the passage of spheres having a diameter less than 3/8 inch (9 . 5 mm) . The spark arrestor shall be accessible for cleaning and the screen or chimney cap shall be removable to allow for cleaning of the chimney flue . " (68) Section R1004, `FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACES ; is hereby amended by adding new subsection, "R1004 . 1 . 1 Solid fuel fireplaces and appliances . " , and deleting subsection, " 1004.4, "Unvented gas log heaters. " , resulting in the entire section amended to read as follows : " SECTION R1004 - FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACES R1004. 1 General. Factory-built fireplaces shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed in accordance with the conditions of the listing. Factory-built fireplaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 127 . R1004. 1 . 1 Solid fuel fireplaces and appliances. Solid fuel fireplaces, fireplace stoves and solid-fuel-type room heaters shall also comply with Section 5 - 110 of the Code of the City. R1004.2 Hearth extensions . Hearth extensions of approved factory-built fireplaces shall be installed in accordance with the listing of the fireplace. The hearth extension shall be readily distinguishable from the surrounding floor area. R1004.3 Decorative shrouds . Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of chimneys for factory-built fireplaces except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use with 43 the specific factory-built fireplace system and installed in accordance with the manufacturer' s installation instructions . " CHAPTER 11 - Energy Efficiency (69) Part IV - Energy Conservation, "Chapter ] ], Energy Efficiency" is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following : "CHAPTER 11 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY SECTION N1101 - SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS N1101 . 1 Title. This Chapter shall be also known as " Chapter 11, The 2005 Fort Collins Residential Energy Conservation Code ". N1101 .2 Intent. This chapter regulates the design and construction of buildings including building envelopes for adequate thermal resistance and low infiltration and the design and selection of mechanical, electrical, service water-heating, systems and equipment which will enable the effective use of energy in buildings regulated by this code . The provisions in this chapter are intended to provide flexibility to permit the use of innovative approaches and techniques to achieve effective utilization of energy. This chapter is not intended to abridge safety, health or environmental requirements under other applicable codes or ordinances. N1101 .3 Scope. This chapter establishes minimum prescriptive and performance-related regulations for the design of energy-efficient buildings and structures or portions thereof regulated by this code and their associated accessory uses . This chapter thereby addresses the design of energy-efficient building envelopes and the selection and installation of energy-efficient mechanical, service water- heating, electrical distribution and illumination systems and equipment for the effective use of energy in such buildings and structures . N1101 .3. 1 Exempt buildings. The following buildings, or portions thereof separated by building envelope assemblies from the remainder of the building, shall be exempt from this chapter. 1 . Buildings that have a peak design rate of energy usage less than 3 .4 Btu/h• ft2 ( 10 . 7 W/m2) or 1 . 0 watt/ft2 ( 10 . 7 W/m2) of floor area for space conditioning purposes . 2 . Buildings that are neither mechanically heated nor mechanically cooled. N1101 .4 Applicability. This chapter shall apply to buildings as set forth in Section N1101 . Where, in a specific case, different provisions of this chapter specify different requirements, the most restrictive requirements shall govern. N1101 .4. 1 Existing installations. Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, provisions of this chapter shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued use and maintenance of, an existing building envelope, mechanical, service water- 44 heating, electrical distribution, or illumination system lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter. Exception : Any portion of a non-insulated basement foundation wall enclosing conditioned space shall be insulated as prescribed in Table N1111 . 1 of this chapter prior to the foundation wall being authorized to contain living space or to being covered with permanent framing, wallboard, and similar finish materials, regardless of whether such wall was not originally insulated using the "Alternative Minimum Insulation R-values" in Table N 1111 . 1 or the " Simulated Performance Alternative" pursuant to Section N1113 of this chapter. N1101 .4.2 Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs. Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to a building envelope, mechanical, service water-heating, electrical distribution, or illumination system or portion thereof shall conform to the provisions of this chapter as they relate to new construction without requiring the unaltered portion(s) of the existing system to comply with this chapter. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause any one of the aforementioned and existing systems to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded. In no case shall the energy efficiency of the building be decreased. Exceptions : The following need not comply provided the energy use of the building is not increased. 1 . Storm windows installed over existing fenestration . 2 . Glass only replacements in an existing sash and frame. 3 . Existing ceiling, wall or floor cavities exposed during construction provided that these cavities are filled with insulation. 4 . Construction where the existing roof, wall or floor cavity is not exposed. N1101 .4.3 Change in occupancy. A change in building occupancy that would result in the new building occupancy being regulated by this chapter and an increase in demand for either fossil fuel or electrical energy shall require that the building be made to comply with this chapter unless otherwise approved by the building official. Exception : The building official may in individual cases waive specific requirements when any such requirement is determined to be highly impractical in existing buildings, including buildings classified as historically significant by the state or local jurisdiction, listed in The National Register of Historic Places or determined to be eligible for such listing, when such waivers do not cause the energy efficiency of the building to be decreased. N1101 .4.4 Mixed occupancy. Where a building houses more than one occupancy classification as identified in the building code, each portion of the building shall conform to the requirements for the occupancy housed therein. Where an occupancy is less than 10 percent of the area of any floor of a building, the major occupancy shall be considered the building occupancy. Buildings, other than detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses and their accessory uses shall not be regulated under this chapter. 45 SECTION N1102 - ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN OR INSULATING SYSTEMS N1102. 1 General. This chapter is not intended to prevent the use of any material, method of construction, design or insulating system not specifically prescribed herein, provided that such construction, design or insulating system has been approved by the building official as meeting the intent of the code. Compliance with specific provisions of this chapter may be determined through the use of computer software, worksheets, compliance manuals and other similar materials when the building official has approved these materials as meeting the intent of this chapter. SECTION N1103 - CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS N1103. 1 General. Construction documents and other supporting data shall be submitted with each application for a permit. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional. Exception : The building official is authorized to waive the requirements for construction documents or other supporting data if the building official determines such is not necessary to confirm compliance with this chapter. N1103.2 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be drawn to scale upon suitable material and submitted in a format approved by the building official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed, and show in sufficient detail pertinent data and features of the building, systems and equipment as herein governed or as determined by the building official. Details shall include, but are not limited to, insulation materials and their R-values ; fenestration U-factors and SHGCs; the number of systems and equipment efficiencies, types, sizes and controls ; duct sealing, insulation and location; and air sealing details . SECTION N1104 - INSPECTIONS N1104. 1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection as deemed necessary by the building official to determine compliance with this chapter. N1104.2 Required approvals. No work shall be done on any part of the building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the building official. No construction shall be concealed without inspection approval. N1104.3 Final inspection. The building shall have a final inspection and approval when completed and ready for occupancy. N1104.4 Re-inspection. A building shall be re-inspected when determined necessary by the building official. SECTION N1105 - VALIDITY 46 N1105. 1 General. If a portion of this chapter is held to be illegal or void, such a decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter. SECTION N1106 - REFERENCED STANDARDS N1106. 1 General. The standards and provisions and portions thereof, referred to in this chapter and contained in the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE © (2003 IECCS), the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODED (2003 IRC@1), and the 2003 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODEO (2003 IMC@) published by the International Code Council, Inc . shall be considered part of the requirements of this chapter to the extent of such reference . N1106.2 Conflicting requirements. When a provision of this chapter and a provisions of a referenced standard or provision from the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODED (2003 IRC) or the 2003 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODED (2003 IMC@) published by the International Code Council, Inc . specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the provisions of this chapter shall apply. SECTION N1107 - DEFINITIONS N1107. 1 Scope. Unless stated otherwise, the following words and terms in this chapter shall have the meanings indicated in this chapter. N1107.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future ; words in the masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and the plural includes the singular. N1107.3 Terms defined in other codes. Terms that are not defined in this chapter but are defined in the International Building Code, ICC Electrical Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code or the International Residential Code shall have the meanings ascribed to them in those codes . N1107.4 Terms not defined. Terms not defined by this chapter shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies . N1107.5 Specific definitions. The following words and terms in this chapter shall have the meanings indicated in this chapter : ABOVE GRADE WALL. A wall more than 50% above grade and enclosing conditioned space. This includes between-floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, roof and basement knee walls, dormer walls, gable end walls, walls enclosing a mansard roof, and skylight shafts . ACCESSIBLE. Admitting close approach because not guarded by locked doors, elevation or other effective means (see "Readily accessible") . 47 ADDITION. An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure. AIR TRANSPORT FACTOR. The ratio of the rate of useful sensible heat removal from the conditioned space to the energy input to the supply and return fan motor(s), expressed in consistent units and under the designated operating conditions . ALTERATION. Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition that requires a permit. Also, a change in a mechanical system that involves an extension, addition or change to the arrangement, type or purpose of the original installation that requires a permit. ANNUAL FUEL UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY (AFUE) . The ratio of annual output energy to annual input energy which includes any non-heating season pilot input loss, and for gas or oil-fired furnaces or boilers, does not include electrical energy. APPROVED. Acceptable to the building official. AUTOMATIC. Self-acting, operating by its own mechanism when actuated by some impersonal influence, as, for example, a change in current strength, pressure, temperature or mechanical configuration (see "Manual") . BASEMENT. That portion of a building located partly or completely below grade, wherein the underside of the floor system immediately above is 72 inches ( 1829 mm) or more above the surface of an approved permanent basement floor system. BASEMENT WALL. A wall 50% or more of which is below grade and encloses conditioned space . BTU (British thermal unit). The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound (0 .454 kg) of water 1 °F (0 . 56°C), ( 1 Btu = 1 ,055 J) . BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE. The elements of a building which enclose conditioned spaces and through which thermal energy is capable of being transferred: to or from the exterior; or to or from spaces exempted by the provisions of Section N1101 .4 . 1 COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP)—COOLING. The ratio of the rate of heat removal to the rate of energy input in consistent units, for a complete cooling system or factory-assembled equipment, as tested under a nationally recognized standard or designated operating conditions . COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP)—HEAT PUMP—HEATING. The ratio ofthe rate of heat delivered to the rate of energy input, in consistent units, for a complete heat pump system under designated operating conditions . Supplemental heat shall not be considered when checking 48 compliance with the heat pump equipment (COPS listed in the tables in Sections 503 and 803 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE6) . COMMERCIAL BUILDING. All buildings that are not included in the definition of Residential Buildings . CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA. The horizontal projection of the floors associated with the conditioned space . CONDITIONED SPACE. An area or room within a building being heated or cooled, containing non-insulated ducts, or with a fixed opening directly into an adjacent conditioned space. CRAWLSPACE. That portion of a building that is conditioned or non-conditioned space located partly or completely below grade (excluding the under-floor space beneath below-grade structural floor systems), wherein the underside of the adjacent finished floor above is less than 72 inches ( 1829 mm) above the bottom surface of such crawlspace. CRAWLSPACE WALL. The opaque portion of a wall that encloses a crawl space and is partially or totally below grade. DEADBAND. The temperature range in which no heating or cooling is used. DEGREE DAY, COOLING. A unit, based on temperature difference and time, used in estimating cooling energy consumption and specifying nominal cooling load of a building in summer. For any one day, when the mean temperature is more than 65 °F ( 18 °C), there are as many degree days as there are degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the day and 65 °F ( 18 °C) . Annual cooling degree days (CDD) are the sum of the degree days over a calendar year. DEGREE DAY, HEATING. A unit, based on temperature difference and time, used in estimating heating energy consumption and specifying nominal heating load of a building in winter. For any one day, when the mean temperature is less than 65 °F ( 18°C), there are as many degree days as there are degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the day and 65 °F ( 18 °C) . Annual heating degree days (HDD) are the sum of the degree days over a calendar year. DUCT. A tube or conduit utilized for conveying air. The air passages of self-contained systems are not to be construed as air ducts . DUCT SYSTEM. A continuous passageway for the transmission of air that, in addition to ducts, includes duct fittings, dampers, plenums, fans and accessory air-handling equipment and appliances . 49 DWELLING UNIT. A single housekeeping unit comprised of one or more rooms providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. ECONOMIZER, AIR. A duct and damper arrangement and automatic control system that allows a cooling system to supply outside air to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling during mild or cold weather. ECONOMIZER, WATER. A system where the supply air of a cooling system is cooled indirectly with water that is itself cooled by heat or mass transfer to the environment without the use of mechanical cooling. ENERGY. The capacity for doing work (taking a number of forms) which is capable of being transformed from one into another, such as thermal (heat), mechanical (work), electrical and chemical in customary units, measured in joules Q), kilowatt-hours (kWh) or British thermal units (Btu) . ENERGY ANALYSIS. A method for determining the annual (8, 760 hours) energy use of the proposed design and standard reference design based on estimates of energy use . ENERGY COST. The total estimated annual cost for purchased energy for the building functions regulated by this chapter, including any demand charges, fuel adjustment factors and delivery charges applicable to the building . ENERGY SIMULATION TOOL. An approved software program or calculation-based methodology that projects the annual energy use of a building. EXTERIOR WALL Any wall, including both above grade walls and foundation walls, enclosing conditioned space that is vertical or sloped at an angle of sixty (60) degrees or greater from the horizontal. FENESTRATION. Skylights, roof windows, vertical windows (whether fixed or moveable), opaque doors, glazed doors, glass block, and combination opaque/glazed doors . Fenestration includes products with glass and non-glass glazing materials . FURNACE, DUCT. A furnace normally installed in distribution ducts of air-conditioning systems to supply warm air for heating and which depends on a blower not furnished as part of the duct furnace for air circulation. FURNACE, WARM AIR. A self-contained, indirect-fired or electrically heated furnace that supplies heated air through ducts to spaces that require it. GLAZING AREA. Total area of the glazed fenestration measured using the rough opening and including sash, curbing or other framing elements that enclose conditioned space. Glazing area includes the area of glazed fenestration assemblies in walls bounding conditioned basements . For 50 doors where the daylight opening area is less than 50 percent of the door area, the glazing area is the daylight opening area. For all other doors, the glazing area is the rough opening area for the door including the door and the frame. GROSS AREA OF EXTERIOR WALLS. The normal projection of all exterior walls, including the area of all windows and doors installed therein (see "Exterior wall') . GROSS FLOOR AREA. The sum of the areas of several floors of the building, including basements, cellars, mezzanine and intermediate floored tiers and penthouses of headroom height, measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating buildings, but excluding : 1 . Covered walkways, open roofed-over areas, porches and similar spaces . 2 . Pipe trenches, exterior terraces or steps, chimneys, roof overhangs and similar features . HEAT. The form of energy that is transferred by virtue of a temperature difference or a change in state of a material. HEAT CAPACITY (HQ. The amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of a given mass by one degree. The heat capacity of a building element is the sum of the heat capacities of each of its components . HEAT PUMP. A refrigeration system that extracts heat from one substance and transfers it to another portion of the same substance or to a second substance at a higher temperature for a beneficial purpose. HEAT TRAP. An arrangement of piping and fittings, such as elbows, or a commercially available heat trap that prevents thermosyphoning of hot water during standby periods . HEATED SLAB. Slab-on-grade construction in which the heating elements, hydronic piping or hot air distribution system is in contact with or placed within the slab or the subgrade . HEATED SPACE. Space within a building which is provided with a positive heat supply (see "Positive heat supply") . Space within a basement with registers or heating devices designed to supply heat to a basement space shall automatically define that space as heated space and conditioned floor area. HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR (HSPF). The total heating output of a heat pump during its normal annual usage period for heating, in Btu, divided by the total electric energy input during the same period, in watt hours, as determined by DOE 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B , Test Procedures and based on Region 4. HUMIDISTAT. A regulatory device, actuated by changes in humidity, used for automatic control of relative humidity. 51 HVAC. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning . HVAC SYSTEM. The equipment, distribution network, and terminals that provide either collectively or individually the processes of heating, ventilating, or air conditioning to a building. HVAC SYSTEM COMPONENTS. HVAC system components provide, in one or more factory- assembled packages, means for chilling or heating water, or both, with controlled temperature for delivery to terminal units serving the conditioned spaces of the building . Types of HVAC system components include, but are not limited to, water chiller packages, reciprocating condensing units and water source (hydronic) heat pumps (see "HVAC system equipment") . HVAC SYSTEM EQUIPMENT. HVAC system equipment provides, in one (single package) or more (split system) factory-assembled packages, means for air circulation, air cleaning, air cooling with controlled temperature and dehumidification and, optionally, either alone or in combination with a heating plant, the functions of heating and humidifying. The cooling function is either electrically or heat operated and the refrigerant condenser is air, water or evaporative cooled. Where the equipment is provided in more than one package, the separate packages shall be designed by the manufacturer to be used together. The equipment shall be permitted to provide the heating function as a heat pump or by the use of electric or fossil-fuel-fired elements . (The word " equipment" used without a modifying adjective, in accordance with common industry usage, applies either to HVAC system equipment or HVAC system components .) INFILTRATION. The uncontrolled inward air leakage into a building caused by the pressure effects of wind and pressure imbalances induced by mechanical systems ; or the effect of differences in the indoor and outdoor air density or any combination of such effects . INSULATED SHEATHING. An insulating board with a core material having a minimum R-value of R-2 . LABELED. Devices, equipment, appliances, assemblies or materials to which have been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production of the above-labeled items and by whose label the manufacturer attests to compliance with applicable nationally recognized standards . LISTED. Equipment, appliances, assemblies or materials included in a list published by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment, appliances, assemblies or material, and whose listing states either that the equipment, appliances, assemblies, or material meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner. LIVING SPACE. Space within a dwelling unit utilized for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, bathing, washing and sanitation purposes . 52 LOW-VOLTAGE LIGHTING. Lighting equipment powered through a transformer such as a cable conductor, a rail conductor and track lighting. MANUAL. Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Automatic") . OCCUPANCY. The purpose for which a building, or portion thereof, is utilized or occupied. OPAQUE AREAS. All exposed areas of a building envelope which enclose conditioned space, except openings for windows, skylights, doors and building service systems . OUTDOOR AIR. Air taken from the outdoors and, therefore, not previously circulated through the system. OZONE DEPLETION FACTOR. A relative measure of the potency of chemicals in depleting stratospheric ozone. The ozone depletion factor potential depends on the chlorine and bromine content and the atmospheric lifetime of the chemical. The depletion factor potential is normalized such that the factor for CFC- I I is set equal to unity and the factors for the other chemicals indicate their potential relative to CFC- 11 . PACKAGED TERMINAL AIR CONDITIONER (PTAC). A factory-selected wall sleeve and separate un-encased combination of heating and cooling components, assemblies or components (intended for mounting through the wall to serve a single room or zone) . It includes heating capability by hot water, steam or electricity. (For the complete technical definition, see ARI 310/380 . ) PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMP. A PTAC capable of using the refrigeration system in a reverse cycle or heat pump mode to provide heat. (For the complete technical definition, see ARI 310/380. ) POSITIVE COOLING SUPPLY. Mechanical cooling deliberately supplied to a space, such as through a supply register. Also, mechanical cooling indirectly supplied to a space through un- insulated surfaces of space-cooling components, such as evaporator coil cases and cooling distribution systems which continually maintain air temperatures within the space of 85 °F (29°C) or lower during normal operation. To be considered exempt from inclusion in this definition, such surfaces shall comply with the insulation requirements of this chapter. POSITIVE HEAT SUPPLY. Heat deliberately supplied to a space by design, such as a supply register, radiator or heating element. Also, heat indirectly supplied to a space through un-insulated surfaces of service water heaters and space-heating components, such as furnaces, boilers and heating and cooling distribution systems which continually maintain air temperature within the space of 50°F ( I O°C) or higher during normal operation. To be considered exempt from inclusion in this definition, such surfaces shall comply with the insulation requirements of this chapter. 53 PROPOSED DESIGN. A description of the proposed building used to estimate annual energy use for determining compliance based on total building performance. READILY ACCESSIBLE. Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite, to climb over or remove obstacles or to use portable ladders or access equipment (see "Accessible"). REPAIR. The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building . RESIDENTIAL BUILDING. One- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, R-2 residential buildings three stories or less in height above grade and R-4 residential buildings three stories or less in height above grade . ROOF ASSEMBLY. A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads . The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and the roof deck. A roof assembly includes, the roof covering, underlayment, roof deck, vapor retarder, substrate or thermal barrier, insulation, and interior finish. For purposes of the building thermal envelope, a roof assembly shall be considered as all roof/ceiling components of the building envelope through which heat flows, thus creating a building transmission heat loss or gain, where such assembly is exposed to outdoor air and encloses conditioned space. The gross area of a roof assembly consists of the total interior surface of all roof/ceiling components, including opaque surfaces, dormer and bay window roofs, trey ceilings, overhead portions of an interior stairway to an unconditioned attic, doors and hatches, glazing and skylights exposed to conditioned space, that are horizontal or sloped at an angle less than 60 degrees ( I . l rad) from the horizontal (see "Exterior wall') . A roof assembly, or portions thereof, having a slope of 60 degrees ( I . Irad) or greater from horizontal shall be considered in the gross area of exterior walls and thereby excluded from consideration in the roof assembly. Skylight shaft walls 12 inches (305 mm) in depth or greater (as measured from the ceiling plane to the roof deck) shall be considered in the gross area of exterior walls and are thereby excluded from consideration in the roof assembly. ROOM AIR CONDITIONER. An encased assembly designed as a unit for mounting in a window or through a wall, or as a console. It is designed primarily to provide free delivery of conditioned air to an enclosed space, room or zone. It includes a prime source of refrigeration for cooling and dehumidification and means for circulating and cleaning air, and shall be permitted to also include means for ventilating and heating. R-VALUE (THERMAL RESISTANCE). The inverse of the time rate of heat flow through a body from one of its bounding surfaces to the other surface for a unit temperature difference between the two surfaces, under steady state conditions, per unit area (hxft2x °F/Btu) [(m2xK)/W] . SASH CRACK. The sum of all perimeters of all window sashes, based on overall dimensions of such parts, expressed in feet. If a portion of one sash perimeter overlaps a portion of another sash perimeter, the overlapping portions are only counted once. SCREW LAMP HOLDERS. A lamp base that requires a screw-in-type lamp such as an incandescent, compact florescent, or tungsten-halogen bulb . 54 SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (SEER). The total cooling output of an air conditioner during its normal annual usage period for cooling, in Btu/h (W), divided by the total electric energy input during the same period, in watt-hours, as determined by DOE 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B , Test Procedures . SERVICE SYSTEMS. All energy-using systems in a building that are operated to provide services for the occupants or processes housed therein, including HVAC, service water heating, illumination, transportation, cooking or food preparation, laundering and similar functions . SERVICE WATER HEATING. Supply of hot water for purposes other than comfort heating. SIMULATION TOOL. An approved software program or calculation-based methodology that projects the annual hour-by-hour loads and energy use of a building . SKYLIGHT. Glazing that is sloped more than fifteen degrees (0 .26 rad) from the vertical. SLAB-ON-GROUND FLOOR INSULATION. Insulation around the perimeter of the floor slab or its supporting foundation when the top edge of the floor perimeter slab is above the finished grade or 12 inches (305 mm) or less below the finished grade. SOLAR ENERGY SOURCE . Source of natural day-lighting and of thermal, chemical or electrical energy derived directly from conversion of incident solar radiation. SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICENT (SHGC). The ratio of the solar heat gain through a fenestration or glazing assembly to the incident solar radiation expressed as a number between 0 . 00 and 1 . 00 representing the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted , both directly transmitted and absorbed, then subsequently released inward and identified as such on the NFRC product label. STANDARD REFERENCE DESIGN. A version of the Proposed design that meets the minimum requirements of this chapter and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use requirement for compliance based on total building performance. STANDARD TRUSS. Any construction that does not permit the roof/ceiling insulation to achieve the required R-value over the exterior walls . SUNROOM ADDITION. A one-story structure added to a dwelling, with a glazing area in excess of 40 percent of the gross area of the structure' s exterior walls and roof. SYSTEM. A combination of central or terminal equipment or components or controls, accessories, interconnecting means, and terminal devices by which energy is transformed so as to perform a specific function, such as HVAC, service water heating or illumination. 55 THERMAL CONDUCTANCE. Time rate of heat flow through a body (frequently per unit area) from one of its bounding surfaces to the other for a unit temperature difference between the two surfaces , under steady conditions (Btu/h • ft2 • ° F) [W/( m2 • K)] . THERMAL ISOLATION. A separation of conditioned spaces, between a sunroom addition and a dwelling unit, consisting of existing or new wall(s), doors and/or windows . New wall(s), doors and/or windows shall meet the prescriptive envelope component criteria in Table N1111 . 1 . The conditioned space(s) shall be controlled as a separate zone(s) for heating and cooling or conditioned by separate equipment. THERMOSTAT. An automatic control device used to maintain temperature at a fixed or adjustable set point. TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of two or more attached individual units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines that is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling . U-FACTOR (THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE). The coefficient of heat transmission (air to air) through a building component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area and unit temperature difference between the warm side and cold side air films (Btu/hxft2x °F) [W/(m2xK)] . The U-factor for fenestration products shall be as established by the NFRC . UNITARY COOLING AND HEATING EQUIPMENT. One or more factory-made assemblies which include an evaporator or cooling coil, a compressor and condenser combination, and which shall be permitted to include a heating function as well. When heating and cooling equipment is provided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies shall be designed to be used together. UNITARY HEAT PUMP. One or more factory-made assemblies which include an indoor conditioning coil, compressor(s) and outdoor coil or refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger, including means to provide both heating and cooling functions . When heat pump equipment is provided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies shall be designed to be used together. VAPOR RETARDER. A vapor resistant material, membrane or covering such as foil, plastic sheeting, or insulation facing having a permeance rating of 1 perm or less, when tested in accordance with the desiccant method using Procedure A of ASTME96 . Vapor retarders limit the amount of moisture vapor that passes through a material or wall assembly. VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from, any space. VENTILATION AIR. That portion of supply air that comes from outside (outdoors) plus any recirculated air that has been treated to maintain the desired quality of air within a designated space. 56 WATER HEATER, INSTANTANEOUS. A water heater with an input rating of at least 4,000 Btu/h per gallon (310 W/L) stored water and a storage capacity of less than 10 gallons (38 L) . WATER HEATER, STORAGE . A water heater with an input rating less than 4,000 Btu/h per gallon (310 W/L) of stored water or storage capacity of at least 10 gallons (38 L) . WINDOW PROJECTION FACTOR. A measure of the portion of glazing that is shaded by an eave or overhang. It is calculated as the ratio of an overhang' s length (horizontal distance out from the glazing) to the vertical distance from the bottom of the glazing to the bottom of the overhang. ZONE. A space or group of spaces within a building with heating or cooling requirements, or both, sufficiently similar so that comfort conditions can be maintained throughout by a single controlling device. SECTION N1108 - DESIGN CONDITIONS N1108.1 Design criteria. The criteria of this chapter establish the design conditions for use with Chapter 4 . SECTION N1109 - THERMAL DESIGN PARAMETERS N1109. 1 Thermal design parameters . The following thermal design parameters in Table NI 109 . 1 shall be used for calculations required under this chapter. TABLE N1109. 1 THERMAL DESIGN PARAMETERS " CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA Winter Outdoor, Design Dry-bulb (OF) = 1 Winter Indoor, Design Dry-bulb (OF) = 72 Summer, Outdoor Design Dry-bulb (OF) = 91 Summer, Indoor Design Dry-bulb (OF) = 78 Summer, Design Wet-bulb (OF) = 59 Degree days heating = 6368 Degree days cooling = 479 For SI : °C = [(°F)-32]/ 1 . 8 . SECTION N1110 - MATERIALS, SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY 57 N1110. 1 Compliance. Compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of this chapter for residential buildings shall be demonstrated by any one of the methods provided in this chapter. NI110.2 Identification. Materials, systems and equipment shall be identified in a manner that will allow a determination of compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter. N1110.3 Installation. All materials, systems and equipment required by this chapter shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer' s installation instructions and the conditions of any listing or required certifications . N1110.3 . 1 Glass and mineral fiber insulation . Glass and mineral fiber (wool) insulation installed on the conditioned side of basement foundation walls and in framed cavities or on interior surfaces less than 72 inches ( 1829 mm) above the floor below shall be protected from damage and releasing insulation fibers into the conditioned space by a permanent covering material securely fastened in place such that the insulation is maintained in substantial contact with the covering . The covering material shall be gypsum wallboard, wall paneling, wall sheathing, or similar durable materials conforming to Section R315 , that provide equivalent physical protection as determined by the building official. See Section R316 N1110.4 Maintenance information. Instructions shall be furnished with the building for equipment and systems that require preventive maintenance. Required regular maintenance shall be clearly stated and incorporated on a readily accessible label affixed to the equipment. This label shall include the title or publication number for the operation and maintenance manual for that particular model and type of product. N1110.5 Certification. A permanent certification shall be signed by the builder and be posted in the immediate vicinity of the building electrical distribution panel. Where there is more than one value for each component, the certification shall list the value covering the greatest area. Such certification shall verify the following : 1 . The predominant R-values of the insulation for ceiling/roof, walls, foundation (slab, basement wall, frame floors, crawlspace wall and/or floor) ; 2 . U-factors and the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for each fenestration type ; 3 . The type and efficiency of heating, cooling and service water heating equipment, and R-values for ducts outside conditioned spaces ; and 4. The insulation described thereon is installed in accordance with the applicable installation guidelines established by the building official. A copy of the certification shall be submitted to the building official by the builder or general contractor of record prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. SECTION NIIII - BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE N1111 . 1 Simplified Insulation and fenestration prescriptive criteria. The building envelope shall meet the requirements of Table NI 111 . 1 . except as stated in this Section. 58 N1111 .2 Insulation installation and identification. Roof/ceiling, floor, wall cavity and duct distribution systems insulation shall be installed in a manner as set forth in the Insulation Guidelines established by the building official and such that the manufacturer' s R-value identification mark is readily observable upon inspection. N1111 .2 . 1 Building thermal envelope insulation. An R-value identification mark shall be applied by the manufacturer to each piece of building envelope insulation 12 inches (305 mm) or greater in width. Alternatively, the insulation installer shall provide a certification listing the type, manufacturer and R-value of insulation installed in each element of the building thermal envelope . The certification shall list the type, manufacturer and R-value of insulation installed in each element of the building envelope . For blown or sprayed insulation, the initial installed thickness, settled thickness, settled R-value, installed density, coverage area and number of bags installed shall be listed on the certification. The insulation installer shall sign, date and post the certification in a conspicuous location within the building . N1111 .2 . 1 . 1 Blown or sprayed roof/ceiling insulation. The thickness of blown in or sprayed roof/ceiling insulation shall be observable by markers that measure thickness in inches and which are installed no less than one for every 300 ft2 (28 m2) throughout the attic space . The markers shall be affixed to the trusses or joists and marked with the minimum initial installed thickness with numbers a minimum of I inch (25 .4 mm) in height. Each marker shall face the attic access opening. N1111 .3 R-value computation. Insulation material used in layers, such as framing cavity insulation and insulating sheathing, shall be summed to compute the component R-value. The manufacturer' s settled R-value shall be used for blown insulation. Computed R-values shall not include an R-value for other building materials or air films . N1111 .4 U-factor alternative. An assembly with a U-factor equal to or less than that specified in Table NI 111 . 1 shall be permitted as an alternative to the R-value in Table NI I11 . 1 . N1111 .5 Total UA alternative. If the total building thermal envelope UA (sum of U-factor times assembly area) is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from using the U-factors in Table NI 111 . 1 . the building shall be considered in compliance with Table NI I I I . I . The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials . The SHGC requirements shall be met in addition to UA compliance . N1111 .6 Prescriptive tradeoffs. Alternative minimum insulation R-values shall be permitted as an alternative to the standard "Insulation and Glazed Fenestration Requirements by Component" specified in Table N 1111 . 1 provided the HVAC performance efficiencies are increased as indicated therein. 59 Table N1111 . 1 Insulation and Glazed Fenestration Requirements by Component(a) Fenestrati Fenestrati Skylight Ceiling Frame Mass Floor( Basement Slab(O Crawl on on (b) (e) Wall(d) Wall b) (e) R- Space(g) U-Factor SHGC U- R- R-Value R- R- Wall R- Value Wall 10, 2ft 38 / 18 / 21 (k) 13 / / 0 . 35 0 . 55 0 . 60 49 (k) 15(i) 15 (k) 30 10 / 13 10 4 19/ 13 ft(k) Equivalent Maximum U-Factors Insulated building envelope U-factors must be obtained from measurement or calculation. 0 . 030 / 0 . 065 / 0 . 082 / 0 . 35 NA 0 . 60 (k> (k> 0 . 077 �'` 0 .026 0 . 057 0 . 060 0 . 033 NA 0 . 065 � Alternative Minimum Insulation R-values(')When one or more of the following increased HVAC efficiencies is used . Minimum SEER 12 with minimum AFUE 90, or Minimum SEER 12 with minimum HSPF8.2, or Ground-source heat pump with minimum HSPF 16 0 . 35 0 . 55 0 . 60 1 38 1 15 1 8 1 19 1 10/ 13/00) 10, 2 ft 19/ 13 Footnotes for Table N1111 . 1 . Insulation and Glazed Fenestration Requirements : (a) R-values are minimums . U-factors and SHGC are maximums . Fenestration U-factor and SHGC refer to the whole fenestration unit. R-values in this table are uncompressed R-values, except that R- 19 insulation may be compressed into 2x6 framing cavities . Steel-frame wall R-values are given in Table N1111 .2 . Fenestration includes doors . All heating, ventilating, and cooling equipment shall meet NAECA minimum efficiency standards except when specified otherwise. (b)The fenestration U-factor column excludes skylights ; this column applies only to skylights . The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration, including skylights, which are considered glazed fenestrations less than 60 degrees from horizontal. (c) Insulation may be applied to the underside of the roof if the attic is air sealed and un-vented. 60 (d) Frame walls include between-floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, roof and basement knee walls, dormer walls, gable end walls, shaft walls enclosing conditioned spaces that adjoin unconditioned spaces, and walls enclosing a mansard roof. R-values are for the insulation materials only. When structural sheathing covers 25 % or less of the exterior frame walls, the combined insulation R-value where the structural sheathing is used may be R- 15 . Where structural sheathing covers more than 25 % of the exterior walls in which R- 15 cavity insulation is installed, and insulated sheathing of at least R-2 is applied to the structural sheathing, the exterior walls comply with Table N1111 . 1 . (e) A basement wall is any individual exterior wall that is more than 50% below grade. The first R- value applies to continuous insulation and the second R-value applies to insulation in a framing cavity. Either R-value meets the basement requirement. (f) R-5 shall be added to the required slab edge R-values for heated slabs . (g) The first R-value applies to continuous insulation, the second to insulation that fills a framing cavity; either one meets the crawl space wall insulation requirement. (h) Insulation must be sufficient to completely fill the framing cavity and no less than R- 19 . (i) Bold type indicates requirements that differ from the standard requirements . Buildings with electric resistance as the primary heat source are not eligible to use alternative minimum insulation offset by increased HVAC efficiencies. All footnotes of Table NI I11 . 1 apply. Air-handlers, furnaces and ducts shall be in conditioned space. Factory-sealed air handlers tested, certified and labeled by the manufacturer to have achieved a 2 percent or less leakage rate at 1 . 0 inch (25 .4 mm) water gauge shall meet the requirement for the air handler being in conditioned space. After the year 2006 change : SEER increased from 12 to 14 and HSPF from 8 .2 to 8 . 8 . Evaporative cooling meets SEER requirement. Either the alternative minimum insulation for frame walls reduced to R- 15 , or the omission of basement wall insulation may be used by substituting a furnace with an AFUE > 90. Such substitution is not permitted for both conditions together within the same dwelling unit. 0 ) When not already specified in order to utilize the alternative minimum insulation offset by increased HVAC efficiencies as noted under footnote (i), heating equipment meeting the one of the performance and efficiency standards may be substituted in lieu of installing the continuous insulation specified for exterior basement walls that do not contain or enclose living space at the time of their construction and approval for occupancy, provided that not more than 12 inches (305 mm) of the basement wall is above grade . (k) The value indicating the greatest thermal efficiency applies to buildings with electric-powered equipment as the primary building heat source when such equipment is NOT supplied primarily by renewable energy sources or is NOT a ground-source heat pump . (1) Frame walls noted in footnote (d) above of individual buildings that do not exceed 1 ,600 square feet ( 149 m2) in floor area above the foundation may be insulated to a minimum of R- 15 . 61 N1111 . 7 Insulation and thermal requirements for specific conditions. N1111 .7. 1 Roof/Ceiling Assemblies and Attics. Where Section N1111 . 1 prescribes insulation levels above R-30 and the design of the roof/ceiling assembly does not allow sufficient space for the specified insulation, the minimum required insulation for such rooFceiling assemblies shall be not less than R-30 . Such reduction of insulation from the requirements of Section NI 111 . 1 shall be limited to 500 square feet (46 . 5 m2) of ceiling area. The required ceiling insulation R-value above the exterior wall top plate shall not be less than the required R-value of the wall insulation. N1111 .7.2 Mass walls. Mass walls include concrete block, concrete, insulated concrete form (ICF), masonry cavity, brick (not brick veneer) and log walls . To use the mass wall provisions, greater than 50% of the insulation R-value shall be on the exterior of, or integral to, the mass wall. Mass walls that do not meet this criterion for insulation placement shall meet the frame wall insulation requirements . N1111 .7.3 Opaque doors. A door with a foam core shall be deemed to meet the required fenestration U-factor. One opaque door assembly is exempted from the U-factor requirement N1111 .7.4 Floors. Cantilevered floors, floors over outside air (including floors over any garage when such garage does not meet the provisions of this chapter, and floors over crawl spaces that are vented to the outside), and dormer ceilings shall require a minimum of R-30 insulation installed to maintain permanent contact with the floor above and be sufficient to fill the framing cavity completely. N1111 .7.5 Basement walls. Walls containing conditioned basement spaces shall be insulated from the top of the basement wall downward to a point 120 inches (3 . 05 m) below grade or to the basement floor, whichever is less . Walls containing unconditioned basement spaces shall meet the preceding requirement unless the floor overhead is insulated in accordance with Sections NI 111 . 1 and N1111 . 7 .4. except when utilizing the alternative minimum insulation offset by increased HVAC efficiencies as permitted in Table N1111 . 1 . Glass and mineral fiber (wool) insulation installed on the interior side of basement foundation walls shall be protected from damage as specified in Section N1110 . 3 . 1 . Exceptions , 1 . Insulation applied to the exterior side of foundation walls enclosing conditioned space shall extend downward from the top of foundation walls and terminate a minimum of 48 inches ( 1219 mm) below the adjoining ground level. 2 . Insulation may be eliminated when heating equipment is installed that meets efficiency criteria and conditions specified in Table NI 111 . 1 , Footnotes (i) and 0 ) . N1111 .7. 6 Slab-on-ground floors. The perimeters of slab-on-ground floors and below-grade structural floor systems with a floor surface less than 12 inches (305 mm)below grade shall be insulated in accordance with Table N 1111 . 1 . The insulation shall extend downward from the top 62 of the slab on the outside or inside of the foundation wall. Insulation located below grade shall be extended the distance provided in Table NI I11 . 1 by any combination of vertical insulation, insulation extending under the slab or insulation extending out from the building. Insulation extending away from the building shall be protected by pavement or by a minimum of 10 inches (254 mm) of soil. The top edge of the insulation installed between the exterior wall and the edge of the interior slab shall be permitted to be cut at a 45 -degree angle away from the exterior wall. Approved frost-protected- shallow-foundations constructed in accordance with Section R403 . 3 shall be considered in compliance with this section. N1111 .7.7 Crawl space walls. Floors above crawl spaces that are vented to the outside (excluding such spaces with openings and ducts solely for the purpose of providing combustion air in accordance with M1703 ) shall be insulated in accordance with Sections NI 111 . 1 and NI 111 . 7 .4 . Crawl space walls shall be permitted to be insulated when the crawl space is not vented to the outside . Such insulation shall be permanently fastened to the crawl space wall and extend downward from the sill plate to the interior bottom surface. Where the interior bottom surface is less than 12 inches (305 mm) below the outside finish ground level, insulation shall extend from the top of the crawl space wall to the top of the footing. The exposed earth in crawl spaces shall be covered with a continuous vapor retarder. All joints in the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches ( 152 mm) and be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend at least 6 inches ( 152 mm) up the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the foundation wall in an approved manner. N1111 .7.8 Masonry veneer. Insulation shall not be required on the horizontal portion of the foundation that supports a masonry veneer. N1111 .7.9 Below-grade structural floors. Below-grade structural floors supporting conditioned spaces above shall be constructed in accordance with Section R408 .2 .2 . N1111 .7. 10 Protection of exposed foundation insulation. Insulation applied to the exterior of foundation walls and the perimeter of slab-on-grade floors shall have a rigid, opaque and weather- resistant protective covering to prevent the degradation of the insulation' s thermal performance. The protective covering shall cover the exposed exterior insulation and extend a minimum of 6 inches ( 152 mm) below grade . N1111 .7. 11 Thermally isolated sunroom insulation. The minimum ceiling insulation R-value shall be R-24 and the minimum wall R-value shall be R- 13 in such rooms . New wall(s) separating the sunroom from conditioned space shall meet the building thermal envelope requirements . Thermally isolated sunrooms shall not be used as kitchens or sleeping rooms, and shall be served by a separate heating or cooling system. N1111 .7. 12 Accessory buildings. Fully enclosed accessory buildings and attached garages not containing habitable space may be conditioned subject to the following thermal and envelope criteria: 63 1 . Such spaces meet the criteria for thermal isolation and any HVAC equipment installed therein is sized for a peak design load assuming a maximum Winter Indoor Design Dry-bulb Temperature of 60°F( 16 °C) and a minimum Summer Indoor Design Dry-bulb Temperature of 80OF (27 °C) . 2 . The walls are insulated with insulation having a minimum R-value of R- 13 . 3 . The roof/ceiling is insulated in accordance with Section NI 111 . 1 . 4 . Windows have a maximum U-factor of 0 .45 and in total do not exceed 10% of the floor area. 5 . Doors have a minimum R-value of 3 and are sealed to prevent infiltration to the extent practical as determined by the building official. 6 . Slab-edges are insulated to R-5 . N1111 .7. 14 Steel-frame ceilings, walls and floors. Steel-frame ceilings, walls and floors shall meet the insulation requirements of Table N1111 .2 or shall meet the U-factor requirements in Table N1111 . 1 . The calculation of the U-factor for a steel-frame envelope assembly shall use a series-parallel path calculation method. Table N1111 .2 Steel-Frame Ceiling, Wall and Floor Insulation (R-Value) Wood Frame R-Value Cold-Formed Steel Equivalent R -Value' Requirement Steel Truss Ceilings2 R-30 R-38 or R-30+3 or R-26+5 R-38 R-49 or R-38+3 R-49 R-38+5 Steel Joist Ceilings2 R-30 R-38 in 2x4 or 2x6 or 2x8 R-49 in any framing R- 3 8 R-49 in 2x4 or 2x6 or 2x8 or 2x 10 Steel Framed Wall R- 13 R- 13 +5 or R- 15+4 or R-21 +3 R- 19 R- 13 +9 or R- 19+8 or R-25 +7 R-21 R- 13 + 10 or R- 19+9 or R-25 +8 64 Steel Joist Floor R- 13 R- 19 in 2x6 R- 19+R6 in 2x8 or 2x 10 R- 19 R- 19+R-6 in 2x6 R- 19+R- 12 in 2x8 or 2x 10 Notes : 1 . Cavity insulation R-value is listed first, followed by continuous insulation R-value . 2 . Insulation exceeding the height of the framing shall cover the framing. N1111 .8 Fenestration. N1111 .8. 1 Fenestration product rating. U-factors of fenestration products (windows, doors and skylights) shall be determined in accordance with NFRC 100 by an accredited, independent laboratory, and labeled and certified by the manufacturer. The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of glazed fenestration products (windows, glazed doors and skylights) shall be determined in accordance with NFRC 200 by an accredited, independent laboratory, and labeled and certified by the manufacturer. Products lacking such a labeled U-factor shall be assigned a default U-factor from Tables NI 111 . 3 . and NI 111 .4 . The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of glazed fenestration products (windows, glazed doors and skylights) shall be determined in accordance with NFRC 200 by an accredited, independent laboratory, and labeled and certified by the manufacturer. Products lacking such a labeled SHGC shall be assigned a default SHGC from Table N 1111 . 5 . Table N1111 .3 Default Glazed Fenestration U-Factors Sing- Doub Skylight le le Sing Doub Frame Type Pane Pane le le Metal 1 .20 0 . 80 2 . 00 1 . 30 Metal with Thermal 1 . 90 Break 1 . 10 0 . 65 1 . 10 Non-Metal or Metal 1 . 75 Clad 0 . 95 0 . 55 1 . 05 Glazed Block 0 . 60 Table N1111 .4 - Default Door U-Factors Door Type U-factor Uninsulated Metal 1 .20 65 Insulated Metal 0 . 60 Wood 0 . 50 Insulated, non-metal edge, max 45% glazing, any glazing double pane 0 . 35 Table N1111 .5 - Default Glazed Fenestration SHGC Single Glazed Double Glazed Clear Tinted Clea Tinted Glazed r Block 0 . 7 0 . 6 0 . 6 N1111 .8.2 U-factor An area-weighted average of fenestration products shall be permitted to satisfy the U-factor requirements . N1111 .8.3 Glazed fenestration SHGC . An area-weighted average of fenestration products more than 50% glazed shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements . N1111 .8.4 SHGC exemptions. Any fenestration facing within 45 degrees of true south with an overhang having a window projection factor of 0 . 3 or more is exempt from the SHGC requirements . N1111 .8.5 Fenestration exemption. Up to 15 ft2 ( 1 .4 m2) of glazed fenestration per dwelling unit is exempt from U-factor and SHGC requirements in Section N1111 . N1111 .8.6 Thermally isolated sunrooms U-factor. Glazed fenestration in thermally isolated sunrooms and new windows separating sunrooms from conditioned space shall have a maximum U-factor of 0 . 50 . Sunroom skylights shall have a maximum U-factor of 0 . 75 . Sunrooms shall otherwise meet the requirements of this chapter. Exception : Thermally isolated sunrooms that are neither heated nor cooled with non- renewable energy sources . N1111 .8.7 Replacement fenestration. Where some or all of an existing fenestration unit is replaced with a new replacement fenestration product, including frame, sash, and glazing, the replacement fenestration unit shall meet the requirements for U-factor and SHGC in Table N1111 . 1 . 66 N1111 .8.8 Impact resistant fenestration. Required impact resistant fenestration shall meet ASTM E- 1886 or ASTM E- 1996 , and shall be so labeled by the manufacturer. N1111 .9 Air infiltration. N1111 .9. 1 Building envelope. Exterior j oints, seams or penetrations in the building envelope, that are sources of uncontrolled air infiltration, shall be sealed with durable caulking materials, closed with gasketing systems, taped or covered with moisture vapor-permeable house wrap as described in further detail in the air-sealing guidelines established by the building official. Such sealing methods shall be performed at locations such as around tubs and showers; at the attic and crawl space panels ; at recessed lights and around all plumbing and electrical penetrations ; at dropped ceilings or chases adjacent to the thermal envelope; at knee walls and shaft walls adjoining unconditioned space; and at similar openings located in the building envelope between conditioned space and unconditioned space or between the conditioned space and the outside . Sealing materials spanning joints between dissimilar construction materials shall allow for differential expansion and contraction of the construction materials . An approved air-infiltration test performed by a qualified agency resulting in achieving the equivalent maximum air-infiltration provided in the air-sealing guidelines as determined by the building official, shall be considered an acceptable method of demonstrating compliance with RNI111 . 9 . 1 . N1111 .9.2 Fenestration infiltration. Windows, skylights and sliding-glass doors shall have an air infiltration rate of no more than 0 . 3 cfin/ft2 ( 1 . 52 L/s/m2) and swinging doors shall have an air infiltration rate of no more than 0 . 5 cfin/ft2 (2 . 54 L/s/m2) when tested according to NFRC 400, 101 /I. S .2, or 101 /I. S .2 NAFS by an accredited, independent laboratory. All such fenestration products shall be certified according to the conditions of their listings and so labeled by the manufacturer. Exemptions : Site-built windows, skylights and doors . N1111 .9.3 Recessed lighting. Where installed in the building thermal envelope, recessed lighting fixtures shall be sealed to limit infiltration between conditioned and unconditioned space . Such fixtures shall be one of the following types : 1 . IC-rated and labeled with enclosures that are sealed or gasketed to prevent air leakage to the ceiling cavity or unconditioned space; or 2 . IC-rated and labeled as meeting ASTM E 283 when tested at 1 . 57 psi (75 Pa) pressure differential with no more than 2 . 0 cfin (0 . 944 L/s) of air movement from the conditioned space to the ceiling cavity; or 3 . located inside an airtight sealed box with clearances of at least 0 . 5 inches ( 12 . 7 mm) from combustible material and 3 inches (76 mm) from insulation. 67 N1111 . 10 Moisture control. The building design shall not create conditions hazardous to occupants or of accelerated deterioration due to the presence of excessive water vapor and condensation. Methods for moisture control shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of this code and as determined necessary by the building official where special conditions or construction methods are encountered, such as steam rooms and rooms containing spas or pools, or below grade sub-floor spaces, or other interior locations subject to excessive moisture. SECTION N1112 - SYSTEMS N1112. 1 General. This section covers mechanical systems and equipment used to provide heating, ventilating and air-conditioning functions . This section assumes that residential buildings and dwelling units therein will be designed with individual HVAC systems . Where equipment not shown in Table 503 .2 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE (2003 IECQD published by the International Code Council, Inc . is specified, it shall meet the provisions of Sections 803 .2 .2 and 803 . 3 .2 .of such code. N1112.2 HVAC equipment efficiency. Equipment shall meet the following minimum performance standards : 1 . ANNUAL FUEL UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY (AFUE) of gas-fired or oil-fired furnace (< 225 ,000 Btu/h) >_ 80% and Et >_ 80% . 2 . AFUE of Gas-fired or oil-fired steam and hot-water boilers (< 300,000 Btu/h) >_ 80% . 3 . HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR (HSPF) of air-cooled heat pumps in heating mode (<65 ,000 Btu/h cooling capacity) >_ 7 . 9 . 4. SEASONAL ENERGY-EFFICIENCY RATIO (SEER) of air-cooled air conditioners and heat pumps in cooling mode (<65 ,000 Btu/h cooling capacity) >_ 12 . Data furnished by the equipment supplier, or certified under a nationally recognized certification procedure, shall be used to satisfy these requirements . All such equipment shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer' s instructions . Heating, cooling and service water heating equipment with equipment efficiency regulated as an AFUE, HSPF, SEER or EF shall have the efficiency specified on a label permanently attached to the equipment by the manufacturer; or such specified efficiencies shall be verified by the manufacturer' s product literature and posted in the building as part of the certification pursuant to Section NI 110 . 5 . N1112.3 Equipment sizing and testing. All heating and cooling equipment shall be sized and tested according to the provisions of Section M1401 . 3 . N1112.4 Controls. At least one thermostat shall be provided for each separate heating, cooling or combination heating and cooling system. Such controls when used to control comfort heating shall be capable of being set locally or remotely by adjustment or selection of sensors down to 55 °F 68 ( I YQ or lower and when used to control comfort cooling shall be capable of being set locally or remotely by adjustment or selection of sensors up to 85 °F (29°C) or higher. Where used to control both comfort heating and cooling, thermostatic controls shall be capable of providing a temperature range or deadband of at least 5 °F (3 °C) within which the supply of heating and cooling energy is shut off or reduced to a minimum. Exceptions . 1 . Special occupancy or special usage conditions approved by the code official. 2 . Thermostats that require manual changeover between heating and cooling modes . N1112.4.2 Humidistats. Humidistats used for comfort purposes shall be capable of being set to prevent the use of fossil fuel or electricity to reduce relative humidity below 60 percent or increase relative humidity above 30 percent. N1112.5 Air-distribution duct systems. Air duct- distribution- systems shall be constructed and installed in accordance with this chapter, Section M1601 of the International Residential Code, ACCA Manual A SMACNA , or with other approved methods . Such duct systems shall be sized for whichever results in the greater system air-flow capacity requirement: either the heating load or the cooling load. N1112.5. 1 Insulation. The R-value identification mark shall be applied by the manufacturer in intervals of no greater than 3 feet (0 . 914 m) to insulated flexible duct products showing the thermal performance R-value for the duct insulation (excluding air films, vapor retarders or other duct components) . All supply and return-air ducts and plenums installed as part of an HVAC air- distribution system in unconditioned spaces, such as unconditioned attics, vented crawl spaces, unconditioned basements, garages, spaces outside the building or spaces within a building envelope assembly, shall be thermally insulated. Supply ducts shall be insulated to a minimum of R- 8 . Ducts in floor trusses shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6 . Return air ducts outside the building, in unconditioned spaces, and where used as plenums in exterior wall cavities shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6 . Exception : Portions of the air distribution system within appliances or equipment. N1112 .5.2 Sealing. All duct systems, air handlers, filter boxes, building cavities used to convey conditioned air, including all joints, longitudinal and transverse seams, and connections in ductwork thereof, shall be securely fastened and sealed in compliance with Section M1601 . 3 . 1 . N1112.5.3 Building cavities. Building framing cavities, such as the spaces between framing members in walls or floors, may be used as return air ducts provided all heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and all related air-distribution systems and ductwork are pressure tested in accordance with approved procedures and which do not leak more than 25 % of total system flow; and further provided that where framing cavities are used as air-distribution ducts, they are adequately sealed with approved sealants . 69 Exception : Building framing cavities used for passive air distribution and balancing that are not directly connected to heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and such associated air-distribution ductwork. N1112.6 Mechanical ventilation. Every mechanical ventilation system (supply or exhaust, or both) shall be equipped with a readily accessible switch or other means for shutoff, or volume reduction and shutoff, when ventilation is not required. Automatic or gravity dampers that close when the system is not in operation shall be provided for outdoor air intakes and exhausts . N1112.7 Mechanical system piping insulation. Mechanical system piping capable of carrying fluids above 105 2F (410 C) or below 55 2F ( 13 OF) shall be insulated to a minimum of R-2 for pipes 1/2-inch ( 12 . 7 mm) and less, and to a minimum of R-4 for pipes greater than '/2-inch ( 12 . 7 mm) . N1112.8 Service water heating systems. N1112.8. 1 Water heaters, storage tanks and boilers. Water heaters and hot water storage tanks shall meet the minimum performance of water-heating equipment specified in Table 504.2 . 1 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CODE (IECC) ° Where multiple criteria are listed, all criteria shall be met. Exception : Storage water heaters and hot water storage tanks having more than 140 gallons (530 L) of storage capacity need not meet the standby loss (SL) or heat loss (HL) requirements of Table 504 .2 . 1 of the IECC°if the tank surface area is thermally insulated to R- 12 . 5 and if a standing pilot light is not used. N1112.8.2 Pipe insulation. Automatic circulating service hot water piping shall be insulated to a minimum of R-2 in conditioned spaces and to a minimum of R-3 in unconditioned spaces . In automatic-circulating hot water systems, piping heat loss shall be limited to a maximum of 17 . 5 Btu/h per linear foot ( 16 . 8 W/m) of pipe based on design external temperature no lower than 652F ( 182C) . For external design temperatures lower than 652F ( 182C), all hot water piping shall be insulated to a minimum of R-3 . Such circulating hot water systems shall include an automatic or readily accessible manual switch that can turn off the hot water circulating pump when the system is not in use. Exception : Piping insulation is not required when the heat loss of the piping, without insulation, does not increase the annual energy requirements of the building . N1112.8.3 Heat traps. Water heaters with vertical pipe risers shall have a heat trap on both the inlet and outlet of the water heater unless the water heater has an integral heat trap or is part of a circulating system. N1112.8.4 Hot water system controls. Automatic-circulating hot water system pumps or heat trace shall be arranged to be conveniently turned off, automatically or manually, when the hot water system is not in operation. 70 N1112.8.5 Showers. Shower heads shall not exceed the flow rate of 2 . 5 gallons per minute (gpm) (9 . 5 Um) at a pressure of 80 (psi) ( 551 kPa) when tested in accordance with ASME A112 . 18 . 1 . Where multiple shower heads are installed in an individual shower compartment, the total combined flow of all heads shall not exceed 3 gpm ( 11 .4 Urn) . N1112.9 Balancing. All comfort heating and cooling systems shall be provided with means for balancing air and water systems . Balancing mechanisms shall include, but not be limited to, dampers, temperature and pressure test connections, and balancing valves . N1112. 10 Transport energy. The air transport factor for each all-air system shall be not less than 5 . 5 when calculated in accordance with Equation 4- 10 . Energy for transfer of air through heat- recovery devices shall not be included in determining the air transport factor. (Equation 4- 10) Air Transport Factor = Space Sensible Heat Removal a Supply + Return Fans(s) Power Input' a. Expressed in consistent units, either Btu/h or Watts . For purposes of these calculations, space sensible heat removal is equivalent to the maximum coincident design sensible cooling load of all spaces served for which the system provides cooling. Fan power input is the rate of energy delivered to the fan prime mover. Air and water, all-water and unitary systems employing chilled, hot, dual-temperature or condenser water-transport systems to space terminals shall not require greater transport energy (including central and terminal fan power and pump power) than an equivalent all-air system providing the same space sensible heat removal and having an air transport factor of not less than 5 . 5 . N1112. 11 Combination service water-heating/space-heating boilers. Service water-heating equipment shall not be dependent on year-round operation of space-heating boilers ; that is, boilers that have as another function winter space heating. Exceptions . 1 . Systems with service/space-heating boilers having a standby loss (Btu/h) (W) less than that calculated in equation 4- 11 as determined by the fixture count method where : (Equation 4- 11 ) SL <_ ( 13 . 3 . pmd) + 400 n pmd = Probable maximum demand in gallons/hour as determined in accordance with the ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook. n = Fraction of year when outdoor daily mean temperature exceeds 64 . 9°F ( 18 °C) . The standby loss is to be determined for a test period of 24-hour duration while maintaining a boiler water temperature of 90°F (32°C) above an ambient of 60 to 71 90°F ( 16 to 32°C) and a 5 -foot ( 1524 mm) stack on appliance . 2 . For systems where the use of a single heating unit will lead to energy savings, such unit shall be utilized. N1112. 12 Swimming pools. Swimming pools shall be provided with energy-conserving measures in accordance with Sections 504 . 3 . 1 through 504. 3 . 3 . of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSER VATION CODE. N1112. 12. 1 On-off switch. All pool heaters shall be equipped with an ON-OFF switch mounted for easy access to allow shutting off the operation of the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting and to allow restarting without relighting the pilot light. N1112. 12 .2 Pool covers. Heated swimming pools shall be equipped with a pool cover. Exception : Outdoor pools deriving more than 20 percent of the energy for heating from renewable sources (computed over an operating season) are exempt from this requirement. N1112. 12.3 Time clocks. Swimming pool heater time clocks shall be installed so that the pump can be set to run in the off-peak electric demand period and can be set for the minimum time necessary to maintain the water in a clear and sanitary condition in keeping with applicable health standards . SECTION N1113 - SIMULATED PERFORMANCE ALTERNATIVE N1113 . 1 Scope. This Section establishes design criteria in terms of the overall energy performance analysis of a residential building. Such analysis shall include heating, cooling, and service water heating energy only. N1113.2 Equivalent energy performance. N1113 .2. 1 Mandatory requirements. Compliance with this Section requires that the criteria of Section N1110, N1111 . 9, N1111 . 10, and N1112 . be met. Verification of such compliance with Section NI 111 . 9 shall be demonstrated by testing in accordance with the standards contained in Table N1113 . 5 .2 ( 1 ) . N1113.2 .2 Performance-based compliance. Compliance based on simulated energy performance requires that a proposed residence (proposed design) be shown to have an annual energy cost that is less than or equal to the annual energy cost of the standard reference design. Energy prices shall be taken from a source approved by the code official, such as the Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration' s State Energy Price and Expenditure Report. The building official may require time-of-use pricing in energy cost calculations . 72 Exception : When site energy ( 1kWh = 3 ,413 Btu) is used rather than energy cost as the basis of comparison. N1113.3 Documentation N1113.3. 1 Compliance software tools. Documentation verifying that the methods and accuracy of the compliance software tool conform to the provisions of this Section shall be provided to the code official. N1113.3 .2 Compliance report. Compliance software tools shall generate a report that documents that the proposed design has annual energy costs less than or equal to the annual energy costs of the standard reference design. The compliance documentation shall include the following information : a. Address of the residence ; b . An inspection checklist documenting the building component characteristics of the proposed design as listed in Table N1113 . 52( 1 ) . The inspection checklist shall show the estimated annual energy cost for both the standard reference design and the proposed design; c . Name of individual completing the compliance report; d. Name and version of the compliance software tool. N1113.3.3 Additional documentation. The building official is further authorized to require the following documents : Documentation of the building component characteristics of the standard reference design. A certification signed by the builder providing the building component characteristics of the proposed design as given in Table N1113 . 5 .2( 1 ) . N1113.4 Calculation procedure. N1113.4. 1 General. Except as specified by this Section, the standard reference design and proposed design shall be configured and analyzed using identical methods and techniques . N1113.4.2 Residence specifications . The standard reference design and proposed design shall be configured and analyzed as specified by Table N1113 . 5 . 2( 1 ) . Table N1113 . 5 .2( 1 ) shall include by reference all notes contained in Table N1111 . 1 . N1113.5 Calculation and software tools. N1113.5. 1 Minimum capabilities. Calculation procedures used to comply with this section shall be software tools capable of calculating the annual energy consumption of all building elements that differ between the standard reference design and the proposed design and shall include the following capabilities : a. Computer generation of the standard reference design using only the input for the proposed design. The calculation procedure shall not allow the user to directly modify the building component characteristics of standard reference design. 73 b . Calculation of whole-building (as a single zone) sizing for the heating and cooling equipment in the standard reference design residence in accordance with Section M1401 . 3 of the 2003 International Residential CodeD. C . Calculations that account for the effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures and part- load ratios on the performance of heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment based on climate and equipment sizing. d. Printed approved inspection checklist listing each of the proposed design component characteristics from Table N1113 . 5 .2( 1 ) determined by the analysis to provide compliance along with their respective performance ratings (e. g. R-Value, U-Factor, SHGC, HSPF, AFUE, SEER, EF, etc .) . N1113 .5.2 Approved tools. Performance analysis tools must be approved by the building official. Tools may be approved based on meeting a specified threshold such as a home-energy- rating tool (HERS) requiring a specified score . The building official is also authorized to approve tools for a specified application or limited scope; such as a tool approved only for building envelop tradeoffs or a tool that was not approved for SHGC tradeoffs . N1113.5.3 Input values. When calculations require input values for building elements, other than those specified by Sections NI 111 , N1112, and N1113 , those input values shall be taken from another approved source. Table N1113 . 5 .2( 1 ) Specifications for the Standard Reference and Proposed Designs Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design Component Above grade walls : Type : wood frame As proposed Gross area: same as proposed As proposed U- Factor: from Table N1111 . 1 As proposed Solar absorptance = 0 . 75 As proposed Emittance = 0 . 90 As proposed Basement and Type : same as proposed As proposed crawlspace walls : Gross area: same as proposed As proposed U-Factor: from Table N1111 . 1 with As proposed insulation layer on interior side of walls Above grade floors : Type : wood frame As proposedAs proposed Gross area: same as proposed As proposed U- Factor: from Table N1111 . 1 74 Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design Component Ceilings : Type : wood frame As proposed Gross area: same as proposed As proposed U-Factor: from Table N1111 . 1 As proposed Roofs : ype : composition shingle on wood sheathing As proposed Gross area: same as proposed Solar absorptance = 0 . 75 As proposed Emittance = 0 . 90 As proposed As proposed Attics : Type : vented with aperture = lft2 per 300 ft2 As proposed ceiling area Foundations : Type : same as proposed As proposed Doors : Area: 40 ft2 As proposed Orientation : North As proposed U-factor: same as fenestration from Table As proposed N1111 . 1 Glazing : (a) Total area (b) = proposed lg azing area As proposed Orientation : equally distributed to four cardinal compass orientations (N, E, S, &W) As proposed U-factor: from Table N1111 . 1 SHGC : from Table NI 111 . 1 except that for climates with no requirement (NR) As proposed SHGC = 0 . 55 shall be used As proposed Interior shade fraction: Same as standard reference design Summer (all hours when cooling is required) = 0 . 70 Winter (all hours when heating is required) _ 0 . 85 External shading : none Skylights None As proposed Thermally isolated None As proposed sunrooms Air exchange rate Specific Leakage Area (SLA) (d) = 0. 00048 For residences without mechanical assuming no energy recovery ventilation that are tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 119, Section 5 . 1 , the measured air exchange rate(') but not less than 0 . 35 75 Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design Component ach. For residences with mechanical ventilation that are tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 119, Section 5 . 1 , the measured air exchange rate(e) combined with the mechanical ventilation rate,(f) which shall not be less than 0. 01 x CFA + 7 . 5 x (Nbr+ 1 ) . where : CFA = conditioned floor area Nbr = number of bedrooms Mechanical None, except where mechanical ventilation is ventilation: specified by the proposed design, in which case : Annual vent fan energy use : As proposed k)Wyr = 0 . 03942 * CFA + 29 . 565 * (Nbr+ l ) where : CFA = conditioned floor area Nbr = number of bedrooms Internal gains : lGain = 17 ,900 + 23 . 8 * CFA + 4104*Nbr Same as standard reference design (Btu/day per dwelling unit) Internal mass : An internal mass for furniture and contents Same as standard reference design, of 8 pounds per square foot of floor area. plus any additional mass specifically designed as a thermal storage element (g) but not integral to the building envelope or structure . Structural mass : For masonry floor slabs, 80% of floor area As proposed covered by R-2 carpet and pad, and 20% of floor directly exposed to room air; For masonry basement walls, as proposed, but with insulation required by Table NI 111 . 1 As proposed located on the interior side of the walls ; or other walls, for ceilings, floors, and interior walls, wood frame construction. As proposed 76 Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design Component Heating systems Fuel type : same as proposed design As proposed Efficiencies : Electric : air- source heat pump with As proposed prevailing federal minimum efficiency Non electric furnaces : natural gas furnace with prevailing federal minimum efficiency As proposed Non electric boilers : natural gas boiler with prevailing federal minimum efficiency Capacity: sized in accordance with Section As proposed M1401 . 3 of the International Residential As proposed Code . Cooling systems Fuel type : Electric Efficiency : in accordance As proposed (k) ro>'ck> with prevailing federal minimum standards As proposed Capacity : sized in accordance with Section M1401 . 3 of the International Residential As proposed Code. Service Water Fuel type : same as proposed design As proposed Heating Efficiency: in accordance with prevailing Federal minimum standards As proposed Use (gal/day) : 30 + 10 *Nbr Same as standard reference Tank temperature : 120 F Same as standard reference Thermal A thermal distribution system efficiency Same as standard reference design, distribution (DSE) of 0 . 80 shall be applied to both the except as specified by Table systems : heating and cooling system efficiencies . N1113 . 5 .2(2) . Thermostat Type : manual, cooling temperature set Same as standard reference design point = 78 F ; heating temperature set point = 68 F Notes . (a) Glazing shall be defined as sunlight-transmitting fenestration, including the area of sash, curbing or other framing elements, that enclose conditioned space. Glazing includes the area of sunlight-transmitting fenestration assemblies in walls bounding conditioned basements . For doors where the sunlight-transmitting opening is less than 50% of the door area, the glazing area is the sunlight transmitting opening area. For all other doors, the glazing area is the rough frame opening area for the door including the door and the frame . (b) For residences with conditioned basements, R-2 and R-4 residences, and townhouses, the following formula shall be used to determine glazing area: AF = 0. 18 x AFL x FA xF where : AF = Total glazing area. 77 AFL = Total floor area of directly conditioned space . FA = (Above grade thermal boundary gross wall area)/(above grade boundary wall area + 0 . 5 x below grade boundary wall area). F = (Above grade thermal boundary wall area)/(above grade thermal boundary wall area + common wall area) or 0 . 56, whichever is greater. And where : Thermal boundary wall is any wall that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space or ambient conditions . Above grade thermal boundary wall is any thermal boundary wall component not in contact with soil. Below grade boundary wall is any thermal boundary wall in soil contact. Common wall area is the area of walls shared with an adjoining dwelling unit. (c) For fenestrations facing within 15 degrees of true south that are directly coupled to thermal storage mass, the winter interior shade fraction shall be permitted to be increased to 0 . 95 in the proposed design. (d) Where Leakage Area (L) is defined in accordance with Section 5 . 1 of ASHRAE Standard 119 and where : SLA = L / CFA where L and CFA are in the same units. (e) Tested envelope leakage shall be determined and documented by an independent party approved by the code official. Hourly calculations as specified in the 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, Chapter 26, page 26 .21 , equation 40 (Sherman-Grimsrud model) or the equivalent shall be used to determine the energy loads resulting from infiltration. (f) The combined air exchange rate for infiltration and mechanical ventilation shall be determined in accordance with equation 43 of 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals page 26 .24 and the" Whole-house Ventilation" provisions of 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, page 26 . 19 for intermittent mechanical ventilation. (g) Thermal Storage Element shall mean a component not part of the floors, walls or ceilings that is part of a passive solar system, and that provides thermal storage such as enclosed water columns, rock beds, or phase change containers . A thermal storage element must be in the same room as fenestration that faces within 15 degrees of true south, or must be connected to such a room with pipes or ducts that allow the element to be actively charged. (h) For a proposed design with multiple heating, cooling or water heating systems using different fuel types, then the applicable standard reference design system capacities and fuel types shall be weighted in accordance with their respective loads as calculated by accepted engineering practice for each equipment and fuel type present. (i) For a proposed design without a proposed heating system, a heating system with the prevailing federal minimum efficiency shall be assumed for both the standard reference design and proposed design. For electric heating systems the prevailing federal minimum efficiency air- source heat pump shall be used for the standard reference design. 0 ) For a proposed design home without a proposed cooling system, an electric air conditioner with the prevailing federal minimum efficiency shall be assumed for both the standard reference design and the proposed design. (k) For a proposed design with a non- storage type water heater, a 40-gallon storage-type water heater with the prevailing Federal minimum Energy Factor for the same fuel as the predominant heating fuel type shall be assumed. For the case of a proposed design without a 78 proposed water heater, a 40-gallon storage-type water heater with the prevailing federal minimum efficiency for the same fuel as the predominant heating fuel type shall be assumed for both the proposed design and standard reference design. Table N1113.5.2 (2) Default Distribution System Efficiencies for Proposed Designs (a) Distribution System Configuration and Condition : Forced Air Systems (b) Systems Distribution system components located in unconditioned space 0 . 80 0 . 95 Distribution systems entirely located in conditioned space (e) 0 . 88 1 . 00 Proposed "reduced leakage" with entire air distribution system located in the conditioned 0 . 96 space (d) Proposed "reduced leakage" air distribution system with components located in the 0 . 88 unconditioned space "Ductless" systems (e) 1 . 00 Notes . (a) Default values given by this table are for untested distribution systems, which must still meet minimum requirements for duct system insulation. (b) Hydronic Systems shall mean those systems that distribute heating and cooling energy directly to individual spaces using liquids pumped through closed loop piping and that do not depend on ducted, forced air flows to maintain space temperatures . (c) Entire system in conditioned space shall mean that no component of the distribution system, including the air handler unit, is located outside of the conditioned space. (d) Proposed "reduced leakage" shall mean leakage to outdoors not greater than 3 cfin per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area and total leakage not greater than 9 cfin per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area at a pressure differential of 25 Pascal across the entire system, including the manufacturer' s air handler enclosure. Total leakage of not greater than 3 cfm per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area at a pressure difference of 25 Pascal across the entire system, including the manufacturer' s air handler enclosure, shall be deemed to meet this requirement without measurement of leakage to outdoors . This performance shall be specified as required in the construction documents and confirmed through field-testing of installed systems as documented by an approved independent parry. (e) Ductless systems may have forced airflow across a coil but shall not have any ducted airflows external to the manufacturer' s air handler enclosure. 79 (70) Section M1301 . 1. 1, Flood-resistant installation . " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "M1301 . 1 . 1 Flood-resistant installation. All references to "areas prone to flooding" in this chapter shall be as established and regulated thereby in accordance with the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection. " (71) Section M1305. 1. "Appliance access. ", is hereby revised to read as follows : "M1305. 1 Appliance access . Appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent construction. A level working space no less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches wide shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance. Room heaters shall be permitted to be installed with at least an 18-inch (457 mm) working space . A platform shall not be required for room heaters . " (72) Section, MI305. 1 . 4. 1 ground clearance. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "M1305. 1 .4. 1 Ground clearance. Appliances supported from the ground shall be level and firmly supported on a concrete slab or other approved material extending above the adjoining ground a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) . Appliances suspended from the floor shall have a clearance of not less than 6 inches ( 152 mm) from the ground. " (73) Section, M1401. 3. `Sizing. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "M1401 .3 Sizing and testing_ Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized based on building loads calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling calculation methodologies . The total sensible capacity of the cooling equipment shall not exceed the total sensible load by more than 15 % for cooling-only applications ; or by more than 25% for cold-climate applications in accordance with the procedures in ACCA Manual J, 8rh Edition, using thermal design parameters in Table 302 . 1 . All ducted air-distribution heating and cooling systems shall be sized using cooling loads . All heating and cooling equipment shall be tested to ensure such equipment is operating within the manufacturer' s recommended operating parameters and standards, including within such parameters and standards for sufficient combustion, according to the applicable protocols established by the building official and in accordance with the mechanical code adopted by the City. " (74) Section , `M1414. 1 General. " is hereby amended to read as follows : "M1414. 1General. Fireplace stoves shall be listed, labeled and installed in accordance with the terms of the listing. Fireplace stoves shall be tested in accordance with UL 737. Wood burning appliances shall meet the latest emission standards as stated by the State of Colorado and Federal Regulation 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart AAA. " (75) `Chapter 15, `EXHAUST SYSTEMS " is hereby amended in the following respects : 80 (a) Section M1501, "CLOTHES DRYER EXHAUST", is hereby revised to read as follows : " SECTION M1501 - GENERAL M1501 . 1 Outdoor discharge. The air removed by every ducted mechanical exhaust system shall be discharged to the outdoors such that the exhausted air is not returned indoors by mechanical ventilating systems . Indoor air shall not be exhausted into an attic, soffit, ridge vent or crawl space . Exception: Whole-house ventilation-type attic fans that discharge into the attic space of dwelling units having private attics shall be permitted. M1501 .2 Indoor depressurization . Ducted exhaust systems shall not induce or create a negative pressure sufficient to cause backdrafting of naturally vented, open combustion-chamber, fuel- burning appliances, or create negative pressure in excess of negative 3 Pa. in the immediate proximity of combustion chambers of such appliances . " (b) Existing `Section M1501 CLOTHES DRYERS EXHAUST'; is hereby amended by renumbering the section and deleting the exception thereto, indicated in strikeout text, and adding new language to read as follows : " SECTION M1502 - CLOTHES DRYERS EXHAUST M1502. 1 General. Clothes dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other systems, shall convey the moisture to the outdoors and shall terminate on the outside of the building. Exhaust duct terminations shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer' s installation instructions . Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination. Exhaust ducts shall not be connected with sheet-metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct. Exhaust ducts shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of minimum 0 . 016-inch-thick (0 .406 mm) rigid metal ducts, having smooth interior surfaces with joints running in the direction of air flow. Flexible transition ducts used to connect the dryer to the exhaust duct system shall be limited to single lengths, not to exceed 8 feet (2 .438 m) in length and shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2158A. Transition ducts shall not be concealed within construction. M1502.2 Exhaust duct size. The diameter of the exhaust duct shall be as required by the clothes dryer' s listing and the manufacturer' s installation instructions . M1502.3Length limitation. The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 25 feet (7 . 62 m) from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2 . 5 feet (0 . 762 m) for each 45 -degree (0 . 79 rad) bend and 5 feet ( 1 . 524 m) for each 90-degree ( 1 . 6 rad) bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does not include the transition duct. Dryer exhaust duct terminations shall not be located within 36 inches (914 mm) of exterior openings into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces, and attic spaces . ExeeptionE Where the make and model of the elethes dryer- to be installed is known and t 81 fna-xiffmm length of the exhaust "et, ineluding any 4ansition "et, shall be pefmitted to b (c) Subsequent sections `M1502 " through `M1505 " are retained intact except as necessary for sequential numerical consistency by renumbering them as follows : 1 . " SECTION M1503 (et seq.) RANGE HOODS" 2 . " SECTION M1504 (et seq.) INSTALLATION OF MICROWAVE OVENS" 3 . " SECTION M1505 (et seq.) OVERHEAD EXHAUST HOODS" 4. " SECTION M1506 (et seq.) EXHAUST DUCTS" 5. " SECTION M1507 (et seq.) MECHANICAL VENTILATION" (d) Section M1506. 2. "Recirculation of air. ", is revised to read as follows : "M1507.2 Recirculation of air. Exhaust air from bathrooms and toilet rooms shall not be recirculated within a residence or to another dwelling unit. Such exhaust air shall be conveyed directly to the outdoors and shall not discharge into an attic, crawl space, or other interior spaces." (76) Section M1601 . 1, `Duct design. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "M1601 . 1 Duct design. Duct systems serving heating, cooling and ventilation equipment shall be fabricated and sized in accordance with the provisions of this section and ACCA Manual D or other approved methods. M1601 . 1 . 1 Above-ground duct systems . Above-ground duct systems shall conform to the following : 1 . Equipment connected to duct systems shall be designed to limit discharge air temperature to a maximum of 250F ( 121Q . 2 . Factory-made air ducts shall be constructed of Class 0 or Class 1 materials as designated in Table M1601 . 1 . 1 ( 1 ) . 3 . Fibrous duct construction shall conform to the SMACNA "Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards" or NAIMA "Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards . " 4. Minimum thicknesses of metal duct material shall be as listed in Table M 1601 . 1 . 1 (2) . Galvanized steel shall conform to ASTM A 525 . 5 . Gypsum products are permitted to be used to construct return air ducts or plenums, provided that the air temperature does not exceed 125F(52C) and exposed surfaces are not subject to condensation. 6 . Duct systems shall be constructed of materials having a flame-spread index not greater than 200 . 7 . Stud wall cavities and the spaces between solid floor joists to be utilized as air plenums shall comply with the following conditions : 7 . 1 . Such cavities or spaces shall not be utilized as a plenum for supply air. 7 .2 . Such cavities or spaces shall not be part of a required fire-resistance-rated assembly. 82 7 . 3 . Stud wall cavities shall not convey air from more than one floor level. 7 .4 . Stud wall cavities and joist space plenums shall be isolated from adjacent concealed spaces by tight-fitting fire blocking in accordance with Section R602 . 8 . 7 . 5 Stud wall cavities utilized as air plenums shall be tested for air-tightness and installed in accordance with Section N1112 . 5 . 3 . " (77) Section MI601 . 3. 1. "Joints and seams. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "M1601 .3 . 1 Joints, seams and connections. All longitudinal and transverse joints, seams and connections in metallic and nonmetallic ducts shall be constructed as specified in SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards—Metal and Flexible and NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards . All joints, longitudinal and transverse seams and connections shall be securely fastened and sealed with welds, gaskets, mastics (adhesives), mastic-plus-embedded-fabric systems or tapes . Tapes and mastics used to seal ductwork shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 181A and shall be marked " 181A-P" for pressure-activated tape, " 181A-M" for mastic, or " 181A-H" for heat- activated tape. Tapes and mastics used to seal flexible air ducts shall comply with UL 181B and shall be marked " 181B-FX" for pressure-activated tape, " 181B-M" for mastic . Duct connections to flanges of air distribution system equipment shall be sealed and mechanically fastened. Crimp joints for round ducts shall have a contact lap of at least 1 . 5 inches (38 mm) and shall be mechanically fastened by means of at least three sheet metal screws or rivets equally spaced around the joint. Tapes shall not be permitted as a sealant on any metal ducts unless such tapes are specifically listed for such purpose. " (78) Section M1601 . 3. 8, `Flood hazard areas . " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "M1601 .3.8 Flood hazard areas. "In areas prone to flooding" as established in accordance with the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection, duct systems shall be located or installed in accordance with Section R323 . 1 . 5 . " (79) A new section, `M1601 . 3. 9, System contamination . " , is hereby added to read as follows : "M1601 .3.9 Construction debris and contamination. Mechanical air-handling systems and their related ducts shall be protected from the entrance of dirt, debris, and dust during the construction and installation process . Prior to passing final inspection or issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, such systems shall be substantially free of construction-related contaminants . " (80) Section M1602. 2, `Prohibited sources. '; location number '5. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : " 5 . A room or space containing a fuel-burning appliance where such room or space serves as the sole source of return air. Exceptions : 1 . The fuel-burning appliance is a direct-vent appliance 83 2 . The room or space complies with the following requirements : 2 . 1 . The return air shall be taken from a room or space having a volume exceeding 1 cubic foot for each 10 Btu/h (9 . 6 LAV) of combined input rating of all fuel-burning appliances therein. 2 .2 The volume of supply air discharged back into the same space shall be approximately equal to the volume of return air taken from the space . 2 . 3 . Return-air inlets shall not be located within 10 feet (3 . 048 m) of any appliance firebox or draft hood in the same room or space . 3 . Rooms or spaces containing solid-fuel burning appliances, provided that return-air inlets are located not less than 10 feet (3 . 048 m) from the firebox of such appliances . " (81) Section G2401. 1 (101 . 2,), `Application. ", is hereby amended by deleting the exception to the first paragraph thereto, indicated by strikeout text, as follows : "Exeeption ! As an alter-native to the provisions of this eede, fuel gplo qXrotems ffiel g (82) Section G2403, "GENERAL DEFINITIONS ", is amended in the following respects : (a) The term, " CONNECTOR. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "CONNECTOR, APPLIANCE (fuel). Rigid metallic pipe and fittings, semi-rigid metallic tubing and fittings or a listed and labeled device that connects an appliance to the gas-piping system. " (b) A new term, "CONNECTOR, CHIMNEY OR VENT. ", is hereby added and inserted in alphabetical order, to read as follows : " CONNECTOR, CHIMNEY OR VENT. The pipe that connects an appliance to a chimney or vent. " (83) Section G2404. 7 (301 . 11), `Flood Hazard. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : " G2404.7 (301 . 11 ) Flood Hazard. For structures and buildings regulated by this code that are located in areas prone to flooding in accordance with the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection, equipment and system installations regulated by this code shall be located at or above the design flood elevation and shall comply with the flood-resistant construction requirements of Section R323 . Exception : The appliance, equipment and system installations regulated by this code are permitted to be located below the design flood elevation provided that they are designed and installed to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components and to resist 84 hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the design flood elevation and shall comply with the flood-resistant construction requirements of Section R323 . " (84) Section G2406. 2 (303. 3), `Prohibited locations. ", is hereby amended by deleting exceptions " 3 . " and "4. " thereto (indicated by the strikeout text below) with the remaining exceptions " 1 . " , "2 . " , and " 5 . " renumbered in numerical sequence . " 3 . A single wall fneented tifivented r-aam heater- equipped with afl e�iygeft deplefieft safiaty shute system and. installed in a bathfoom, provided that the input rating does not exeeed 6 , 000 Bt" 4 . A single wall fnettated tinvented room heateF e"ipped with an oxygen depletion safety shut kW) andthe bedroom meets the requiredyeh me rri4or. n of Seetio G2407 . 5 . " (85) Section G2407. 5 (304. 5), `Indoor combustion air. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "G2407.5 (304.5) Indoor combustion air. The required volume of indoor air shall be determined in accordance with Section G2407 . 5 . 1 or G2407 . 5 .2, when the air infiltration rate is demonstrated to be 0 .40 air changes per hour (ACH) or greater. Where the air infiltration rate is demonstrated to be less than 0 .40 ACH, Section G2407 . 5 .2 shall be used. The total required volume shall be the sum of the required volume calculated for all appliances located within the space . Rooms communicating directly with the space in which the appliances are installed through openings not furnished with doors, and through combustion air openings sized and located in accordance with Section G2407 . 5 . 3 , are considered to be part of the required volume . " (86) Section G2407. 11 (304. 11), " Combustion air ducts . " , is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) The exception to Item, "1 . '; is hereby amended to read as follows : "Exception : Where the installation of galvanized steel ducts is not practical due to existing finish materials within dwelling units that are undergoing alteration or reconstruction, unobstructed stud and joist spaces shall not be prohibited from conveying combustion air, provided that not more than one required fireblock is removed. " (b) This section is hereby further amended by adding a new item, "9 . " , thereto, to read as follows : " 9 .All combustion air openings or ducts shall be readily identifiable with an approved label or by other means warning persons that obstruction of such openings or ducts may cause fuel-burning equipment to release combustion products and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into the building. " 85 (87) Section G2408. 2 (305. 3), `Elevation of ignition source. " , is hereby amended by deleting the exception thereto as indicated by the strikeout text below, to read as follows : " G2408.2 (305.3) Elevation of ignition source. Equipment and appliances having an ignition source shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor in hazardous locations and private garages . For the purpose of this section, rooms or spaces that are not part of the living space of a dwelling unit and that communicate directly with a private garage through openings shall be considered to be part of the private garage . Rooms or spaces that communicate directly with a parking garage though openings, and that contain fuel-gas-fired appliances, shall comply with this section. Exeeptiom Elevation of the i. :;e is not r-equir-ed for- applianees that are listed (88) Section G2408. 4 (305. 7), 'Clearances from grade. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : " G2408.4 (305.7) Clearances from grade. Equipment and appliances installed at grade level shall be supported on a level concrete slab a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) thick or other approved material extending above adjoining grade a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) or shall be suspended a minimum of 6 inches ( 152 mm) above adjoining grade . " (89) Section G2409. 4. 5 (3080406), "Clearance from supply ducts. " , is hereby amended to read as follows : "G2409.4e5 (308.4.6) Clearance from supply ducts. Central-heating furnaces where the bonnet temperature exceeds 150 T (68 °C), shall have the clearance from supply ducts within 3 feet (0 . 914 m) of the furnace plenum be not less than that specified from the furnace plenum. No clearance is necessary beyond this distance . " (90) Section G2415 (404). `PIPING SYSTEM INSTALLATION' , is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) Section G2415. 7 (404. 7), `Above-ground piping outdoors. ' is hereby amended to read as follows : " G2415.7 (404.7) Above-ground piping outdoors . All piping installed outdoors shall be elevated not less than 6 inches ( 152 mm) above ground and where installed across roof surfaces, shall be elevated not less than 3 1 /2 inches (89 mm) above the roof surface. Piping installed above ground, outdoors, and installed across the surface of roofs shall be securely supported and located where it will be protected from physical damage. Where passing through an outside wall, the piping shall also be protected against corrosion by coating or wrapping with an inert material. Where piping is encased in a protective pipe sleeve, the annular space between the piping and the sleeve shall be sealed. " (b) Section G2415. 9 (404. 9), `Minimum burial depth. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : 86 " G2415.9 (404.9) Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be installed a minimum depth of 18 inches (457 mm) below grade, except as provided for in Section G2415 . 9 . 1 . G2415.9. 1 (404.9. 1) Individual outside appliances. Individual lines to outside lights, grills or other appliances shall be installed a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) below finished grade . Exception : Approved materials installed a minimum of 6 inches ( 152 mm) below finished grade when covered with a concrete slab 4 inches ( 102 mm) in minimum thickness . " (c) Section G2415. 12 (404. 12), `Outlet closures. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : "G2415. 12 (404. 12) Outlet closures. Gas outlets and fittings which allow for future gas line expansion that do not connect to appliances shall be provided with an approved gas shutoff valve with the end capped gas tight. Exception : Drip/Dirt legs installed at the floor level at appliances . " (91) Section G2416 (405), `Piping Bends and Changes in Direction " , is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) Section G2416. 1 (405. 1), `General. ' is hereby amended to read as follows : " G2416. 1 (405. 1) General. Changes in direction of rigid metallic pipe specified in G2414.4 shall be made only by the use of fittings and factory bends . " (b) Section G2416. 2 ( 405. 2), `Metallic pipe. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "G2416.2 (405.2) Metallic pipe. Only factory bends in rigid metallic pipe specified in G2414 .4 shall be permitted. " (92) Section G2417. 4. 1 (406. 4. 1) Test pressure. , is hereby amended to read as follows : " G2417.4. 1 (406.4. 1) Test pressure. The test pressure to be used shall be not less than one and one- half times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 10 psig (67 kPa guage) irrespective of design pressure. Where the test pressure exceeds 125 psig (862 kPa gauge), the test pressure shall not exceed a value that produces a hoop stress in the piping greater than 50 percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the pipe . " (93) The exception to Section G2420. 5 (409. 5), `Equipment shutoff valve. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : 87 "Exception : Shutoff valves for vented decorative appliances and decorative appliances for installation in vented fireplaces shall not be prohibited from being installed in an area remote from the appliance where such valves are provided with ready access . Such valves shall be permanently identified and shall serve no other equipment. Remote valves shall be operable on the same floor as the appliance served and within 12 feet (3 . 658 m) of the appliance as measured along the floor line. Piping from the shutoff valve to within 3 feet (0 . 914 m) of the appliance connection shall be sized in accordance with Section G2413 . " (94) The first paragraph of Section G2421. 3 (410. 3), `venting of regulators. ; is hereby amended to read as follows : " G2421 .3 (410.3) Venting of regulators. Pressure regulators that require a vent shall have an independent vent to the outside of the building. The vent shall be designed to prevent the entry of water or foreign objects . Vents shall not terminate within 3 feet (0 . 916 m) of openings into the building. " (95) Section G2425. 8 (501 . 8), `Equipment not required to be vented. " , is hereby amended by deleting item "7 . " from the list of appliances therein (indicated in strikeout text) as follows : " Room heaters listed fbr- ,,. entea use. " (96) Section G2427. 5. 5. 1 (503. 5. 6. 1), `Chimney lining. " , is hereby amended by deleting the exception thereto indicated in strikeout text, and reads as follows : " G2427.5.5. 1 (503 .5.6. 1) Chimney lining. Chimneys shall be lined in accordance with Chapter 10 . Exeeption ! Existing ehimneys shall be peFmitted to ha-ve their- use eon4ifmed when an applian is Feplaeed by an applianee of similaf type, input rating, and effieieney-. " (97) Section G2439 (614), `CLOTHES DRYER EXHAUST " is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) Section G2439. 1 (614. 1), `Installation. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : "G2439. 1 (614. 1) Installation. Clothes dryers shall be exhausted in accordance with the manufacturer' s instructions . Dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall convey the moisture and any products of combustion to the outside of the building. Dryer exhaust duct terminations shall not be located within 36 inches (914 mm) of exterior openings into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces, and attic spaces . " (b) Section G2439. 5. 1 (614. 6. 1), `Maximum length. '; is hereby amended by deleting the exception thereto, indicated in strikeout text, as follows : " G2439 . 5. 1 (614.6. 1) Maximum length. The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust 88 duct shall not exceed 25 feet (7 . 620 m) from the dryer location to the outlet terminal. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2 . 5 feet (0 . 762 m) for each 45 -degree (0 . 79 rad) bend and 5 feet ( 1 . 524 m) for each 90-degree ( 1 . 6 rad) bend. " M faaffer' s installation instruetions for sueh dryer- are provided to the building effieial , the ma-ximum length of the exhaust duet, ineludi � a I ition duet, shall be pefmitted to be in aeeef a-nee with T it the dFyeY mafmfnr4. iror' n installation inner etiev. n " (98) Section G2445 (621), `ZINVENTED ROOMHEATERS" , is hereby deleted in its entirety. (99) Section G2447 (623), "COOKING APPLIANCES", is hereby amended with revised language and by adding a new subsection, to read as follows : " SECTION G2447 (623) COOKING APPLIANCES G2447. 1 (623. 1) Cooking appliances . Cooking appliances that are designed for permanent installation, including ranges, ovens, stoves, broilers, grills, fryers, griddles, hot plates and barbecues, shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21 . 1 or ANSI Z21 . 58 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer' s installation instructions . G2447.2 (623.2) Prohibited location. Cooking appliances designed, tested, listed and labeled for use in commercial occupancies may be installed within dwelling units or within any area where domestic cooking operations occur, when installed in accordance with manufacturer' s listing regarding clearance to combustibles. Overhead cabinets shall not be located above such appliances . " G2447.3 (623 .3) Domestic appliances. Cooking appliances installed within dwelling units and within areas where domestic cooking operations occur shall be listed, labeled and installed in accordance with manufacturer' s listing for clearance to combustibles . G2447.4 (623.4) Range installation. Ranges installed on combustible floors shall be set on their own bases or legs and shall be installed with clearances of not less than that shown on the label. G2447.5 Kitchens with gas ovens shall be supplied with an exhaust system vented to the outside. Ducts serving kitchen exhaust systems shall not terminate in an attic or crawl space or areas inside the building and shall not induce or create a negative pressure in excess of negative 3 Pa or adversely affect gravity-vented appliances . " (100) Section G2451 630, `INFRARED RADIANT HEATERS" , is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, G2451 . 3 , " Outdoor locations . " , to read as follows : "G2451 .3 Outdoor locations. Infrared radiant heaters supplied by the premises fuel-gas piping systems shall not be used for heating spaces outside of a building thermal envelope as defined in Section N1107 . 5 . " (101) `APPENDLVE, MANUFACTURED HOUSING USEDASDWELLINGS", is hereby adopted 89 in its entirety. (102) Appendix F, `RADON CONTROL METHODS" , is hereby adopted and amended in its entirety to read as follows : OPTION A - "PASSIVE " "Appendix F - RADON CONTROL METHODS SECTION AF101 - TITLE, SCOPE AND PURPOSE AF101 . 1 Title. These provisions shall be known as `Appendix Chapter F, the `FORT COLLINS RADONRESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILYDWELLINGS ; and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this appendix" . F101 .2 Scope. The provisions of this appendix shall apply to new one- and two-family dwellings completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space (` detached") and multiple, attached single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height and with each townhouse having its own separate means of egress . AF01 .3 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide minimum requirements to enhance the public safety, health and general welfare, through construction methods designed and installed to resist entry of radon gas into the occupied spaces of buildings regulated by this appendix. SECTION AF102 - DEFINITIONS AF102 . 1 General. For the purpose of these requirements, the terms used shall be defined as follows : DWELLING UNIT, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED. An independent, nonattached building completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space, exclusively containing one dwelling unit located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling . DWELLING UNIT, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED. An independent, nonattached building completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space, exclusively containing two dwelling units located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such two-family dwelling . FOUNDATION DRAIN SYSTEM. A continuous length of drain tile, perforated pipe, or filter mat extending around all or part of the internal or external perimeter of a basement or crawl space footing designed to collect and drain away excess subsurface water. RADON. A naturally-occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas that is not detectable by human senses. As a gas, it can move readily through particles of soil and rock and can accumulate under the 90 slabs and foundations of homes where it can easily enter the living space through construction cracks and openings . SOIL-GAS-RETARDER. A continuous membrane of 3 -mil (0 .075 mm) cross-linked polyethylene or other equivalent material used to retard the flow of soil gases into a building. SUBFLOOR. A concrete slab and other approved permanent floor system that directly contacts the ground and is within the walls of the living spaces of the building. SUB-MEMBRANE DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM. A system designed to achieve lower sub- membrane air pressure relative to crawl space air pressure by use of a vent drawing air from beneath the soil-gas-retarder membrane . SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Passive). A system designed to achieve lower sub- slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a vent pipe routed through the conditioned space of a building and connecting the sub-slab area with outdoor air, thereby relying on the convective flow of air upward in the vent to draw air from beneath the slab . TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed as part of a group of two or more attached individual dwelling units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling. SECTION AF103 - REQUIREMENTS AF103 . 1 General. The following required construction methods are intended to resist radon entry and prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation (see Figure AF 102) . AF103 .2 Subfloor preparation. A layer of gas-permeable material shall be placed under all subfloors . The gas-permeable layer shall consist of one of the following methods except that where fills of aggregate size less than that described in Method 1 are used beneath a slab, Method 2, 3 , 4, or 5 must be used. 1 . A uniform layer of clean aggregate, a minimum of 4 inches ( 102 mm) thick. The aggregate shall consist of material that will pass through a 2-inch (51 mm) sieve and be retained by a 1 /4 -inch (6 .4 mm) sieve . In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate sub- grade areas, penetrations through the interior footing or barrier equal to a minimum of 12 square inches (0 . 094 m2) per 10 feet (3 . 048 m) of barrier length shall be provided. A minimum of two penetrations shall be provided per separation and be evenly spaced along the separation. Exception : In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, separate radon vent pipes may be installed for each sub-grade area as specified in Section AF 103 . 5 .2 in lieu of penetrations through the barrier. 91 2 . A foundation drain pipe system installed under concrete floor slab areas less than 2 ,000 square feet ( 186 m2), consisting of a continuous loop of minimum 3 -inch (76 mm. ) diameter perforated pipe shall be laid in the sub-grade with the top of pipe located 1 inch (25 .4 mm) below the concrete slab . The pipe may be rigid or flexible but shall have perforations fully around the circumference with a free air space equal to 1 . 83 square inches per square foot ( 127 cm2/ m2) of exterior pipe surface area. Such pipe shall be wrapped with approved filter material to prevent blocking of pipe perforations . The pipe loop shall be located inside of the exterior perimeter foundation walls not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls . In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the loop of pipe shall penetrate, or pass beneath such interior footings or barriers . For slab areas greater than 2,000 square feet ( 186 m2) but less than 4,000 square feet (372 m2), the preceding configuration may be used provided a minimum of 4-inch diameter ( 102 mm) pipe is installed. Slabs in excess of 4,000 square feet (372 m2) shall have under them separate loops for every additional 2,000 square feet ( 186 m2) of slab area when 3 -inch (76 mm) diameter pipe is used; or, slabs may have separate loops provided for each additional increment in area between 2 ,000 square feet ( 186 m2) and 4,000 square feet (372 m2) when 4-inch ( 102 mm) diameter pipe is used. 3 . A foundation drain soil gas collection mat system installed under concrete floor slab areas of 2,000 square feet ( 186 m2) or less, consisting of a continuous rectilinear loop of soil gas collection mat or drainage mat having minimum dimensions of 1 inch in height by 12 inches in width (25 .4 mm in height x 305 mm in width) and a nominal cross-sectional air flow area of 12 square inches (0 . 0078 m2) may be laid on top of the sub-grade. The mat shall be constructed of a matrix that allows for the movement of air through it and be capable of supporting the concrete placed upon it. The matrix shall be covered by approved filter material on all four sides to prevent dirt or concrete from entering the matrix. All breaches and joints in the filter material shall be repaired prior to the placement of the slab . The loop shall be located inside the exterior perimeter foundation walls and within 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls . In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the mat shall penetrate these interior footings or barriers to form a continuous loop around the exterior perimeter. Slabs larger than 2 , 000 square feet ( 186 m2) but less than 4,000 square feet (372 m2) shall have under them an additional strip of mat that bisects the loop forming two areas approximately equally divided by the two halves of the rectilinear loop . Slabs larger than 4,000 square feet (372 m2) shall have separate loops for each 2 ,000 ( 186 m2) square feet; or, increased to 4,000 square feet (372 m2) when a loop is bisected as specified in the preceding configuration. 4. A uniform layer of sand (native or fill), a minimum of 4 inches ( 102 mm) thick, overlain by a layer or strips of geo-textile drainage matting designed to allow the lateral flow of soil gases. 5 . Other materials, systems or floor designs with demonstrated capability to permit depressurization across the entire sub-floor area. 92 AF103 .3 Entry routes. Potential radon entry routes shall be closed in accordance with Sections AF 103 . 3 . 1 through AF 103 . 3 . 11 . AF103 .3. 1 Floor openings. Openings around bathtubs, showers, water closets, pipes, wires or other objects that penetrate concrete slabs or other floor assemblies shall be filled with a polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer' s recommendations . AF103 .3.2 Concrete joints. All control joints, isolation joints, construction joints and any other joints in concrete slabs or between slabs and foundation walls shall be sealed with a caulk or sealant. Gaps and joints shall be cleared of loose material and filled with polyurethane caulk or other elastomeric sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer' s recommendations . AF103 .3.3 Condensate drains. Condensate drains shall be trapped or routed through non- perforated pipe to daylight. AF103 .3.4 Sumps. Sump pits open to soil or serving as the termination point for sub-slab or exterior drain tile loops shall be covered with a gasketed or otherwise sealed lid. Sumps used as the suction point in a sub-slab depressurization system shall have a lid designed to accommodate the vent pipe. Sumps used as a floor drain shall have a lid equipped with a trapped inlet. AF103 .3 .5 Foundation walls. Hollow block masonry foundation walls shall be constructed with either a continuous course of solid masonry, one course of masonry grouted solid, or a solid concrete beam at or above finished ground surface to prevent passage of air from the interior of the wall into the living space . Where a brick veneer or other masonry ledge is installed, the course immediately below that ledge shall be sealed. Joints, cracks or other openings around all penetrations of both exterior and interior surfaces of masonry block or wood foundation walls below the ground surface shall be filled with polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant. Penetrations of concrete walls shall be filled. AF103 .3.6 Dampproofing. The exterior surfaces of portions of concrete and masonry block walls below the ground surface shall be damp-proofed in accordance with Section R406 of this appendix. AF103 .3.7 Air-handling units. Air-handling units in crawl spaces shall be sealed to prevent air from being drawn into the unit. Exception : Units with gasketed seams or units that are otherwise sealed by the manufacturer to prevent leakage . AF103 .3.8 Ducts. Ductwork passing through or beneath a slab shall be of seamless material unless the air-handling system is designed to maintain continuous positive pressure within such ducting. Joints in such ductwork shall be sealed to prevent air leakage . Ductwork located in crawl spaces shall have all seams and joints sealed by closure systems in accordance with Section M1601 . 3 . 1 . 93 AF103 .4 Sub-membrane depressurization system. In buildings with interior structural floors directly above under-floor spaces containing exposed soil surfaces that are not protected by a sub- slab depressurization system, the following components of a sub-membrane depressurization system shall be installed during construction. Exception : Buildings in which an approved mechanical ventilation system complying with Section R408 or such other equivalent system that provides equivalent depressurization across the entire sub-membrane area as determined by the building official is installed in the under- floor spaces . AF103 .4. 1Ventilation. Crawl spaces and similar under-floor spaces shall be provided with ventilation complying with Section R408 . AF103 .4.2 Soil-gas-retarder. The exposed soil in under-floor spaces shall be covered with a continuous layer of soil-gas-retarder. Such ground cover joints shall overlap 6 inches ( 152 mm) and be sealed or taped. The edges of the ground cover shall extend a minimum of 6 inches ( 152 mm) up onto all foundation walls enclosing the under-floor space and shall be attached and sealed to foundation walls in an approved manner. AF103.4.3 Vent pipe riser. A plumbing tee or other approved connection shall be inserted horizontally beneath the sheeting and connected to a 3 - or 4-inch-diameter (76 mm or 102 mm) fitting with a vertical vent pipe installed through the sheeting. The vent pipe shall be extended up through the building floors, terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the roof in a location at least 10 feet (3 . 048 m) away from any window or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (0 . 610 m) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet (3 . 048 m) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings . AF103 .5 Sub-slab depressurization system. The following components of a sub- slab depressurization system shall be installed during construction under basement or slab-on-grade floors . AF103.5. 1 Vent pipe riser. A minimum 3 -inch-diameter (76 mm) ABS, PVC or equivalent gas- tight pipe shall be embedded vertically into the sub-slab aggregate or other permeable material before the slab is cast. A "T" fitting or equivalent method shall be used to ensure that the pipe opening remains within the sub-slab permeable material. Alternatively, the 3 -inch (76 mm) pipe shall be inserted directly into an interior perimeter drain tile loop or through a sealed sump cover where the sump is exposed to the sub-slab aggregate or connected to it through a drainage system. All vent pipes shall be extended up through the building floors, terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the surface of the roof in a location at least 10 feet (3 . 048 m) away from any window, air intake, or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 94 2 feet (0 . 610 m) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet (3 . 048 m) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings . The discharge end of vent pipe terminations shall be unobstructed and protected from small animal entry with a corrosion-resistant screen having openings between '/a inch (6 .4 mm) and '/z inch ( 12 . 7 mm) . AF103 .5.2 Multiple vent pipes. In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-slab aggregate or other gas-permeable material, each area shall be fitted with an individual vent pipe. Vent pipes shall connect to a single vent that terminates above the roof or each individual vent pipe shall terminate separately above the roof. AF103 .6 Vent pipe drainage. All components of the radon vent pipe system shall be installed to provide positive drainage to the ground beneath the slab or soil-gas retarder. AF103 .7 Vent pipe accessibility. Radon vent pipes shall be accessible for fan installation through an attic or other area outside the habitable space. Exception : The radon vent pipe need not be accessible in an attic space where an approved roof- top electrical supply is provided. AF103 .8 Vent pipe identification and notification. All exposed and visible interior radon vent pipes shall be conspicuously identified with at least one label on each floor and in attics provided with access openings . The label shall read substantially as follows : "Radon Reduction System. " In addition to the preceding label, a notice shall be placed in a conspicuous area near the vent pipe that states the following : "THIS RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE TESTED AND IS A 'PASSIVE' SYSTEM, RELYING ENTIRELY ON NATURAL VENTILATION. OCCUPANTS ARE ADVISED TO TEST FOR RADON AND TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION AS NECESSARY BY INSTALLING A CONTINUOUSLY-OPERATING FAN LOCATED IN THE VENT PIPE (ACCESS TYPICALLY PROVIDED IN THE ATTIC) AND CONNECTED TO THE NEARBY PROVIDED ELECTRICAL OUTLET. Call 1 - 800-767-RADON FOR MORE INFORMATION. " AF103.9 Combination foundations. Combination basement/crawl space or slab-on-grade/crawl space foundations shall have separate radon vent pipes installed in each type of foundation area. Each radon vent pipe shall terminate above the roof or shall be connected to a single vent that terminates above the roof. AF103. 10 Building depressurization. Joints in air ducts and plenums in unconditioned spaces shall be substantially air tight and permanently sealed with an approved sealant, mastic, or other approved methods . Thermal envelope air infiltration requirements shall comply with the energy conservation provisions in the energy conservation code currently enacted by the City. Firestopping shall be in conformance with the most recent general building code enacted by the City or meet the requirements contained in Section R602 . 8 . 95 AF103 . 11 Provisions for future depressurization fan installation. AF103. 11 . 1 Sub-membrane depressurization systems. Permanent provisions shall be made for the future installation of an in-line fan to be connected to every radon vent pipe. Such designated fan locations shall be outside of the conditioned envelope of the building, such as in the attic, garage and similar locations, excluding crawl spaces and other interior under-floor spaces . Designated locations shall accommodate an unobstructed permanent cylindrical space with the following minimum dimensions : 12 inches (305 mm) measured radially around the radon vent pipe along a vertical distance of 30 inches (760 mm). Designated fan locations shall be permanently accessible for servicing and maintenance. An electrical circuit shall be provided within 4 feet ( 1 .219 m) of and within sight from designated fan locations . Such circuit shall have a means of positive disconnection and be terminated in an approved electrical outlet in accordance with the applicable current electric code. AF103 . 11 . 1 . 1 Depressurization fan system activation. When a passive system as constructed in accordance with this appendix is to be converted to an active system, an approved in-line fan shall be installed in a designated fan location as specified in Section AF 103 . 11 . 1 . Additionally, an approved permanent electric light fixture and in-line pipe couplings that facilitate fan replacement shall be provided. The in-line fan shall be designed to operate continuously for a period of not less than five years and have a minimum air-flow rating as established by the building official. A readily accessible manometer or other approved warning device that notifies occupants of a fan malfunction by a visible or audible signal shall be installed within the dwelling unit. A separate permit shall be required for installation of such fan when it is not installed at the time the building is originally approved for occupancy. " OPTION B — "ACTIVE " "Appendix F — RADON CONTROL METHODS SECTION AF101 — TITLE, SCOPE AND PURPOSE AF101 . 1 Title. These provisions shall be known as `Appendix Chapter F, the `FORT COLLINS RADONRESISTANT CONSTR UCTION CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILYDWELLINGS ' and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this appendix" . 96 F101 .2 Scope. The provisions of this appendix shall apply to new one- and two-family dwellings completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space (`detached") and multiple, attached single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height and with each townhouse having its own separate means of egress . AF01 .3 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide minimum requirements to enhance the public safety, health and general welfare, through construction methods designed and installed to resist entry of radon gas into the occupied spaces of buildings regulated by this appendix. SECTION AF102 — DEFINITIONS AF102. 1 General. For the purpose of these requirements, the terms used shall be defined as follows : DWELLING UNIT, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED. An independent, nonattached building completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space, exclusively containing one dwelling unit located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling . DWELLING UNIT, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED. An independent, nonattached building completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space, exclusively containing two dwelling units located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such two-family dwelling . FOUNDATION DRAIN SYSTEM. A continuous length of drain tile, perforated pipe, or filter mat extending around all or part of the internal or external perimeter of a basement or crawl space footing designed to collect and drain away excess subsurface water. RADON. A naturally-occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas that is not detectable by human senses . As a gas, it can move readily through particles of soil and rock and can accumulate under the slabs and foundations of homes where it can easily enter the living space through construction cracks and openings . SOIL-GAS-RETARDER. A continuous membrane of 3 -mil (0 .075 mm) cross-linked polyethylene or other equivalent material used to retard the flow of soil gases into a building. SUBFLOOR. A concrete slab and other approved permanent floor system that directly contacts the ground and is within the walls of the living spaces of the building. SUB-MEMBRANE DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM. A system designed to achieve lower sub- membrane air pressure relative to crawl space air pressure by use of a vent drawing air from beneath the soil-gas-retarder membrane . SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Passive). A system designed to achieve lower 97 sub- slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a vent pipe routed through the conditioned space of a building and connecting the sub-slab area with outdoor air, thereby relying on the convective flow of air upward in the vent to draw air from beneath the slab . SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Active). A system designed to achieve lower sub- slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a fan-powered vent drawing air from beneath the slab . TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed as part of a group of two or more attached individual dwelling units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling. SECTION AF103 - REQUIREMENTS AF103 . 1 General. The following required construction methods are intended to resist radon entry and prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation (see Figure AF 102) . AF103.2 Subfloor preparation. A layer of gas-permeable material shall be placed under all subfloors . The gas-permeable layer shall consist of one of the following methods except that where fills of aggregate size less than that described in Method 1 are used beneath a slab, Method 2 , 3 , 4, or 5 must be used. I . A uniform layer of clean aggregate, a minimum of 4 inches ( 102 mm) thick. The aggregate shall consist of material that will pass through a 2-inch (51 mm) sieve and be retained by a 1 /4 -inch (6 .4 mm) sieve. In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate sub-grade areas, penetrations through the interior footing or barrier equal to a minimum of 12 square inches (0 . 094 m2) per 10 feet (3 . 048 m) of barrier length shall be provided. A minimum of two penetrations shall be provided per separation and be evenly spaced along the separation. Exception : In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, separate radon vent pipes may be installed for each sub-grade area as specified in Section AF 103 . 5 .2 in lieu of penetrations through the barrier. 2 . A foundation drain pipe system installed under concrete floor slab areas less than 2,000 square feet ( 186 m2), consisting of a continuous loop of minimum 3 -inch (76 mm.) diameter perforated pipe shall be laid in the sub-grade with the top of pipe located I inch (25 .4 mm) below the concrete slab . The pipe may be rigid or flexible but shall have perforations fully around the circumference with a free air space equal to 1 . 83 square inches per square foot ( 127 cm2/ m2) of exterior pipe surface area. Such pipe shall be wrapped with approved filter material to prevent blocking of pipe perforations. The pipe loop shall be located inside of the exterior perimeter foundation walls not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls . In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the loop of pipe shall penetrate, or pass beneath such interior footings or barriers . For slab areas greater than 2,000 square feet ( 186 m2) but less than 4,000 square feet (372 m2), the preceding configuration 98 may be used provided a minimum of 4-inch diameter ( 102 mm) pipe is installed. Slabs in excess of 4,000 square feet (372 m) shall have under them separate loops for every additional 2, 000 square feet ( 186 m2) of slab area when 3 -inch (76 mm) diameter pipe is used; or, slabs may have separate loops provided for each additional increment in area between 2,000 square feet ( 186 m2) and 4,000 square feet (372 m2) when 4-inch ( 102 mm) diameter pipe is used. 3 . A foundation drain soil gas collection mat system installed under concrete floor slab areas of 2,000 square feet ( 186 m2) or less, consisting of a continuous rectilinear loop of soil gas collection mat or drainage mat having minimum dimensions of 1 inch in height by 12 inches in width (25 .4 mm in height x 305 mm in width) and a nominal cross-sectional air flow area of 12 square inches (0 . 0078 m2) may be laid on top of the sub-grade. The mat shall be constructed of a matrix that allows for the movement of air through it and be capable of supporting the concrete placed upon it. The matrix shall be covered by approved filter material on all four sides to prevent dirt or concrete from entering the matrix. All breaches and joints in the filter material shall be repaired prior to the placement of the slab. The loop shall be located inside the exterior perimeter foundation walls and within 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls . In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the mat shall penetrate these interior footings or barriers to form a continuous loop around the exterior perimeter. Slabs larger than 2 ,000 square feet ( 186 m2) but less than 4, 000 square feet (372 m2) shall have under them an additional strip of mat that bisects the loop forming two areas approximately equally divided by the two halves of the rectilinear loop . Slabs larger than 4,000 square feet (372 m2) shall have separate loops for each 2,000 ( 186 m2) square feet; or, increased to 4, 000 square feet (372 m2) when a loop is bisected as specified in the preceding configuration. 4. A uniform layer of sand (native or fill), a minimum of 4 inches ( 102 mm) thick, overlain by a layer or strips of geo-textile drainage matting designed to allow the lateral flow of soil gases . 5 . Other materials, systems or floor designs with demonstrated capability to permit depressurization across the entire sub-floor area. AF103 .3 Entry routes. Potential radon entry routes shall be closed in accordance with Sections AF 103 . 3 . 1 through AF 103 . 3 . 11 . AF103 .3. 1 Floor openings. Openings around bathtubs, showers, water closets, pipes, wires or other objects that penetrate concrete slabs or other floor assemblies shall be filled with a polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer' s recommendations . AF103 .3.2 Concrete joints. All control joints, isolation joints, construction joints and any other joints in concrete slabs or between slabs and foundation walls shall be sealed with a caulk or sealant. Gaps and joints shall be cleared of loose material and filled with polyurethane caulk or other elastomeric sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer' s recommendations . 99 AF103 .3.3 Condensate drains. Condensate drains shall be trapped or routed through non- perforated pipe to daylight. AF103 .3.4 Sumps. Sump pits open to soil or serving as the termination point for sub-slab or exterior drain tile loops shall be covered with a gasketed or otherwise sealed lid. Sumps used as the suction point in a sub-slab depressurization system shall have a lid designed to accommodate the vent pipe. Sumps used as a floor drain shall have a lid equipped with a trapped inlet. AF103 .3 .5 Foundation walls. Hollow block masonry foundation walls shall be constructed with either a continuous course of solid masonry, one course of masonry grouted solid, or a solid concrete beam at or above finished ground surface to prevent passage of air from the interior of the wall into the living space . Where a brick veneer or other masonry ledge is installed, the course immediately below that ledge shall be sealed. Joints, cracks or other openings around all penetrations of both exterior and interior surfaces of masonry block or wood foundation walls below the ground surface shall be filled with polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant. Penetrations of concrete walls shall be filled. AF103 .3.6 Dampproofing. The exterior surfaces of portions of concrete and masonry block walls below the ground surface shall be damp-proofed in accordance with Section R406 of this appendix. AF103 .3.7 Air-handling units. Air-handling units in crawl spaces shall be sealed to prevent air from being drawn into the unit. Exception : Units with gasketed seams or units that are otherwise sealed by the manufacturer to prevent leakage . AF103 .3.8 Ducts. Ductwork passing through or beneath a slab shall be of seamless material unless the air-handling system is designed to maintain continuous positive pressure within such ducting. Joints in such ductwork shall be sealed to prevent air leakage. Ductwork located in crawl spaces shall have all seams and joints sealed by closure systems in accordance with Section M1601 . 3 . 1 . AF103 .4 Sub-membrane depressurization system. In buildings with interior structural floors directly above under-floor spaces containing exposed soil surfaces that are not protected by a sub- slab depressurization system, the following components of a sub-membrane depressurization system shall be installed during construction. Exception : Buildings in which an approved mechanical ventilation system complying with Section R408 of this appendix or such other equivalent system that provides equivalent depressurization across the entire sub-membrane area as determined by the building official is installed in the under-floor spaces . AF103 .4. 1Ventilation. Crawl spaces and similar under- floor spaces shall be provided with ventilation complying with Section R408 . 100 AF103 .4.2 Soil-gas-retarder. The exposed soil in under-floor spaces shall be covered with a continuous layer of soil-gas-retarder. Such ground cover joints shall overlap 6 inches ( 152 mm) and be sealed or taped. The edges of the ground cover shall extend a minimum of 6 inches ( 152 mm) up onto all foundation walls enclosing the under-floor space and shall be attached and sealed to foundation walls in an approved manner. AF103.4.3 Vent pipe riser. A plumbing tee or other approved connection shall be inserted horizontally beneath the sheeting and connected to a 3 - or 4-inch-diameter (76 mm or 102 mm) fitting with a vertical vent pipe installed through the sheeting. The vent pipe shall be extended up through the building floors, terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the roof in a location at least 10 feet (3 . 048 m) away from any window or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (0 . 610 m) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet (3 . 048 m) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings . AF103 .5 Sub-slab depressurization system. The following components of a sub- slab depressurization system shall be installed during construction under basement or slab-on-grade floors . AF103.5. 1 Vent pipe riser. A minimum 3 -inch-diameter (76 mm) ABS, PVC or equivalent gas- tight pipe shall be embedded vertically into the sub-slab aggregate or other permeable material before the slab is cast. A "T" fitting or equivalent method shall be used to ensure that the pipe opening remains within the sub-slab permeable material. Alternatively, the 3 -inch (76 mm) pipe shall be inserted directly into an interior perimeter drain tile loop or through a sealed sump cover where the sump is exposed to the sub-slab aggregate or connected to it through a drainage system. All vent pipes shall be extended up through the building floors, terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the surface of the roof in a location at least 10 feet (3 . 048 m) away from any window, air intake, or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (0 . 610 m) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet (3 . 048 m) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings . The discharge end of vent pipe terminations shall be unobstructed and protected from small animal entry with a corrosion-resistant screen having openings between 'Ainch (6 .4 mm) and '/z inch ( 12 . 7 mm) . AF103.5.2 Multiple vent pipes. In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-slab aggregate or other gas-permeable material, each area shall be fitted with an individual vent pipe. Vent pipes shall connect to a single vent that terminates above the roof or each individual vent pipe shall terminate separately above the roof. AF103 .6 Vent pipe drainage. All components of the radon vent pipe system shall be installed to provide positive drainage to the ground beneath the slab or soil-gas retarder. AF103 .7 Vent pipe accessibility. Radon vent pipes shall be accessible for fan installation through 101 an attic or other area outside the habitable space . Exception : The radon vent pipe need not be accessible in an attic space where an approved roof- top electrical supply is provided. AF103 .8 Vent pipe identification and notification. All exposed and visible interior radon vent pipes shall be conspicuously identified with at least one label on each floor and in attics provided with access openings . The label shall read substantially as follows : "Radon Reduction System. " In addition to the preceding label, a notice shall be placed in a conspicuous area near the vent pipe that states the following : "THIS RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE TESTED AND IS AN `ACTIVE' SYSTEM, RELYING ON A CONTINUOUSLY-OPERATING FAN INSTALLED IN THE VENT PIPE. (TYPICALLY LOCATED IN THE ATTIC) OCCUPANTS ARE ADVISED TO TEST FOR RADON AND TAKE FURTHER REMEDIAL ACTION AS NECESSARY. Call 1 - 800-767-RADON FOR MORE INFORMATION. " AF103 .9 Combination foundations. Combination basement/crawl space or slab-on-grade/crawl space foundations shall have separate radon vent pipes installed in each type of foundation area. Each radon vent pipe shall terminate above the roof or shall be connected to a single vent that terminates above the roof. AF103. 10 Building depressurization. Joints in air ducts and plenums in unconditioned spaces shall be substantially air tight and permanently sealed with an approved sealant, mastic, or other approved methods . Thermal envelope air infiltration requirements shall comply with the energy conservation provisions in the energy conservation code currently enacted by the City. Firestopping shall be in conformance with the most recent general building code enacted by the City or meet the requirements contained in Section R602 . 8 . AF103. 11 Depressurization fan installation standards. An in-line fan shall be connected to every radon vent pipe . Such designated fan locations shall be outside of the conditioned envelope of the building, such as in the attic, garage and similar locations, excluding crawl spaces and other interior under-floor spaces . Designated locations shall accommodate an unobstructed permanent cylindrical space with the following minimum dimensions : 12 inches (305 mm) measured radially around the radon vent pipe along a vertical distance of 30 inches (760 mm) . Designated fan locations shall be permanently accessible for servicing and maintenance. An electrical circuit shall be provided within 4 feet ( 1 .219 m) of and within sight from designated fan locations . Such circuit shall have a means of positive disconnection and be terminated in an approved electrical outlet in accordance with the applicable current electric code. An approved permanent electric light fixture and in-line pipe couplings that facilitate fan replacement shall be provided. The in-line fan shall be designed to operate continuously for a period of not less than five years and have a minimum air-flow rating as established by the building official. A readily accessible manometer or other approved warning device that notifies occupants of a fan malfunction by a visible or audible signal shall be installed within the dwelling unit. A separate permit shall be required for installation of such fan when it is 102 not installed at the time the building is originally approved for occupancy. " (103) `APPENDIX G, SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND HOT TUBS" , is hereby adopted in its entirety. (104) `APPENDIXH, PATIO COVERS" , is hereby adopted in its entirety. (105) `APPENDIX J, EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES' is hereby adopted in its entirety. Section 4 . That all of the foregoing changes enacted by this Ordinance shall become effective for implementation commencing January 1 , 2005 . Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published in summary form this 20th day of July A.D . 2004, and to be presented for final passage on the 17th day of August A.D . 2004 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading this 17th day of August, A .D . 2004 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk 103 ORDINANCE NO. 127, 2004 OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS AMENDING CHAPTER 5 , ARTICLE IV OF THE CITY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPEALING THE 1991 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE AND ADOPTING THE 2003 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, WITH AMENDMENTS AND ADOPTING THE 2003 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE, WITH AMENDMENTS WHEREAS , the current mechanical code adopted by City is based on the UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE, 1991 EDITION, published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), as enacted in March 1994 ; and WHEREAS , ICBO has since merged with the other two nationally prominent building- code promulgating organizations, Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc . (BOCA) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI), to form International Code Council (ICC); and WHEREAS , ICC jurisdiction members, following extensive deliberation, have published the 2003 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE as the ICC ' s most recent edition of a mechanical code regulating the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical heating, cooling, and ventilating systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings ; and WHEREAS , a Code Review Task Group (represented by code officials from the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County, the heating and cooling industry in the Larimer County region, the Home Builders ' Association of Northern Colorado, various product suppliers, building science professionals from E- Star Colorado) has completed a review of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE and the proposed amendments thereto ; and WHEREAS , the Building Review Board has made certain recommendations with respect to the adoption of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE and proposed amendments ; and WHEREAS , the Council of the City of Fort Collins has determined that it is in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the City and its citizens that the 2003 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, as amended be adopted. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITH OF FORT COLLINS that Chapter 5 , Article IV of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended in the following respects : Section 1 . That Sections 5 - 106 through 5 - 109 are hereby repealed and Sections 5 - 106 through 5 - 108 are hereby reenacted to read as follows : Sec. 5- 106. Adoption of mechanical code standards. Pursuant to the power and authority conferred on the City Council by Section 31 - 16-2021 C.R. S . , and Article II, Section 7 of the Charter, the City Council hereby adopts, as the mechanical code of the city, the 2003 International Mechanical Code® (2003 IMC®) published by the International Code Council, Inc . , which shall have the same force and effect as though set forth herein in full. The subject matter of the 2003 International Mechanical Code® (2003 IMC®) adopted herein includes comprehensive provisions and standards regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling and refrigeration system, incinerators, miscellaneous heat-producing appliances the purposes of protecting public health, safety, and general welfare. Sec. 5- 107. Amendments and deletions to code. The 2003 International Mechanical Code® (2003 IMC®) published by the International Code Council, Inc . , adopted in Section 5 - 106 is hereby amended and changed in the following respects : Section 101. 2, "Scope. ", is hereby amended by deleting exception "2 . ", thereto indicated in strikeout text as follows : change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the hiternational E��ting Btlikfill "2 . Mcclimlical systems in existing buildings tindeigoing rcpair, atterations, or additions , and clod-el11 Section 102. 8, "Referenced codes and standards. " is hereby amended by adding the following new subsections : " 102.8. 1 All references to the International Building Code shall mean the general building code currently in effect as enacted by the City. 102.8.2 All references to the International Plumbing Code shall mean current plumbing code in effect in the City. 102.8.3 All references to the International Fire Code shall mean the fire code currently in effect as enacted by the City. 102.8.4 All references to "flood hazard" shall refer to the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection. " Section R103 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows : "SECTION R103 — CODE ADMINISTRATION R103. 1 Entity charged with code administration. The Building and Zoning Department as established by the Code of the City, is hereby charged with the administration and enforcement of this code . R103.2 Building official. The building official is charged with the administration of this code, and in the performance of said duties may delegate the necessary authority to the appropriate technical, administrative, and compliance staff under the supervision of the building official. " Section, 106, "PERMITS. ", is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) Section, 106. 3. 1 , " Construction documents. ", is hereby revised to read as follows : "106.3. 1 Construction documents. Construction documents, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each application for a permit. The building official shall require construction documents, computations and specifications to be prepared and designed by a registered design professional when required by state law or when the building official determines conditions warrant such. Construction documents shall be drawn to scale and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that the work conforms to the provisions of this code . Construction documents for buildings more than two stories in height shall indicate where penetrations will be made for mechanical systems, and the materials and methods for maintaining required structural safety, fire- resistance rating and fireblocking. Exception: The code official shall have the authority to waive the submission of construction documents, calculations or other data if the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of construction documents is not necessary to determine compliance with this code. (b) Section, 106. 3, "Application for permit.", is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, " 106 . 3 .2 Time limit of application. ", to read as follows : " 106.3 .2 Time limitation of application . Applications for which a permit has not been issued within 90 days following the date of application shall automatically expire and plans submitted for code-compliance review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official. The building official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding 90 days, upon receipt of a written request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and plan review fee as provided in this Code. Exception : For applications to construct affordable housing units as defined in Section 26-631 of the Code of the City, such expiration shall occur when a permit has not been issued within 180 days following the date of permit application. " (c) Subsection 106. 4. 3, "Expiration. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : " 106.4.3 Permit expiration and incompletion of authorized work. Every permit issued, both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. No more than two such extensions may be granted by the building official without the permit holder first requesting and being granted the additional extension(s) by the Building Review Board pursuant to Section R112 of the International Residential Code as adopted by the City. Both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, any work authorized by a permit regulated by this code or any other building construction code administered by the building official that involves the construction or alteration of an exterior building component, assembly or finish material, such as the foundation, wall and roof framing, sheathing, siding, fenestration, and roof covering, shall be fully finished and completed for permanent outdoor exposure within 24 months of date of this issuance of such permit, regardless of when then permit was issued. Failure to comply with the preceding specified time-period shall constitute a violation of this code, resulting in revocation of the permit and subject the permit holder and property owner to all penalties provided by the Code of the City. No such revoked permit may be reinstated or a new permit issued therefore without the property owner or permit holder first requesting and being granted such reinstatement or issuance of a new permit by the Building Review Board pursuant to Section R112 of the International Residential Code as adopted by the City (d) Subsection 106. 5, "Fees. ", is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows : " 106.5. Fees. No permit or amendments thereto and related construction plans therefor shall be valid until the fees prescribed by the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 7 . 5 , ARTICLE I of the Code of the City, entitled, "ADMINISTRATIVE FEES", have been paid. 106. 5. 1 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to penalties set forth in Section 108 .4, any person or firm who, before obtaining the necessary permit(s), commences any construction of, or work on, a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that is not otherwise exempted from obtaining a permit, shall be subject to a processing and penalty fee in addition to the standard prescribed permit fee . Such additional fee shall be equal to the permit fee, except that such fee shall not be less than fifty dollars ($ 50) nor more than one thousand dollars ($ 1 ,000) for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such violation repeatedly is subject to processing and penalty fees equal to double the amount of the permit fee or double the amount of the preceding violation, whichever is greater, for every same such subsequent violation committed thereafter within any 180-day period. The foregoing fees may be appealed to the City manager pursuant to Chapter 2 , Article VI of the Code of the City. 106.5.2 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition for work done in connection with or concurrently with the work authorized by a permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law. 106.5.3 Fee refunds. Any fee paid hereunder that is erroneously paid or collected shall be refunded. The building official may authorize the refunding of 90% of a plan review fee or building permit fee to the applicant who paid such fee pursuant to this section, provided the plan review or work authorized under a permit issued in accordance with this Code is withdrawn or cancelled and has not commenced and provided such plan review or permit is valid and not expired as set forth in this section. Prior to authorizing the refunding of any fee paid to the original applicant or permitee, a written request from such party must be submitted to the City within 180 days of the date of the fee payment. " Section 108. 4, " Violation penalties. "I is hereby amended to read as follows : " 108.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair mechanical work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to the penalties and fines pursuant to Section 1 - 15 of the Code of the City, punishable by a fine of not more than $ 1 ,000 . 00 dollars , or by imprisonment not exceeding 180 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense ." Section 109, "MEANS OF APPEAL " is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows : " 109. 1 Application for appeal. All appeals of a decision of the building official shall be made to the Building Review Board established in Section 2- 117 of the Code of the City and as set forth in Section R112 of the International Residential Code adopted by the City. Section 303. 3. "Prohibited locations . ", is hereby amended by deleting exceptions "3 ." and "4 ." thereto (indicated by the strikeout text below) with the remaining exceptions " 1 . ", "2 . "9 and "5 . " renumbered in numerical sequence . "3 . A Single Wall-motinted tinvented room hentet eqvipped with an oxygen depiction safet shutoff system and installed in a bathroom, provided that the input rating does not exceed 6 , 000 4 . A single wall-mounted unvented room heah., l with an oxygen depletion safety sh-atoff system and installed in a bedtoom, provided that thVW hiput " Ling does not exceed KOOO Btu/'h (-2 . 93 kW) and the bedroom meets the required volume criteria of Section 30 Section 304. 9, "Clearances from grade. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "304.9 Clearances from grade. Equipment and appliances installed at grade level shall be supported by and placed on a level concrete slab or other approved material extending a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) above adjoining grade or shall be suspended a minimum of 6 inches ( 152 mm) above adjoining grade. " Section 401. 5. 1. "Intake openings. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "401 .5. 1 Intake openings . Mechanical and gravity outside air intake openings, shall be located a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally from any hazardous or noxious contaminant such as vents, chimneys, plumbing vents, streets, alleys, parking lots and loading docks, except as otherwise specified in this code. Where a source of contaminant is located within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of an intake opening, such opening shall be located a minimum of 2 feet (610 mm) below the contaminant source . The exhaust from a bathroom or kitchen in a dwelling shall not be construed to be a hazardous or noxious contaminant. " Section 406. 1, "General. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : "406. 1 General. Uninhabited spaces such as crawl spaces and attics shall be provided with natural ventilation openings as required by the current general building code enacted by the City or shall be provided with a mechanical exhaust and supply air system as prescribed in Section R408 or R806, whichever is applicable, of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE adopted by the City." Section 504, "CLOTHES DRYER EXHAUST. '; is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) Subsection 504. 1, "Installation. ", is hereby amended by deleting the exception thereto, indicated in strikeout text, as follows : "504. 1 Installation. Clothes dryers shall be exhausted in accordance with the manufacturer' s instructions . Dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall convey the moisture and any products of combustion to the outside of the building. Exception. This section shall not apply to listed and labeled condensing (ductless) el dryers . " (b) Subsection 504. 6. 1. "Maximum length. "I is hereby amended by adding new language and deleting the exception thereto, indicated in strikeout text, as follows : 504.6. 1 Length limitation and termination. The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 25 feet (7 . 62 m) from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2 . 5 feet (0 . 762 m) for each 45 -degree (0 . 79 rad) bend and 5 feet ( 1 . 524 m) for each 90-degree ( 1 . 6 rad) bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does not include the transition duct. Dryer exhaust duct terminations shall not be located within 36 inches (914 mm) of exterior openings into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces, and attic spaces . Exception . Where the make and model of the clothes dtyct to be installed is knowli and tile manufacturer' s installation instructions for such dryer are provided to the building official ; be in accordance with the dryer manufficturer ' s installation instructio Section 506. 3. 10, "Grease duct enclosure. '; is hereby amended by deleting the second exception thereto, indicated in strikeout text, as follows : "2 . A duct enclosure shall not be required for a grease duet that renetrates only a non fire- resistance-rated roofteffing assembly." Section 507. 2. 1. "Type I hoods. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : 507.2 . 1 Type I hoods . Type I hoods shall be installed where cooking appliances produce grease or smoke, such as occurs with griddles, fryers, broilers, ranges and wok ranges." Section 512. 1, " General. ", is hereby revised to read as follows : 512. 1 General. When a subslab soil exhaust system is provided, the duct for such system shall conform to the requirements of Appendix Chapter F of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, `The FORT COLLINS RADON RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILYDWELLINGS ', Sections, AF103. 2, AF103. 5. 1. and AF103. 5. 2. " Section 602, "PLENUMS ", is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) Subsection 602. 2. "Construction. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "602.2 Construction. Plenum enclosures shall be constructed of materials permitted for the type of construction classification of the building. The use of gypsum boards to form plenums shall be limited to dwelling units with systems where the air temperatures do not exceed 125 °F (52 °C) and the building and mechanical system design conditions are such that the gypsum board surface temperature will be maintained above the air stream dew-point temperature. Air plenums formed by gypsum boards shall not be incorporated in air-handling systems utilizing evaporative coolers . " (b) Subsection 602. 1. 5. 1. "Separation required. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "602 .2. 1 .5. 1 Separation required. The foam plastic insulation shall be separated from the plenum by an approved thermal barrier having an index of 15 when tested in accordance with UBC Standard 26-2 or an equivalent standard. " (c) Section 602. 3, "Stud cavity and joist space plenums. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : "602.3 Stud cavity and joist space plenums. Combustible studwall cavities and the spaces between solid floor joists shall not be utilized as air plenums . Exception: Combustible studwall cavities within dwelling units may be used as plenums provided they comply with the following conditions : 1 . Such cavities or spaces shall not be utilized as a plenum for supply air. 2 . Such cavities or spaces shall not be part of a required fire-resistance-rated assembly. 3 . Stud wall cavities shall not convey air from more than one floor level . 4. Stud wall cavities and joist space plenums shall comply with the floor penetration protection requirements of the current general building code enacted by the City. 5 . Studwall cavities and joist space plenums shall be isolated from adjacent concealed spaces by approved fireblocking as required in the general building code currently in effect as enacted by the City. 6 . Such cavities are tested for air-tightness in accordance with Section N1112 . 5 . 3 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE as adopted by the City. " Section 603, "DUCT CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION", is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) Subsection 603. 2, "Duct sizing. '; is hereby amended to read as follows : "603.2 Duct sizing. Ducts installed within a single dwelling unit shall be sized in accordance with ACCA Manual D or other approved methods and installed in accordance with Section M1601 . 1 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE as adopted by the City. Ducts installed within all other buildings shall be sized in accordance with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals or other equivalent computation procedure. " (b) Subsection 603. 9, "Joints, seams, and connections. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "603.9 Joints, seams, and connections . All longitudinal and transverse joints, seams and connections in metallic and nonmetallic ducts shall be constructed as specified in SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards—Metal and Flexible and NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards . All joints, longitudinal and transverse seams and connections shall be securely fastened and sealed with welds, gaskets, mastics (adhesives), mastic-plus- embedded-fabric systems or tapes. Tapes and mastics used to seal ductwork shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 181A and shall be marked " 181A-P" for pressure- activated tape, " 181A-M" for mastic, or " 181A-H" for heat-activated tape . Tapes and mastics used to seal flexible air ducts shall comply with UL 181B and shall be marked " 181B-FX" for pressure-activated tape, " 181B-M" for mastic . Duct connections to flanges of air distribution system equipment shall be sealed and mechanically fastened. Crimp joints for round ducts shall have a contact lap of at least 1 . 5 inches (38 mm) and shall be mechanically fastened by means of at least three sheet metal screws or rivets equally spaced around the joint. Tapes shall not be permitted as a sealant on any metal ducts unless such tapes are specifically listed for such purpose . " (c) New subsection 603. 18, Duct protection during construction. ", is hereby added, reading as follows : "603. 18. Construction debris and contamination. Mechanical air-handling systems and their related ducts shall be protected from the entrance of dirt, debris, and dust during the construction and installation process . Prior to passing final inspection or issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, such systems shall be substantially free of construction-related contaminants . " Section 607. 4, "Access and identification. : is hereby amended to read as follows : "607.4 Access and identification. Fire and smoke dampers shall be provided with an approved means of access, large enough to permit inspection and maintenance of the damper and its operating parts . The access shall not affect the integrity of fire-resistance-rated assemblies . The access openings shall not reduce the fire-resistance rating of the assembly. Access points shall be permanently identified on the exterior of the damper and located without the removal of finish ceiling works by a label having red letters not less than 0 . 5 inch ( 12 . 7 mm) in height reading : SMOKE DAMPER or FIRE DAMPER. Access doors in ducts shall be tight fitting and suitable for the required duct construction. " Section 708, "COMBUSTIONAIR DUCTS", is hereby amended in the following respects : (a) The exception to Item, " I . ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "Exception : Where the installation of galvanized steel ducts is not practical due to existing finish materials within dwelling units that are undergoing alteration or reconstruction, unobstructed stud and joist spaces shall not be prohibited from conveying combustion air, provided that not more than one required fireblock is removed. " (b) This section is hereby further amended by adding a new item, "9 . " , thereto, which reads as follows : "9 . All combustion air openings or ducts shall be readily identifiable with an approved label or by other means warning persons that obstruction of such openings or ducts may cause fuel-burning equipment to release combustion products and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into the building. " Section 709, "OPENING OBSTRUCTIONS ". is hereby amended by changing language and adding new Subsection, "709 . 3 Fire/Smoke dampers . ", with the entire section reading as follows : "SECTION 709 — OPENING OBSTRUCTIONS 709. 1 General. The required size of openings for combustion and dilution air shall be based on the net free area of each opening. The net free area of an opening shall be that specified by the manufacturer of the opening covering. In the absence of such information, openings covered with metal louvers shall be deemed to have a net free area of 75 percent of the area of the opening, and openings covered with wood louvers shall be deemed to have a net free area of 25 percent of the area of the opening. Louvers and grills shall be fixed in the open position. Exception : Louvers interlocked with the appliance so that they are proven to be in the full open position prior to main burner ignition and during main burner operation. Means shall be provided to prevent the main burner from igniting if the louvers fail to open during burner startup and to shut down the main burner if the louvers close during operation. 709.2 Dampered openings . Where the combustion air openings are provided with volume dampers, such dampers shall be electrically interlocked with the firing cycle of the appliances served, so as to prevent operation of any appliance that draws combustion and dilution air from the room when any of the dampers are closed. Manually operated dampers shall not be installed in combustion air openings . 709.3 Fire/Smoke dampers. Combustion air duct shall not be run through walls or ceilings required to be fire/smoke dampered. " Section 801. 19, "Multistory prohibited. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "801 . 19 Multistory prohibited. Common venting systems for appliances located on more than one floor level shall be prohibited, except engineered systems where all of the appliances served by the common vent are located in rooms or spaces that are accessed only from the outdoors . The appliance enclosures shall not communicate with the occupiable areas of the building. " Section 903, "FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACES '; is hereby amended by adding new subsection, "903 . 1 . 1 Solid fuel fireplaces and appliances . ", and deleting section "903 . 3 Unvented gas log heaters .", resulting in the entire section amended to read as follows : "SECTION 903 — FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACES 903 . 1 General. Factory-built fireplaces shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed in accordance with the conditions of the listing. Factory-built fireplaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 127 . 903 . 1 . 1 Solid fuel fireplaces and appliances. Solid fuel fireplaces, fireplace stoves and solid-fuel-type room heaters shall also comply with Section 5 - 110 of the Code of the City. 903.2 Hearth extensions . Hearth extensions of approved factory-built fireplaces and fireplace stoves shall be installed in accordance with the listing of the fireplace . The hearth extension shall be readily distinguishable from the surrounding floor area. " Remaining Chapters 10 through 14 are hereby adopted without revisions as published. Sec. 5- 108. Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Article and the code adopted in § 5 - 106, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section : Whenever the word municipality, jurisdiction or city is used, it shall mean the City of Fort Collins . Whenever the term Building Official is used, it shall be synonymous with Director of Building and Zoning or authorized representative. Section 2 . That the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended by the addition of a new Section 5 - 115 which shall read in its entirety as follows : Sec. 5- 115. Adoption of standards for fuel-gas piping, equipment, and accessories. " Pursuant to the power and authority conferred on the City Council by Section 31 - 16-202 , C .R. S . , and Article II, Section 7 of the Charter, the City Council hereby adopts as the fuel gas code of the city, the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code® (2003 IFGC(X) published by the International Code Council, Inc . , which shall have the same force and effect as though set forth herein in full . The subject matter of the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code® (2003 IFGC®) adopted herein includes comprehensive regulations governing the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of fuel-gas piping systems, fuel-gas utilization equipment and related accessories for the purposes of protecting public health, safety, and general welfare. " Section 3 . That the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended by the addition of a new Section 5 - 116 which shall read in its entirety as follows : Sec. 5-116. Amendments and deletions to code. The 2003 International Fuel Gas Code® (2003 IFGC®) published by the International Code Council, Inc . , adopted in § 5 - 115 is hereby amended and changed in the following respects : (1) Section 101 . 2, "Scope. ", is hereby amended by deleting exception "2 . ", thereto indicated in strikeout text as follows : "2 . AS an aft%. 111CthVt. NJ ffie provisions of this code, - - Utilization I L Mid related accessories in existing buildings that are shall be pcimitted to comply with the provisions of the h?teinafivnal iE��ting Bnikfing (`ode . " (2) Section 102. 8, "Referenced codes and standards. ", is hereby amended by adding the following new subsections : " 102.8. 1 All references to the International Building Code shall mean the general building code currently in effect as enacted by the City. 102.8.2 All references to the International Plumbing Code shall mean current plumbing code in effect in the City. 102.8.3 All references to the International Fire Code shall mean the fire code currently in effect as enacted by the City. 102.8.4 All references to "flood hazard" shall refer to the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection. " (3) Section R103 is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows : SECTION R103 — CODE ADMINISTRATION R103. 1 Entity charged with code administration. The Building and Zoning Department as established by the Code of the City, is hereby charged with the administration and enforcement of this code . R103.2 Building official. The building official is charged with the administration of this code, and in the performance of said duties may delegate the necessary authority to the appropriate technical, administrative, and compliance staff under the supervision of the building official. " (4) Section, 106, "PERMITS. ", is hereby amended in the following respects : Section, 106. 3. "Application for permit. ", is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, " 106 . 3 .2 Time limit of application. ", to read as follows : "R106.3.2 Time limitation of application. Applications for which a permit has not been issued within 90 days following the date of application shall automatically expire and plans submitted for code-compliance review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official. The building official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding 90 days, upon receipt of a written request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and plan review fee as provided in this Code. Exception : For applications to construct affordable housing units as defined in Section 26-631 of the Code of the City, such expiration shall occur when a permit has not been issued within 180 days following the date of permit application. " Subsection 106. 4. 3. "Expiration. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : " 106.4.3 Permit expiration and incompletion of authorized work. Every permit issued, both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. No more than two such extensions may be granted by the building official without the permit holder first requesting and being granted the additional extension(s) by the Building Review Board pursuant to Section R112 of the International Residential Code as adopted by the City. Both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, any work authorized by a permit regulated by this code or any other building construction code administered by the building official that involves the construction or alteration of an exterior building component, assembly or finish material, such as the foundation, wall and roof framing, sheathing, siding, fenestration, and roof covering, shall be fully finished and completed for permanent outdoor exposure within 24 months of date of this issuance of such permit, regardless of when then permit was issued. Failure to comply with the preceding specified time-period shall constitute a violation of this code, resulting in revocation of the permit and subject the permit holder and property owner to all penalties provided by the Code of the City. No such revoked permit may be reinstated or a new permit issued therefor without the property owner or permit holder first requesting and being granted such reinstatement or issuance of a new permit by the Building Review Board pursuant to Section R112 of the International Residential Code as adopted by the City Subsection 106. 5, "Fees. ", is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows : " 106.5. Fees. No permit or amendments thereto and related construction plans therefor shall be valid until the fees prescribed by the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 7 . 5 , ARTICLE I of the Code of the City, entitled, "ADMINISTRATIVE FEES", have been paid. 106.5. 1 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to penalties set forth in Section 108 .4, any person or firm who , before obtaining the necessary permit(s), commences any construction of, or work on, a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system that is not otherwise exempted from obtaining a permit, shall be subject to a processing and penalty fee in addition to the standard prescribed permit fee. Such additional fee shall be equal to the permit fee, except that such fee shall not be less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than one thousand dollars ($ 1 ,000) for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such violation repeatedly is subject to processing and penalty fees equal to double the amount of the permit fee or double the amount of the preceding violation, whichever is greater, for every same such subsequent violation committed thereafter within any 180-day period. The foregoing fees may be appealed to the City manager pursuant to Chapter 2 , Article VI of the Code of the City. 106. 5.2 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition for work done in connection with or concurrently with the work authorized by a permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law. 106.5.3 Fee refunds. Any fee paid hereunder that is erroneously paid or collected shall be refunded. The building official may authorize the refunding of 80% of a plan review fee or building permit fee to the applicant who paid such fee pursuant to this section, provided the plan review or work authorized under a permit issued in accordance with this Code is withdrawn or cancelled and has not commenced and provided such plan review or permit is valid and not expired as set forth in this section. Prior to authorizing the refunding of any fee paid to the original applicant or permitee, a written request from such party must be submitted to the City within 180 days of the date of the fee payment. " (5) Section 108. 4, " Violation penalties. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : " 108.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair mechanical work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to the penalties and fines pursuant to Section 1 - 15 of the Code of the City, punishable by a fine of not more than $ 1 ,000 . 00 dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding 180 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense ." (6) Section 303. 3, "Prohibited locations. ", is hereby amended by deleting exceptions "3 . " and "4 ." thereto (indicated by the strikeout text below) with the remaining exceptions " 1 .", "2 . ", and "5 . " renumbered in numerical sequence . "3 . A Si!lglr, Wall-motinted titivented room ficater equipped with an oxygen depfetion safey shutoff system and installed in a bathroom, provided that t1he input rating does not exceed 6 , 000 4 . A single wall-mounted unvented room lie" I L�l � 4 `FF�d with an oxygen depletion safety slirtoff system and installed in a bedmom, provided that the itiptit rating does not exceed H , 006 Btu/'h (-2 . 93 kW) and the bedroom meets the required volume criteria of Section 304 . 5 -. " (7) Section 304. 5, "Indoor combustion air. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "304.5 Indoor combustion air. The required volume of indoor air shall be determined in accordance with Section 304. 5 . 1 or 304 . 5 . 2, when the air infiltration rate is demonstrated to be 0.40 air changes per hour (ACH) or greater. Where the air infiltration rate is demonstrated to be less than 0 .40 ACH, Section 304 . 5 .2 shall be used. The total required volume shall be the sum of the required volume calculated for all appliances located within the space. Rooms communicating directly with the space in which the appliances are installed through openings not furnished with doors, and through combustion air openings sized and located in accordance with Section 304 . 5 . 3 , are considered to be part of the required volume ." (8) Section 304. 11. "Combustion air ducts. ", is hereby amended in the following respects : The exception to Item," 1 ", is hereby amended to read as follows ; "Exception : Where the installation of galvanized steel ducts is not practical due to existing finish materials within dwelling units that are undergoing alteration or reconstruction, unobstructed stud and joist spaces shall not be prohibited from conveying combustion air, provided that not more than one required fireblock is removed. " This section is hereby further amended by adding a new item, "9 .", thereto, which shall read as follows : "9 . All combustion air openings or ducts shall be readily identifiable with an approved label or by other means warning persons that obstruction of such openings or ducts may cause fuel-burning equipment to release combustion products and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into the building. " (1) Section 305. 3. "Elevation of ignition source. ", is hereby amended by deleting the exception thereto (indicated by the strikeout text below) to read as follows : "305.3 Elevation of ignition source. Equipment and appliances having an ignition source shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor in hazardous locations and private garages . For the purpose of this section, rooms or spaces that are not part of the living space of a dwelling unit and that communicate directly with a private garage through openings shall be considered to be part of the private garage. Exceptione Elevation of the ignition source is not required for appliances that are listed as flamma-b! tant and for installation without elevation." (2) Section 305. 7, "Clearances from grade. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "305.7 Clearances from grade. Equipment and appliances installed at grade level shall be supported by and placed on a level concrete slab or other approved material extending a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) above adjoining grade or shall be suspended a minimum of 6 inches ( 152 mm) above adjoining grade. " (3) Section 308. 4. 6, "Clearance from supply ducts. ". is hereby amended to read as follows : "308.4.6 Clearance from supply ducts. Central-heating furnaces where the bonnet temperature exceeds 150 °F (68 °C), shall have the clearance from supply ducts within 3 feet (914 mm) of the furnace plenum be not less than that specified from the furnace plenum. No clearance is necessary beyond this distance." (4) Section 404, "PIPING SYSTEM INSTALLATION", is hereby amended in the following respects : Section 404. 7, "Above-ground piping outdoors. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "404.7 Above-ground piping outdoors . All piping installed outdoors shall be elevated not less than 6 inches ( 152 mm) above ground and where installed across roof surfaces, shall be elevated not less than 3 1 /2 inches (89 mm) above the roof surface. Piping installed above ground, outdoors, and installed across the surface of roofs shall be securely supported and located where it will be protected from physical damage. Where passing through an outside wall, the piping shall also be protected against corrosion by coating or wrapping with an inert material. Where piping is encased in a protective pipe sleeve, the annular space between the piping and the sleeve shall be sealed. " Section 404. 9, "Minimum burial depth. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "404.9 Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be installed a minimum depth of 18 inches (457 mm) below grade, except as provided for in Section G2415 . 9 . 1 . 404.9. 1 Individual outside appliances. Individual lines to outside lights , grills or other appliances shall be installed a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) below finished grade. Exception : Approved materials installed a minimum of 6 inches ( 152 mm) below finished grade when covered with a concrete slab 4 inches ( 102 mm) in minimum thickness ." Section 404. 12, "Outlet closures. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "404. 12 Outlet closures. Gas outlets and fittings which allow for future gas line expansion that do not connect to appliances shall be provided with an approved gas shutoff valve with the end capped gas tight. Exception : Drip/Dirt legs installed at the floor level at appliances . (1) Section 405 (IFGS), "PIPING BENDS AND CHANGES IN DIRECTION" is amended in the following respects : (a)Section 405. 1. "General. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "405. 1 General. Changes in direction of rigid metallic pipe specified in Section 403 .4 shall be made only by the use of fittings and factory bends ." (b) Section 405. 2, "Metallic pipe. ". is hereby amended to read as follows: "405.2 Metallic pipe. Only factory bends in rigid metallic pipe specified in Section 403 . 4 shall be permitted. (3) Section 406. 4. 1. "Test pressure. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "406.4. 1 Test pressure. The test pressure to be used shall be not less than one and one-half times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 10 psig (67 kPa guage) irrespective of design pressure . Where the test pressure exceeds 125 psig (862 kPa gauge), the test pressure shall not exceed a value that produces a hoop stress in the piping greater than 50 percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the pipe. " (4) Section 409. 5. "Equipment shutoff valve. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "409.5 Equipment shutoff valve. Each appliance shall be provided with a shutoff valve separate from the appliance. The shutoff valve shall be located in the same room as the appliance, not further than 6 feet ( 1829 mm) from the appliance, and shall be installed upstream from the union, connector or quick disconnect device it serves . Such shutoff valves shall be provided with access . "Exception : Shutoff valves for vented decorative appliances and decorative appliances for installation in vented fireplaces shall not be prohibited from being installed in an area remote from the appliance where such valves are provided with ready access . Such valves shall be permanently identified and shall serve no other equipment. Remote valves shall be operable on the same floor as the appliance served and within 12 feet (3 . 66 m) of the appliance as measured along the floor line . Piping from the shutoff valve to within 3 feet (914 mm) of the appliance connection shall be sized in accordance with Section 402 . " (5) The first paragraph of Section 410. 3. " Venting of regulators. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "410.3 Venting of regulators. Pressure regulators that require a vent shall be vented directly to the outdoors. The vent shall be designed to prevent the entry of insects, water and foreign objects . Vents shall not terminate within 3 feet (0 . 916 m) of openings into the building. " (6) Section 501. 8, "Equipment not required to be vented. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "501.8 Equipment not required to be vented. The following appliances shall not be required to be vented. 1 . Residential Ranges . 2 . Built-in domestic cooking units listed and marked for optional venting. 3 . Hot plates and laundry stoves . 4. Type 1 clothes dryers (Type 1 clothes dryers shall be exhausted in accordance with the requirements of section 613) . 5 .A single booster-type automatic instantaneous water heater, where designed and used solely for the sanitizing rinse requirements of a dishwashing machine, provided that the heater is installed in a commercial kitchen having a mechanical exhaust system. Where installed in this manner, the draft hood, if required, shall be in place and unaltered and the draft hood outlet shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) vertically and 6 inches ( 152 mm) horizontally from any surface other than the heater. 6 . Refrigerators . 7 . Counter appliances. 8 . Direct-fired make-up air heaters . 9 . Specialized equipment of limited input such as laboratory burners and gas lights . (7) Section 503. 2. 2, " Well-ventilated spaces. ", is hereby deleted as indicated in the following strikeout text : - ventilated spaces . Whete located in a large and weft-ventilated space, z (8) Section 503 . 5. 6. 1, "Chimney lining. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "503 . 5.6. 1 Chimney lining. Chimneys shall be lined in accordance with NFPA 211 . Exception . Existing chimneys shall be permitted to have their use continued when a appliatice is repfaced by art appliance of similar type, input rating, and efficiency-." (9) Section 503. 6. 10. 1. "Equipment separation. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "503.6. 10. 1 Equipment separation. All equipment connected to the common vent shall be located in rooms which have provisions for an adequate supply of combustion, ventilation, and dilution air that is not supplied from habitable space (see Figure 503 . 6 . 10 . 1 ) . " (10) Section 614, "CLOTHES DRYER EXHAUST", is hereby amended in the following respects : Section (614. 1, "Installation. ", is hereby amended to read as follows : "614. 1 Installation. Clothes dryers shall be exhausted in accordance with the manufacturer' s instructions . Dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall convey the moisture and any products of combustion to the outside of the building. Dryer exhaust duct terminations shall not be located within 36 inches (914 mm) of exterior openings into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces, and attic spaces. " Section 614. 6. 1, "Maximum length. ", is hereby amended by adding new language and deleting the exception thereto, indicated in strikeout text, as follows : "614.6. 1 Length limitation and termination. The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 25 feet (7 . 62 m) from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2 . 5 feet (0 . 762 m) for each 45 -degree (0 . 79 rad) bend and 5 feet ( 1 . 524 m) for each 90-degree ( 1 . 6 rad) bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does not include the transition duct. Dryer exhaust duct terminations shall not be located within 36 inches (914 mm) of exterior openings into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces, and attic spaces . Exceptialle Where the make and model of the clothes dryer to be installed is known and th�a marmfacturer ' s installation instructions f6r such dryer are provided to tile building official, the maxinmm length of the exhaust duct, including any transition duct, shall be permitted be in accordance with the dryer nimmfactarcr ' s installation instructio (22) Section 621, " UNVENTED ROOMHEATERS ", is hereby deleted in its entirety. (23) Section 623 (IFGC), "COOKING APPLIANCES ", is hereby amended with revised language and by adding a new subsection, "623 . 3 . 1 , Residential kitchen exhaust systems . ", reading in its entirety as follows amended with revised language thereto in the following respects : "SECTION 623 (IFGC) COOKING APPLIANCES 623 . 1 Cooking appliances. Cooking appliances that are designed for permanent installation, including ranges, ovens, stoves, broilers, grills, fryers, griddles, hot plates and barbecues, shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21 . 11 ANSI Z21 . 58 or ANSI Z83 . 11 and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer' s installation instructions . 623 .2 Prohibited location . Cooking appliances designed, tested, listed and labeled for use in commercial occupancies may be installed within dwelling units or within any area where domestic cooking operations occur, when installed in accordance with manufacturer' s listing regarding clearance to combustibles . Overhead cabinets shall not be located above such appliances . 623 .3 Domestic appliances. Cooking appliances installed within dwelling units and within areas where domestic cooking operations occur shall be listed and labeled and installed in accordance with manufacturer' s listing for clearance to combustibles. 623 .3. 1 Gas oven ventilation. Residential kitchens with gas ovens shall be supplied with an exhaust system vented to the outside . Ducts serving kitchen exhaust systems shall not terminate in an attic or crawl space or areas inside the building and shall not induce or create a negative pressure in excess of negative 3 Pa or adversely affect gravity-vented appliances . 623 .4 Domestic range installation. Domestic ranges installed on combustible floors shall be set on their own bases or legs and shall be installed with clearances of not less than that shown on the label . 623 .5 Open-top broiler unit hoods . A ventilating hood shall be provided above a domestic open-top broiler unit, unless otherwise listed for forced down draft ventilation. 623 . 5 . 1 Clearances . A minimum clearance of 24 inches (610 mm) shall be maintained between the cooking top and combustible material above the hood. The hood shall be at least as wide as the open-top broiler unit and be centered over the unit. 623.6 Commercial cooking appliance venting. Commercial cooking appliances, other than those exempted by Section 501 . 8 , shall be vented by connecting the appliance to a vent or chimney in accordance with this code and the appliance manufacturer' s instructions or the appliance shall be vented in accordance with Section 505 . 1 . 1 . " (24) Section 630, `INFRARED RADIANT HEATERS ". is hereby amended by adding a new subsection, 630 . 3 , "Outdoor locations .", reading as follows : "630.3 Outdoor locations. Infrared radiant heaters supplied by the premises fuel-gas piping systems shall not be used for heating spaces outside of a building thermal envelope as defined in Section N1107 . 5 . " (25) Remaining Chapters 7 and 8 are hereby adopted without revisions as published. Section 3 . That all of the foregoing changes enacted by this Ordinance shall become effective for implementation commencing on January 1 , 2005 . Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published in summary form this 20th day of July A.D . 2004, and to be presented for final passage on the 17th day of August A.D . 2004 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading this 17th day of August, A.D . 2004 . Mayor ATTEST : City Clerk