HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 07/05/2017 - ITEMS RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF THE 2015 INTERNAAgenda Item 4
Item # 4 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY July 5, 2017
City Council
STAFF
Mike Gebo, Chief Building Official
SUBJECT
Items Relating to the Adoption of the 2015 International Codes.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 072, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article II, Division 2, of the Code of
the City of Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Building Code (IBC) and
Adopting the 2015 International Building Code, with Amendments.
B. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 073, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article II, Division 2, of the Code of
the City of Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code
(IECC) and Adopting the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, with Amendments.
C. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 074, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article II, Division 2, of the Code of
the City of Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) and
Adopting the 2015 International Residential Code, with Amendments.
D. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 075, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article IV, of the Code of the City of
Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and Adopting the
2015 International Mechanical Code, with Amendments.
E. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 076, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article IV, of the Code of the City of
Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and Adopting the
2015 International Fuel Gas Code, with Amendments.
These Ordinances unanimously adopted on First Reading on June 6, 2017, adopt the 2015 International
Codes (I-Codes). The 2015 I-Codes represent the most up-to-date construction standards establishing
minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare from hazards attributed to
the built environment within the City of Fort Collins.
Subsequent to First Reading, IBC local amendment 903.3.1.2 has been edited at Exceptions 1 and 2 to
change the reference from “fire wall” to “fire partition” to be consistent with the intent of the section.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinances on Second Reading.
Agenda Item 4
Item # 4 Page 2
ATTACHMENTS
1. First Reading Agenda Item Summary, June 6, 2017 (w/o attachments) (PDF)
2. Ordinance No. 072, 2017 (IBC) (PDF)
3. Ordinance No. 073, 2017 (IECC) (PDF)
4. Ordinance No. 074, 2017 (IRC) (PDF)
5. Ordinance No. 075, 2017 (IMC) (PDF)
6. Ordinance No. 076, 2017 (IFGC) (PDF)
Agenda Item 8
Item # 8 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY June 6, 2017
City Council
STAFF
Mike Gebo, Chief Building Official
SUBJECT
Items Relating to the Adoption of the 2015 International Codes.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 072, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article II, Division 2,
of the Code of the City of Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Building Code
(IBC) and Adopting the 2015 International Building Code, with Amendments.
B. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 073, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article II, Division 2,
of the Code of the City of Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC) and Adopting the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, with
Amendments.
C. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 074, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article II, Division 2,
of the Code of the City of Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Residential
Code (IRC) and Adopting the 2015 International Residential Code, with Amendments.
D. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 075, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article IV, of the Code
of the City of Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and
Adopting the 2015 International Mechanical Code, with Amendments.
E. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 076, 2017, Amending Chapter 5, Article IV, of the Code
of the City of Fort Collins for the Purpose of Repealing the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and
Adopting the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code, with Amendments.
The purpose of this item is to recommend adoption of the 2015 International Codes (I-Codes). The 2015 I-
Codes represent the most up-to-date construction standards establishing minimum requirements to safeguard
the public health, safety, and general welfare from hazards attributed to the built environment within the City of
Fort Collins.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinances on First Reading.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The 2015 International Codes (2015 I-Codes) represent the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and fully
integrated body of codes regulating building construction and systems using prescriptive and performance-
related provisions. The purpose of these codes is to establish the minimum construction requirements to
safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare by regulating building elements including, but not
limited to, structural strength and stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, and property
protection from hazards attributed to the built environment within the City of Fort Collins.
ATTACHMENT 1
Agenda Item 8
Item # 8 Page 2
Since 1924 the City of Fort Collins has periodically reviewed, amended, and adopted the latest nationally
recognized building standards available for the times. The City has updated the minimum construction
standards 14 times since 1924.
The 2015 International Codes will replace the 2012 editions of the IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, and the IECC all of
which were adopted by City Council on February 17, 2014.The 2015 International Codes are being proposed
with local amendments to address building elements unique to Fort Collins and the surrounding region.
Building codes and standards are reviewed and voted on by code officials and construction industry
professionals from across the country and published every three years under the oversight of the International
Code Council (ICC). These five core 2015 I-Codes represent the latest construction publications from ICC.
Review Process
The adoption of new building codes is always an important topic for Fort Collins and surrounding jurisdictions.
The implementation of new building standards can have a dramatic impact on the construction industry and the
economy of the community. In order to better understand these impacts, a code review committee is convened
for the purpose of reviewing the new codes and all local amendments. The code review committee represents
a wide spectrum of volunteers from across the local construction industry including private developers,
residential and commercial builders, architects, engineers, representatives from the energy conservation
sector and Poudre Fire Authority. (Attachment 1)
The code review committee met regularly for most of 2016 to discuss new proposed local amendments and
current local amendments, particularly those current local amendments that did not have the intended results
or were shown to be ineffective and costly to the construction industry. In December the code review
committee found that the proposed local amendments as presented are neither controversial nor overly
onerous or cost prohibitive on the construction industry and voted to support and move for adoption the 2015 I-
Codes and amendments. While this review process requires considerable time and resources, it produces
enforceable and effective building codes and local amendments that the community and construction industry
support and create together.
Amendments Overview
The 2015 I-Codes can be considered an editing edition where code sections are reworded, reorganized, or
renumbered for better ease of use and consistency. While past editions such as the 2009 and 2012 editions
had significant cost of construction impacts, especially in the energy conservation sections, the 2015 I-Codes
do not have the same effect on the construction industry.
The majority of local amendments associated with the current 2012 I-Codes remain in place. A handful of new
amendments are being proposed which support the City’s sustainability goals and the Climate Action Plan and
include:
Proposed amendments to the IBC
New commercial and multi-family buildings would require that exterior building mounted light fixtures be
Dark Sky listed or of a similar type.
This proposed amendment is considered cost neutral since a light fixture is required; the amendment
requires a different style of light fixture.
Multi-family projects will be required to provide one accessible roll-in shower for each 26 dwelling units
rather than each 51 dwelling units as established by the IBC.
This proposed amendment is considered cost neutral since a bathtub would have been installed; the
proposed amendment would require an accessible roll-in shower sooner than the code requirement.
Plumbing labor would be the same but tile work may increase slightly.
Agenda Item 8
Item # 8 Page 3
Multi-family projects with not more than six (6) dwelling units, or twelve (12) dwellings separated by a two-
hour firewall, may be protected by a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13R fire-suppression
system in lieu of the current amendment requiring the higher level of protection NFPA 13 fire-suppression
system.
This proposed amendment is considered a cost decrease. This one change is expected to lower the cost
of a fire-suppression system in small multi-family buildings by 50%.
Multi-family projects which incorporate habitable lofts will be required to provide one emergency escape
widow accessed from the loft area.
This proposed amendment can be considered a cost increase but only for those multi-family projects that
propose to install loft areas. The majority of new multi-family projects do not incorporate loft areas and this
proposed amendment would have no impact.
Proposed amendments to the IRC
New homes are to be provided with an empty 3/4 inch conduit from the attic to the main electrical panel for
ease of installing future photovoltaic (PV) system signaling wiring.
This proposed amendment is considered a cost increase. Estimate for this conduit and installation is $200.
New homes are to be provided with an empty 1/2 inch conduit from the main electrical panel board to an
empty junction box in the garage for ease of installing future electrical vehicle (EV) charging outlet.
This proposed amendment is considered a cost increase. Estimate for this conduit and installation is $100.
New homes with gas cooking appliances shall be provided with kitchen exhaust hoods, vented to the
outside and sized for cubic feet per minute (CFM) exhaust at the code established rates.
This proposed amendment is considered a cost decrease by removing the current 2012 local amendment
which requires kitchen exhaust CFM rates to be based on a ratio of British Thermal Units (BTU) of the gas
appliance. Using the current amendment of CFM to BTU ratio, exhaust system CFM calculation rates were
high enough that make-up air was required to offset that which the kitchen hood exhausted. The make-up
air system could range in cost from $200 to $400.
New dwelling units which are constructed with habitable lofts would be required to install an emergency
escape window accessed from the loft area.
This proposed amendment is considered a cost neutral. New homes with habitable lofts typically have an
emergency escape window installed as part of the loft option. However, if the option did not include an
escape window the cost increase is estimated at $200 to $300 for a stock double hung egress window.
The cost assumptions discussed in each bullet above where arrived at after staff reached out to the
tradespeople who would be involved with the code requirement such as electricians, plumbers, mechanical
contractors, and fire-suppression contractors. Construction supply houses were contacted for an estimate of
off-the-shelf materials involved such as the egress windows for loft areas. The Cost of Code estimates are for
standard stock materials and labor when known. (Attachment 2)
Vinyl Siding Concern
When the current 2012 I-Codes were adopted, one local amendment disallowed the use of vinyl and
polypropylene vinyl siding products on new buildings. This amendment was the result of a review of two multi-
family projects involved in fires which destroyed several dwelling units in each event.
The two affordable housing projects, Buffalo Run and Bull Run, were constructed using vinyl siding products.
Each fire event was found to be started from the exterior of the building. In each event the vinyl siding products
melted away exposing the structural wood sheathing. The fires spread upward along the exposed wood
sheathing until the vinyl soffit materials melted away exposing the attic framing to the fire. Once the fire
reached the attic, it spread across the top of dwelling units until it reached the fire-rated wall where Poudre Fire
Authority personnel were able to halt the fire spread. Although the vinyl siding itself did not ignite, its melting
away exposed the wood sheathing beneath contributing to the spread of the fire upward.
Agenda Item 8
Item # 8 Page 4
Throughout this current code cycle, there have been no projects of multi-family, single-family, or commercial
where vinyl siding products were proposed. There have been no questions or concerns expressed over the
local amendments, except from the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) represented by Mr. Matt Dobson. On May 31,
2016, Mr. Dobson was afforded time in front of the Code Review Committee to discuss vinyl products, he also
reached out to the Building Review Board and City Council. (Attachment 3)
The Code Review Committee discussed the use of vinyl siding products and while there were varying opinions
on the use of the products, members indicated that an outright ban on these products may not be needed but
rather the local amendment should allow these products but only if installed over a fire-rated wall assembly.
(Attachment 4)
The 2015 IRC and IBC allow the use of vinyl siding products in new construction with limitations on its use in
high wind areas. Ft. Collins has established 100 mile per hour as the design wind speed to be used for new
construction, which is just under the wind speed limit for vinyl siding products.
The proposed amendment reinstates the use of vinyl siding products on new buildings when the vinyl siding is
installed over a one-hour fire-rated assembly. This amendment would provide a layer of fire-resistance
materials, typically a drywall gypsum product, directly behind the vinyl siding in whatever position the vinyl
material is installed. In the event of an external fire, it is supposed that the vinyl siding would again melt away
and the fire-rated assembly of gypsum materials would impede the spread of flames both in the vertical and
horizontal plane.
This proposed change, of installing vinyl siding products over a fire-resistant surface, is consistent with VSI’s
literature regarding the use of vinyl siding products within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas. Although
the City is not located within a WUI, new developments have become increasingly dense. Structures are closer
together than in the past and one exterior fire event can impact a number of buildings, or as was seen in the
past, numerous families. This change no longer prohibits the use of vinyl siding products within the City, as
requested by the VSI’s representative. The proposed amendment does however; require an additional layer of
fire-resistance for projects when using a product that has shown to melt away exposing the more flammable
sub-sheathing and framing. This change is supported by the code review committee and the Poudre Fire
Authority.
Below are the proposed amendments for the use of these products in both the IRC and IBC.
(IRC) R703.11.1 Installation. Vinyl siding, soffit and accessories shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions. Vinyl siding products shall be installed over a one-hour fire-rated assembly listed
for an exterior fire exposure in both the vertical and horizontal plane.
(IRC) R703.14.1 Polypropylene. Polypropylene siding and accessories shall be installed in accordance with
manufacturer’s installation instructions. Polypropylene siding products shall be installed over a one-hour fire-
rated assembly listed for an exterior fire exposure in both the vertical and horizontal plane.
(IBC) 1404.9.1 Vinyl siding installation. Vinyl siding products shall be installed over a one-hour fire-rated
assembly listed for an exterior fire exposure in both the vertical and horizontal plane.
(IBC) 1404.12.3 Polypropylene siding. Polypropylene siding products shall be installed over a one-hour fire-
rated assembly listed for an exterior fire exposure in both the vertical and horizontal plane.
The 2015 I-Codes were discussed by staff from various City departments through the Sustainability
Assessment Tool (SAT) process. The discussion points addressed housing affordability, accessibility,
improvements to the environment and overall benefits to the citizens. The SAT review concluded that the 2015
I-Codes result in a slightly positive SAT rating. (Attachment 6)
Agenda Item 8
Item # 8 Page 5
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Alterations to or new construction of City owned properties must comply with the provisions of the 2015 I-
Codes. The scope of work to be performed will determine the financial impact to the City. In general, there are
no Citywide financial impacts expected with the adoption of the 2015 I-Codes.
Community Development and Neighborhood Services (CDNS) anticipates the following financial impacts and
expects these cost to be absorbed into the current CDNS budget:
1. Purchase of new building codes, approximately $4,500.00. The necessary copies of the five core 2015 I-
Codes have been purchased for staff.
2. Staff training on the new codes is mostly accomplished in-house. When possible, staff will attend code
classes that are offered at various times throughout the year. This additional training cost is expected not
to exceed $5,000.
3. Contractor training on the new codes and amendments. All Fort Collins licensed general contractors are
expected to be informed and knowledgeable in all newly adopted codes. To assist with this training, staff
offers a half-day class on the amendments and charges an enrollment fee sufficient to cover the cost of
expenses. This class will be scheduled for mid-year 2017.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The 2015 I-Codes with proposed amendments were presented to numerous boards and commissions.
(Attachment 5) Although there was general approval of the codes as presented, repeated concerns heard
were the cost of codes or code creep. “Cost increases across the City are impacting the ability to provide
affordable housing”. “Building codes should remain focused on the life, health, and safety aspects of
construction and avoid sustainable requirements”.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
The 2015 I-Codes were also presented to:
Northern Colorado Home Builder Association
Chamber of Commerce
Board of Realtors
ATTACHMENTS
1. Code Review Committee (PDF)
2. Cost Estimates (PDF)
3. Dobson Letter and City Attorney response (PDF)
4. 2015 I-Code Review Committee minute excerpts re: vinyl siding (PDF)
5. Board and Commission feedback re: 2015 I-Code adoption (PDF)
6. Sustainability Assessment Summary (PDF)
7. Ordinance No. 072, 2017 (IBC) (PDF)
8. Ordinance No. 073, 2017 (IECC) (PDF)
9. Ordinance No. 074, 2017 (IRC) (PDF)
10. Ordinance No. 075, 2017 (IMC) (PDF)
11. Ordinance No. 076, 2017 (IFGC) (PDF)
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ORDINANCE NO. 072, 2017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE II, DIVISION 2, OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS FOR THE PURPOSE OF
REPEALING THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) AND
ADOPTING THE 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE, WITH AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, since 1924, the City has reviewed, amended and adopted the latest
nationally recognized building standards available for the times; and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation of City staff, the City Council has determined that it
is in the best interests of the City to align the five interconnected basic construction codes under
one publication year; and
WHEREAS, the five interconnected basic construction codes are the International
Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International
Fuel Gas Code, and International Energy Conservation Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the 2015 publication year of the five
interconnected basic construction codes ought to be adopted and that their counterpart codes
previously adopted should be repealed, both in order to align the publication years of the codes
and also because the 2015 publications contain improvements in construction code regulation;
and
WHEREAS, City staff has conducted a significant public outreach program, working
with the regulated construction industry and building professionals; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the five interconnected basic construction codes has been
presented to and recommended by the Affordable Housing Board, the Commission on Disability,
the Air Quality Advisory Board, the Natural Resources Advisory Board, the Building Review
Board, the Electric Board, the Landmark Preservation Commission and the Water Board; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the health,
safety and welfare of the City and its citizens that the 2012 International Building Code, as
previously adopted and amended by the City pursuant to Ordinance No. 020, 2014, be repealed
and that in its place, the 2015 International Building Code be adopted, with local amendments as
set forth in this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter II, Section 7, City Council may enact any
ordinance which adopts a code by reference in whole or in part provided that before adoption of
such ordinance the Council hold a public hearing thereon and that notice of the hearing is
published twice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City, with one of such
publications occurring at least eight (8) days preceding the hearing and the other publication
occurring at least fifteen (15) days preceding the hearing; and
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WHEREAS, in compliance with Article II, Section 7, the City Clerk published in the Fort
Collins Coloradoan such notice of hearing concerning adoption of the 2015 International
Building Code on May 21, 2017, and May 28, 2017; and
WHEREAS, attached as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference is the Notice
of Public Hearing dated May 14, 2107, that was so published and which the Council hereby finds
meets the requirements of Article II, Section 7 of the City Charter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That Section 5-26(a) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
(a) 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 repeals
the 2012 International Building Code (2012 IBC), and adopts, as the building code of the
City, the 2015 International Building Code (2015 IBC) published by the International
Code Council, as amended by the City, which shall have the same force and effect as
though 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 exclusive of
detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade and their accessory structures,
for the purpose of protecting the public health, safety and general welfare. As provided
in the 2015 International Building Code, Appendices are not adopted except as expressly
set forth in Section 5-27.
Section 3. That Section 5-27 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
repealed in its entirety and reenacted to read as follows:
Sec. 5-27. Amendments and Deletions to 2015 International Building Code.
The 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE adopted in Section 5-26 is hereby
amended in the following respects:
(1) Section 101. Title is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
101.1. Title. These regulations shall be known as the General Building Code of the City
of Fort Collins, hereinafter referred to as ‘this code’.
(2) Sections 101.4.1through 101.4.7 Referenced codes, are hereby deleted in their entirety
and the following Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.10 are hereby added in lieu thereof:
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101.4.1 Electrical. All references to the Electrical Code shall mean the electrical code
currently in effect as enacted and amended from time to time by the State of Colorado.
101.4.2 Gas. All references to the International Fuel Gas Code shall mean the fuel gas
code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.3 Mechanical. All references to the International Mechanical Code shall mean the
mechanical code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.4 Plumbing. All references to the International Plumbing Code shall mean the
plumbing code currently in effect as enacted and amended form time to time by the State
of Colorado.
101.4.5 Property Maintenance. All references to the International Property
Maintenance Code shall mean the property maintenance code currently in effect as
enacted by the City.
101.4.6 Fire Prevention. All references to the International Fire Code shall mean the
fire code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.7 Energy. All references to the International Energy Conservation Code shall
mean the energy code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.8 Residential. All references to the International Residential Code shall mean the
residential code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.9 Areas prone to flooding. All references to ‘flood hazard’ and ‘areas prone to
flooding’ in this code and appendices adopted therewith subject to applicable regulations
and requirements set forth in the City Code, “Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and
Protection.”
101.4.10 Existing buildings. All references to existing buildings may be regulated
pursuant to the adopted International Property Maintenance Code or the 2012
International Building Code Chapter 34 titled ‘Existing Buildings and Structures'
previously adopted by the City of Fort Collins and no longer a chapter in this code.
(3) Section 103 Department of Building Safety is hereby deleted in its entirety and the
following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
SECTION 103 CODE ADMINISTRATION
103.1 Entity charged with code administration. The Community Development and
Neighborhood Services Department (CDNS), as established by the City Code, is hereby
charged with the administration and enforcement of this code.
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The building official, appointed by the City Manager, is charged with the direct overall
administration and enforcement 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 the building official.
(4) Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit, including provisions under the heading of
“Building”, is hereby retained with the following amendments:
105.2 Work exempt from permit.
Exemptions from 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 this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for
the following:
Building:
1. One-story, detached, accessory structures used for lawn and garden equipment
storage, tool storage and similar uses, as well as arbors, pergolas, and similar structures,
provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11.15 m
2
)
or 8 feet (2.438 m)
in height measured from grade, do not house flammable liquids in quantities exceeding
10 gallons (38 l) per building and are located at least 3 feet (0.914 m) from an adjoining
property line.
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3 Oil derricks
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the
low side grade to the top of the wall unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I,
II or IIIA liquids. The horizontal distance to the next uphill retaining wall shall be at least
equal to the total height of the lower retaining wall.
5. 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.
6. Platforms intended for human occupancy or walking, sidewalks and driveways
not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement
window and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish
work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated and portable swimming or wading pools, hot tubs or spas if such
structures are supported directly upon grade when the walls of such structure are entirely
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above grade and if such structures cannot contain water more than 24 inches (610 mm)
deep.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not
including service systems. Hoop houses constructed with a flexible frame such as PVC
tubing used for starting plants.
11. Swings and other playground equipment or play structures accessory to detached
one- and two-family dwellings provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet
(11.15 m
2
)
or 8 feet (2.438 m) in height measured from grade, including one elevated
playhouse or play structure per lot designed, and used exclusively for play. Elevated play
houses or play structures shall not exceed 64 square feet (5.9 m2)
of floor area or 6 feet
(1.82 m) in height as measured from the floor to the highest point of such structure.
12. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than
54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall, do not require additional support, and do not
extend over the public right of way. Window replacement requiring no structural
alteration. Window replacement requiring no change in the window configuration which
reduces the size of the window clear opening. Window replacement when such work is
determined not to be historically significant. Storm window, storm door and rain gutter
installation.
13. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5
feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height.
14. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area that are not more than 30
inches (762 mm) above grade, are not attached to a building, and do not serve an exit
door required by Chapter 10.
15. Roofing repair or replacement work not exceeding one square (100 square feet) of
covering per building.
16. Replacement of nonstructural siding when the removal of siding is performed in
accordance with State laws regarding asbestos and lead paint.
17. Work valued at less than $500 when such work does not involve alteration of
structural components, fire-rated assemblies, plumbing, electrical, mechanical or fire-
extinguishing systems.
18. Decorative ponds, fountains and pools that cannot contain water more than 24
inches (610 mm) deep.
(5) Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit, is further amended by deleting all headings and
references under Electrical, Gas, Mechanical, and Plumbing in their entirety.
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(6) Section 105.3.2 Time limitation of application is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
105.3.2 Time limitation of application An application for a permit for any proposed
work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless
such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that
the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional
periods not exceeding 90 180 days each provided the application has not expired and is
considered an active application. The extension shall be requested in writing and
justifiable cause demonstrated. Applications that have expired for 30 days or more will be
considered as null and void and all plans discarded.
(7) Section 105.5 Expiration is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such
permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the
site 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, one or more
extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each, provided the permit has not
expired for more than 30 days. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable
cause demonstrated.
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 for permanent
outdoor exposure within 24 months of the date of the issuance of such permit.
(8) Section 106 Floor and Roof Design Loads is hereby deleted in its entirety.
(9) Section 107.3.1 Approval of construction documents, is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When the building official issues a
permit, the construction documents shall be approved in writing or by a stamp indicating
the approved permit number. One set of construction documents so reviewed shall be
retained by the building official. The other set shall be returned to the applicant, shall be
kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the building official or his or
her authorized representative.
(10) Section 108 Temporary Structures and Uses is hereby deleted in its entirety.
- 7 -
(11) Section 109, FEES, is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby added in
lieu thereof:
SECTION 109 FEES
109.1 Payment of fees. No permit shall be valid until the fees prescribed by the City
Manager pursuant to Chapter 7.5, Article I of the City Code, entitled, ‘Administrative
Fees’, have been paid.
109.2 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.
109.3 Fee refunds. Any fee paid hereunder that is erroneously paid or collected shall be
refunded. The building official may authorize the refunding of 100 percent of a plan
review fee or permit fee to the applicant who paid such fee 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 further provided that such plan
review or permit is valid and not expired as set forth in Section 105.5. 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.
(12) Section 110.3 Required inspections is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
110.3 Required inspections The building official, upon notification, shall make or shall
cause to be made the inspections set forth in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.10.
. . .
(13) Section 111.2 Certificate issued is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
111.2 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and
does not find 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 that contains the following:
1. The building permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
- 8 -
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for
compliance with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of
occupancy and the use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
6. The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
9. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
10. If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is
required.
(14) Section 113, Board of Appeals, is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is
hereby added in lieu thereof:
SECTION 113 BOARD OF APPEALS
113.1 General. The Building Review Board (hereafter “Board”) established in Section
2-117 of the City Code is hereby empowered in accordance with the procedures set forth
in this Section and as authorized under Section 2-119 of the City Code to hear and decide
appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building official relative to
the application and interpretation of this code; to determine the suitability of alternative
materials or alternative methods of construction; and to grant permit extensions and
reinstatements as prescribed by Section 105.5. The building official 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.
113.2 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 113.4, 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, 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
- 9 -
alternative methods of construction. A quorum of 4 members shall be necessary for any
meeting of the Board.
113.3 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 $50. Written notice of hearings shall be given to the
Appellant and, with respect to requests for exceptions or variances to Section 1101.1 of
this code, to the secretary to the Commission on Disability, at least 4 days prior to the
hearing by mailing the same to such party's last known address by regular U.S. mail.
113.4 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 in 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.
(15) Section 114.4, Violation penalties is retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to
comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, 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 and shall be subject to the penalties and fines specified
in Section 1-15 of the City Code.
(16) A new Section 114.5 Work commencing before permit issuance, is hereby added to read
as follows:
114.5 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to the penalties set forth
in Section 114.4, 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 exempt from obtaining a permit,
shall be subject to a fine in addition to the standard prescribed permit fee. Said fine shall
be equal in amount to the permit fee, except that it shall not be less than $50 nor more
than $1,000 for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such
violation repeatedly shall be subject to a fine equal to double the amount of the permit fee
or double the amount of the fine imposed for the preceding violation, whichever is
- 10 -
greater, for each such subsequent violation committed within 180 days of a previous
violation. Said fines may be appealed to the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 2, Article
VI of the City Code.
(17) Section 202, DEFINITIONS, is hereby amended to modify, or add, in alphabetical
order, the following definitions:
. . .
COMMISSIONING. A process to verify and document that the selected building and
systems have been designed, installed, and function in accordance with the construction
documents, manufacturers’ specifications, and minimum code requirements.
. . .
DWELLING. A building used exclusively for residential occupancy and for permitted
accessory uses, including single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and multi-family
dwellings, and short term primary and non-primary rentals. The term dwelling shall not
include hotels, motels, homeless shelters, seasonal overflow shelters, tents or other
structures designed or used primarily for temporary occupancy with the exception of
short term primary and non-primary rentals. Any dwelling shall be deemed to be a
principal building.
DWELLING UNIT. One or more rooms and a single kitchen and at least 1 bathroom,
designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as separate quarters for the exclusive use
of a single family for living, cooking and sanitary purposes, located in a single-family,
two-family or multi-family dwelling or mixed-use building.
. . .
FAMILY. Any number of persons who are all related by blood, marriage, adoption,
guardianship or other duly authorized custodial relationship, and who live together as a
single housekeeping unit and share common living, sleeping, cooking and eating
facilities.
. . .
GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION). The lowest point of elevation of the
finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk 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.
. . .
ROOM, SLEEPING (BEDROOM). A habitable room within a dwelling or other
housing unit designed primarily for the purpose of sleeping. The presence of a bed, cot,
mattress, convertible sofa or other similar furnishing used for sleeping purposes shall be
- 11 -
prima facie evidence that such space or room is a sleeping room. The presence of closets
or similar storage facilities shall not be considered relevant factors in determining
whether or not a room is a sleeping room.
. . .
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, which parcel is deeded exclusively for
such single-family dwelling.
. . .
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC): Any compound of carbon, excluding
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and
ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions. VOCs
include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short-and long-term adverse
health effects emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.
. . . .
(18) Section 419.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
419.1 General.
A live/work unit shall comply with Sections 419.1 through 419.9.
Exception: Dwelling or sleeping units that include an office that is less than 20 percent
of the area of the dwelling unit are permitted to be classified as dwelling units with
accessory occupancies in accordance with Section 508.2.
(19) A new Section 501.3 Premises Identification is hereby added to read as follows:
501.3 Premises Identification During Construction. 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 building is being constructed or
remodeled.
(20) Section 505.2.1 Area Limitation is hereby retained in its entirety with the addition of a
new exception number 3 to read as follows:
. . .
3. Within individual dwelling units of Group R occupancies, the maximum
aggregate area of a mezzanine may be equal to one-half of the area of the room in
- 12 -
which it is located, without being considered an additional story. The mezzanine
may be closed to the room in which it is located as long as means of egress from
the mezzanine are in conformance with Section 505.2.2.
(21) Section 505.2.2 Means of Egress is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
505.2.2 Means of egress. The means of egress for mezzanines shall comply with the
applicable provisions of Chapter 10. Habitable mezzanines within dwelling units shall be
provided with emergency escape and rescue openings in accordance with Section 1030.
(22) Section 705.3 Buildings on the same lot is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendment adding a third paragraph after the numbered Exceptions, to read as
follows:
. . .
Lines or walls that are established solely to delineate individual portions of a building or
of a planned unit development (PUD) need not be considered as property lines for the
purposes of this code, provided that such building is entirely located on property which is
under common ownership and further provided that required distances, set forth in
Section 503.1.2 for assumed property lines between buildings located on the same
property, are maintained.
(23) Section 903.2.1.1 Group A-1 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-1 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of
the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such
occupancies.
4. The fire area contains a multitheater complex.
(24) Section 903.2.1.3 Group A-3 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-3 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of
the following conditions exists:
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1. The fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such
occupancies.
(25) Section 903.2.1.4 Group A-4 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-4 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of
the following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving
such occupancies.
(26) A new Section 903.2.1.8 Group B is hereby added to read as follows:
903.2.1.8 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group B occupancies when the fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
(27) Section 903.2.3 Group E is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E
occupancies as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
) in
area.
2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the lowest level of exit
discharge serving that portion of the building.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the
lowest level of exit discharge serving that area where every classroom throughout the
building has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level.
(28) Section 903.2.4 Group F-1 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
- 14 -
903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions
exists:
1. A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
.3. A Group F-1 occupancy used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or
mattresses exceeds 2500 square feet (232 m
2
).
. . .
(29) A new Section 903.2.4.2 Group F-2 is hereby added to read as follows:
903.2.4.2 Group F-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings containing a Group F-2 occupancy where one of the following conditions
exists:
1. A Group F-2 fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. A Group F-2 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
(30) Section 903.2.6 Group I is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings
with a Group I fire area.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic sprinkler system is not required where group I-4 day care facilities are at
the level of exit discharge and where every room where care is provided has not fewer
than one exterior exit door and the fire area does not exceed 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. In buildings where Group I-4 day care is provided on levels other than the level of exit
discharge, an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be
installed on the entire floor where care is provided, all floors between the level of care
and the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge other than
areas classified as an open parking garage.
(31) Section 903.2.7 Group M is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout
buildings containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
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1. A Group M fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. A Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or
mattresses exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m
2
).
. . .
(32) Section 903.2.9 Group S-1 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions
exists:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicle where the
fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m
2
).
4. A Group S-1 occupancy used for the storage of upholstered furniture or
mattresses exceeds 2500 square (232m
2
).
(33) Section 903.2.9.1 Repair Garages is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
903.2.9.1 Repair garages.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair
garages in accordance with Section 406, as shown:
1. Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements,
with a fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. Buildings not more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing
a repair garage exceeding 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
3. Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where the
fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m
2
).
. . .
- 16 -
(34) Section 903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages is hereby retained in its entirety
with the following amendments:
903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-2 occupancy where one of the
following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-2 fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
2. A Group S-2 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
Exception: Open Parking Garages
(35) Section 903.2.11.1.3 Basements is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
903.2.11.1.3 Basements. Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet
(22 860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, the basement shall be
equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
(36) Section 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems is hereby amended to read as follows
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic Sprinkler systems in Group R
occupancies shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 Section 903.3.1.1.
Exception: NFPA 13R is allowed when the following conditions exist:
1. The building does not contain more than 6 individual dwelling units and the units
are separated from each other with a 1 hour fire wallpartition.
2. The building does not contain more than 12 individual dwelling units and is
divided into no more than 6 individual dwellings units (complying with number 1
above) by a minimum 2 hour fire wallpartition
The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections
510.2 and 510.4 shall be measured from the horizontal assembly creating separate
buildings.
(37) Section 907.2.11 Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendment to add a new second paragraph thereto to read as
follows:
. . .
- 17 -
When one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing Group R Occupancies,
the entire building shall be provided with smoke detectors located and installed as
required for new Group R Occupancies as described herein.
. . .
(38) Section 1009.3 Stairways, is hereby preserved in its entirety with the following
amendments to the Exceptions listed therein:
Exceptions:
1. Exist access stairways providing means of egress from mezzanines are permitted
as part of an accessible means of egress.
2. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required in
buildings not more than 4 stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
903.3.1.2.
3. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for
stairways accessed from a refuge area in conjunction with a horizontal exit.
4. Areas of refuge are not required at exit access stairways in buildings not more
than 4 stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
65. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways serving open parking garages.
6. Areas of refuge are not required for smoke protected assembly seating areas
complying with Section 1029.6.2.
7. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways in Group R-2 occupancies.
8. Areas of refuge are not required for stairways accessed from a refuge area in
conjunction with a horizontal exit.
(39) Section 1009.4 Elevators is hereby preserved in its entirety with the following
amendments:
1009.4 Elevators. In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an
elevator shall comply with the emergency operation and signaling device requirements of
Section 2.27 of ASME A17.1. Standby power shall be provided in accordance with
Chapter 27 and Section 3003.
. . .
- 18 -
(40) Section 1009.4 Elevators is further amended by the addition of a new Exception 6 to read
as follows:
. . .
6. Elevators in buildings not more than 4 stories above grade plane are not required
to be considered an accessible means of egress when the building is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
(41) Section 1009.6 Areas of refuge is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
1009.6 Areas of refuge Areas of refuge are not required in buildings not more than 4
stories above grade plane. Every required area of refuge shall be accessible from the
space it serves by an accessible means of egress.
. . .
(42) Section 1009.8 Two-way communication is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments to Exception #1:
. . .
Exception:
1. Two-way communication systems are not required at the landing serving each
elevator or bank of elevators of buildings not required to provide areas of refuge in
accordance with section 1009.6.
. . .
(43) Section 1010.1.5 Floor elevation is hereby retained in its entirety with the addition of a
new Exception 7 to read as follows:
. . .
7. Exterior doors serving individual dwelling units, other than the main entrance
door to a dwelling unit, may open at one intervening exterior step that is equally
spaced between the interior floor level above and exterior landing below,
provided that the step has a minimum tread depth of 12 inches, a maximum riser
height of 7 ¾ inches (19.68cm), and a minimum width equal to the door width,
and further provided that the door does not swing over the step.
(44) Section 1010.1.5 Floor elevation is further amended by the addition of the following
paragraph after the Exceptions:
- 19 -
. . .
All exterior steps, slabs, walks, decks and patios serving as exterior door landings or
exterior stairs shall be adequately and permanently secured in place by approved methods
to prevent such landings or stairs from being undermined or subject to significant
displacement due to improper placement of supporting backfill or due to inadequate
anchoring methods.
(45) Section 1011.11 Handrails is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
1011.11 Handrails. Stairways of more than 1 riser shall have handrails on each side and
shall comply with Section 1014. Where glass is used to provide the handrail, the handrail
shall also comply with Section 2407.
Exceptions:
1. Stairways within dwelling units and spiral stairways are permitted to have a handrail
on one side only.
2. Decks, patios and walkways that have a single change in elevation where the landing
depth on each side of the change of elevation is greater than what is required for a
landing do not require handrails.
3. In Group R-3 occupancies, a change in elevation consisting of a single riser at an
entrance or egress door does not require handrails.
4. Changes in room elevations of three or fewer risers within dwelling units and
sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 do not require handrails.
(46) Section 1015.8 Window openings is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments to the first paragraph to read as follows:
1015.8 Window openings. Windows in Group R-2 and R-3 buildings including dwelling
units, where the top of the sill of an operable window opening is located less than 24
inches (610 mm) above the finished floor and more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the
finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, shall comply with
one of the following:
. . .
(47) A new Section 1015.9 Below grade openings is hereby added to read as follows:
1015.9 Below grade openings. All area wells, stair wells and light wells attached to any
building that are located less than 36 inches from the nearest intended walking surface
and deeper than 36 inches below the surrounding ground level, creating an opening with
a horizontal dimension greater than 24 inches measured perpendicularly from the
building, with the side walls of such well having a slope steeper than 2 horizontal to 1
- 20 -
vertical, shall be protected with guardrails conforming to this Section around the entire
opening, 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 1029.4 of this code.
3. Covers and grates may be used over stairways and other openings used
exclusively for service access or for admitting light or ventilation.
(48) Section 1030.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments
to Exceptions 1:
. . .
Exceptions:
1. Basements with a ceiling height of less than 72 inches (1828.8 mm) shall not be
required to have emergency escape and rescue openings.
. . .
(49) A new Section 1030.3.1 Minimum height from floor is hereby added to read as follows:
1030.3.1 Minimum height from floor. Emergency escape and rescue windows that are
located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade shall have a sill height
of not less than 24 inches (609 mm) measured from the finished interior side floor.
Exception:
Emergency escape and rescue openings located over a roof surface with a slope of 4:12
or less and extending a minimum of 5 feet horizontally outward from the window.
(50) Section 1030.5 Window Wells is hereby retained in its entirety with amendments adding
new exceptions to read as follows:
. . .
Exception:
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 criteria of 1 and 2 below:
- 21 -
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 opening,
and
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.
(51) A new Section 1030.5.3 Drainage is hereby added to read as follows:
1030.5.3 Drainage. All window wells shall be designed for proper drainage by
connecting to the building’s foundation drainage system required by Section 1805.4.2 or
by an approved alternative method. The inlet to the drainage system shall be a minimum
of 4 inches (101 mm) below the window sill. Where no drains are required, the window
well surface shall be a minimum of 4 inches (101 mm) below the window sill.
Exceptions:
1. A drainage system for window wells is not required when the foundation is on
well-drained soil or sand-gravel mixture soils as determined by the foundation
engineer of record.
2. A drainage system is not required for new window wells on additions to existing
dwellings.
(52) Section 1101.2 Design is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
1101.2 Design. Buildings and facilities shall be designed and constructed to be accessible
in accordance with this code and the most recently published edition of ICC A117.1 as
referenced by the building official.
(53) Section 1103.1 Where required is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendment to add a new second paragraph to read as follows:
. . .
When the Building Review Board considers granting exceptions or variances either to
this chapter pursuant to Section 113 of this code or to Colorado Statutes pursuant to
Section 9-5-102, C.R.S., it shall require the applicant requesting the exception or variance
to demonstrate that the application of a particular standard or specification relating to
access for persons with disabilities would impose an extraordinary hardship on the
subject property. For the purposes of this Section, an extraordinary hardship shall mean a
substantial and unusual hardship that is the direct result of unique physical site conditions
such as terrain, topography or geology, or that is the direct result of other unique or
special conditions encountered on the subject property, but that are not typically
- 22 -
encountered elsewhere in the City. Constraints, complications or difficulties that may
arise by complying with this chapter and/or with the statutory standards for accessibility
but that do not constitute an extraordinary hardship shall not serve to justify the granting
of an exception or variance.
(54) Section 1107.2 Design is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendment to
add a new second and a new third paragraph to read as follows:
. . .
When any building or buildings, classified as Group R, Division 1 or Group R, Division 2
Occupancy, are constructed as a single building project (or any phase thereof) on any one
site, and such building project (or phase) contains one or more accessible dwelling units
as required by this chapter or Colorado law, said building project (or phase) shall be
constructed such that all such required accessible dwelling units in such building project
(or phase) provide the same functional features as are provided in the nonaccessible units
in such building project (or phase). Furthermore, all such functional features except
dwelling unit bedroom-types shall be provided in the same proportion as in the
nonaccessible units. Not less than 50 percent of the required accessible dwelling units
shall be constructed with the distribution of accessible dwelling unit bedroom-types
being proportionally the same as the distribution of nonaccessible dwelling unit bedroom-
types, provided that at least one of each dwelling unit bedroom-type constructed in the
building project (or phase) shall be an accessible dwelling unit.
For purposes of this Section 1107.2, the following definitions shall apply. Dwelling unit
bedroom-type shall mean the number of bedrooms within the dwelling unit. Functional
feature shall mean a closet, garage, carport, patio, deck, additional room (such as a
bedroom, bathroom, den, storeroom, laundry or similar room) or any other significant
feature built at the time of original construction that offers occupants improved
convenience or comfort. Aesthetic or decorative features such as colors, architectural
design elements, trim and finish materials, decorative heating appliances not providing
the primary comfort heat source, lighting fixture style, cabinet and hardware style,
plumbing fixture style, the type and location of windows and glazed lights, or any similar
miscellaneous features shall not be construed as functional features.
(55) Table 1107.6.1.1 Accessible Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units is hereby deleted in its
entirety and the following Table 1107.6.1.1 is hereby added in lieu thereof:
TABLE 1107.6.1.1
ACCESSIBLE DWELLING UNITS AND SLEEPING UNITS
Total number
of units
provided
Minimum required number of
accessible units without roll-in
showers
Minimum required
number of accessible
units with roll-in
showers
Total number of required
accessible units
1 - 25 1 0 1
26 - 50 1 1 2
- 23 -
51 - 75 2 2 4
76 - 100 3 2 5
101 - 150 5 2 7
151 - 200 6 2 8
201 - 300 7 3 10
301 - 400 8 4 12
401 - 500 9 4 13
501 - 1000 2% of total 1% of total 3% of total
Over 1000 20, plus 1 for each 100, or fraction
thereof, over 1000
10, plus 1 for each 100,
or fraction thereof, over
1000
30, plus 1 for each 100,
or fraction thereof, over
1000
(56) Section 1203.4 Under-floor ventilation is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following
is hereby added in lieu thereof:
1203.4 Under-floor ventilation All exposed earth in a crawl space shall be covered with
a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches
(152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend at
least 6 inches (152 mm) up the perimeter stem wall and any footing pads on grade, and be
permanently attached and sealed to the stem wall or footing pads.
1203.4.1 Crawl space. Crawl spaces shall be designed and constructed to be inside the
building thermal envelope, in accordance with the insulation and air sealing requirements
for crawl space walls and rim joists of Section N1102 of the International Residential
Code as amended or the International Energy Conservation Code as amended. Crawl
spaces shall not be vented to the exterior. They shall be conditioned using one of the
following approaches:
1. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cubic
foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7m2) of crawl space floor
area, including an air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer
grille);
2. Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute
(0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of under-floor area, including a return
air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille);
3. Plenum in existing structures complying with Section M1601.5, if under-floor
space is used as a plenum.
Exception:
Crawl spaces shall be permitted to be designed and constructed as unconditioned spaces,
outside the building thermal envelope, provided the following requirements are met:
- 24 -
1. The floor above the crawl space is part of the building thermal envelope. It shall
meet the insulation requirements of Table N1102.1.1 of this code and shall be air-
sealed in accordance with Section N1102.4.1 of this code.
2. Ventilation openings shall be placed through foundation walls or exterior walls.
The minimum net area of ventilation openings shall not be less than 1 square foot
(0.0929 m2) for each 1,500 square feet (140 m2) of under-floor space area. One
such ventilating opening shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of each corner of the
building.
3. Ventilation openings 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):
a. Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
b. Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
c. Cast-iron grill or grating.
d. Extruded load-bearing brick vents.
e. Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
f. Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being one-eighth
(1/8) inch (3.2 mm) thick.
4. The installation of operable louvers is allowed.
Mechanical ventilation systems for spaces under below grade floors shall be designed by
a professional engineer, addressing moisture controls and by approved methods
considering the impact of negative pressures created by exhaust fans, clothes dryers and
similar appliances.
1203.4.2 Ventilated under-floor spaces. Floor systems above ventilated under-floor
spaces, or floors open to the exterior with no enclosed space below shall be insulated to
R-30 in accordance with the adopted International Energy Conservation Code Table
402.1.1. The floor system shall be sealed to prevent heat loss and air infiltration.
(57) A new Section 1211 Radon-Resistant Construction is hereby added to read as follows:
1211 – Radon-resistant construction
1211.1 Scope. The provisions of this Section shall apply to new R-2, R-3, R-4
Occupancies, new I-1 occupancies, and new I-2 nursing homes.
1211.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this Section 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 code.
- 25 -
1211.2 - Definitions
1211.2.1 General. For the purpose of this Section, the terms used shall be defined as
follows:
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, that can move readily through particles of soil and rock, and that 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 or 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.
1211.3 - Requirements
1211.3.1 General. The following required construction methods are intended to resist
radon entry and prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation.
1211.3.2 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
- 26 -
footing or barrier equal to a minimum of 12 square inches (0.094 m
2
) per 10 feet
(3.048 m) of barrier length shall be provided. A minimum of 2 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 1211.5.2
in place of penetrations through the barrier.
2. A foundation drain pipe system installed under concrete floor slab areas less than
2,000 square feet (186 m
2
), 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 the
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 cm
2
/m
2
) 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 m
2
) but less
than 4,000 square feet (372 m
2
), 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 m
2
) shall have under them separate loops for
every additional 2,000 square feet (186 m
2
) 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 m
2
) and 4,000 square
feet (372 m
2
) 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 m
2
) 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 m
2
) 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
- 27 -
Slabs larger than 2,000 square feet (186 m
2
) but less than 4,000 square feet (372
m
2
) 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 m
2
) shall have separate loops for each
2,000 (186 m
2
) square feet, or for each 4,000 square feet (372 m2) if 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.
1211.3.3 Entry routes. Potential radon entry routes shall be closed in accordance with
Sections 1211.3.4.1 through 1211.3.4.8
1211.3.3.1 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.
1211.3.3.2 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.
1211.3.3.3 Condensate drains. Condensate drains shall be trapped or routed through
non-perforated pipe to daylight.
1211.3.3.4 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 and view port.
1211.3.3.5 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.
- 28 -
1211.3.3.6 Dampproofing. The exterior surfaces of portions of concrete and masonry
block walls below the ground surface shall be damp-proofed in accordance with Section
1805.
1211.3.3.7 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.
1211.3.3.8 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 the International Mechanical Code.
1211.3.4 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 sub-
membrane depressurization system shall be installed during construction.
Exception: Buildings in which an approved mechanical ventilation system complying
with Section 1203 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.
1211.3.4.1 Ventilation. Crawl spaces and similar under-floor spaces shall be provided
with ventilation complying with Section 1203.
1211.3.4.2 Soil-gas-retarder. The exposed soil in under-floor spaces shall be covered
with a continuous layer of soil-gas-retarder. Such groundcover joints shall overlap 6
inches (152 mm) and be sealed or taped. The edges of the groundcover 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.
1211.3.4.3 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, and shall 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 at a point 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.
- 29 -
1211.3.5 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.
1211.3.5.1 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 and shall 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 at a point 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 ¼ inch (6.4 mm)
and ½ inch (12.7 mm).
1211.3.5.2 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, in the alternative, each individual vent pipe shall terminate separately
above the roof.
1211.3.6 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.
1211.3.7 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.
1211.3.8 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 includes the following statement:
“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
- 30 -
vent pipe (access typically provided in the attic) and connected to the nearby provided
electrical outlet. Call 1-800-767-radon for more information.”
1211.3.9 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.
1211.3.10 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.
1211.3.11 Provisions for future depressurization fan installation. 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.
1211.3.11.1 Depressurization fan system activation. When a passive system
constructed in accordance with this code 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
1211.11.1. 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 5 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.
(58) A new Section 1404.9.1 Vinyl siding on new buildings is hereby added to read as
follows:
1404.9 Vinyl siding. Vinyl siding shall be certified and labeled as conforming to the
requirements of ASTM D 3679 by an approved quality control agency.
- 31 -
Section 1404.9.1 Vinyl siding on new buildings. Vinyl sidings on new buildings shall
be installed over one-hour fire-rated assemblies listed for exterior fire exposure, in both
the vertical and horizontal plane.
(59) A new Section 1404.12.3 Polypropylene siding on new buildings is hereby added to read
as follows:
1404.12 Polypropylene siding. Polypropylene siding shall be certified and labeled as
conforming to the requirements of ASTM D 7254 and those of Section 1404.12.1 or
1404.12.2 by an approved quality control agency. Polypropylene siding shall be installed
in accordance with the requirements of Section 1405.18 and in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions. Polypropylene siding shall be secured to the
building so as to provide weather protection for the exterior walls of the building.
1404.12.1 Flame spread index. The certification of the flame spread index shall be
accompanied by a test report stating that all portions of the test specimen ahead of the
flame front remained in position during the test in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL
723.
1404.12.2 Fire separation distance. The fire separation distance between a building with
polypropylene siding and the adjacent building shall be no less than 10 feet (3048 mm).
1404.12.3 Polypropylene siding on new buildings. Polypropylene on new buildings
shall be installed over one-hour fire-rated assemblies listed for exterior fire exposure, in
both the vertical and horizontal plane.
(60) A new Section 1405.13.2 Fenestration installation is added to read as follows:
. . .
1405.13.2 Fenestration installation. For all new construction and additions, all new
fenestration installations shall be in accordance with American Architectural
Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Standards/Specifications for Windows, Doors and
Skylights and shall be supervised and inspected by an individual certified as an
Installation Master by Architectural Testing, Inc. (ATI), or other nationally recognized
agency.
(61) Section 1503.4 Roof drainage is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
1503.4 Roof drainage. All buildings shall have a controlled method of water disposal
from roofs that will collect and discharge roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5
feet (1524 mm) from foundation walls or to an approved drainage system. Design and
installation of roof drainage systems shall comply with Section 1503 of this code and
Sections 1106 and 1108, as applicable, of and the International Plumbing Code.
- 32 -
. . .
(62) Section 1503.6 Crickets and saddles is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendment to add a new exception number two:
1503.6 Crickets and saddles. A cricket or saddle shall be installed on the ridge side of
any chimney or penetration greater than 30 inches (762 mm) wide as measured
perpendicular to the slope. Cricket or saddle coverings shall be sheet metal or of the same
material as the roof covering.
Exceptions:
1. Unit skylights installed in accordance with Section 2405.5 and flashed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions shall be permitted to be installed
without a cricket or saddle.
2. Re-roofing.
(63) Section 1505.1 General is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby
added in lieu thereof:
1505.1 New Construction. The roof-covering classification on any new structure
regulated by this code shall be Class A.
Exceptions:
1. Noncombustible roof coverings as defined in Section 1507.3, 1507.4, 1507.5 may
be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications in place of a fire-
retardant roofing assembly.
2. Any Class B or Class C roof covering may be applied on any new construction
that is added to an existing building classified as a Group R, Division 3
Occupancy, provided the roof extremities of such existing building and new
construction are located a minimum distance of 5 feet from the nearest adjacent
property line and are a minimum distance of 10 feet from any other building.
3. Skylights and sloped glazing that comply with Chapter 24 or Section 2610.
(64) Table 1505.1, Minimum Roof Covering Classifications for Types of Construction, is
hereby deleted in its entirety.
(65) Section 1507.2.1 Deck requirements is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments :
1507.2.1 Deck Requirements. Asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solidly sheathed
decks. Gaps in the solidly sheathed or plank decking shall not exceed 1/8 inch.
- 33 -
(66) A new Section 1507.2.9.4 Sidewall flashing is hereby added to read as follows:
1507.2.9.4 Sidewall flashing. Flashing against a vertical sidewall shall be by the step-
flashing method. The flashing shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high and 4
inches (102 mm) wide. At the end of the vertical sidewall the step flashing shall be turned
out in a manner that directs water away from the wall and onto the roof and/or gutter.
Exception: Re-roofing where step flashing would require removal of siding material,
provided adequate flashing is installed.
(67) A new Section 1507.2.9.5 Other flashing is hereby added to read as follows:
1507.2.9.5 Other flashing. Flashing against a vertical front wall, as well as soil stack,
vent pipe and chimney flashing shall be applied according to the asphalt shingle
manufacturer’s printed instructions.
(68) Section 1511.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendment
adding two paragraphs at the end after the Exceptions, to read as follows:
. . .
No portion of an existing nonrated roof covering may be permanently replaced or
covered with more than one square of nonrated roof covering.
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.
(69) A new Section 1608.2.1 Roof snow load, is hereby added to read as follows;
1608.2.1 Roof Snow Loads. Roof snow loads shall be a minimum of 30 psf.
(70) Section 1609.3 Ultimate design wind speed is hereby deleted in its entirety and the
following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
1609.3 Basic wind speed. The basic wind speed, in mph, for the determination of the
wind loads shall be 100 miles per hour (161 kph) Vasd or 129 miles per hour (208 kph)
Vult.
(71) A new Section 1804.3.1 Final Grading is hereby added to read as follows:
1804.3.1 Final Grading. Final grading adjacent to the foundation and above utility
trenches shall be compacted sufficiently and in such a manner that it is not undermined or
subject to significant settlement or displacement due to improper placement of backfill.
- 34 -
(72) Section 2406.4.7 Glazing adjacent to the bottom stair landing is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
2406.4.7 Glazing adjacent to stair landings. Glazing adjacent to the stair landings
where the glazing is less than 36 inches ( 914 mm) above the landing and within 60
inches (1524 mm) horizontally of the top or bottom tread shall be considered a
hazardous location.
Exception: The glazing is protected by a guard complying with Sections 1013 and
1607.8 where the plane of the glass is more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the guard.
(73) A new Section 2902.1.3 Touch-free toilet facilities is hereby added to read as follows:
2902.1.3 Touch-free toilet facilities. Toilet facilities installed for occupancies associated
with food preparation or food service to the public shall be provided with:
1. Automatic touch-free water control valves on lavatories.
2. Automatic touch-free paper towel dispensers.
3. Toilet facilities exit doors that allow exiting without requiring touching by hand
of any door hardware such as knobs, levers, sliding bolts, latches and similar
devices.
Exception: Toilet facilities designed as a single occupant use may be provided with exit
door locking hardware to afford privacy, doors may swing inward or outward.
(74) Section 2902.2 Separate facilities is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
2902.2 Separate facilities. Where plumbing fixtures are required, separate facilities shall
be provided for each sex.
Exceptions:
1. Separate facilities shall not be required for dwelling units and sleeping units.
2. Separate facilities shall not be required in structures or tenant spaces with a total
occupant load, including both employees and customers, of 30 or fewer.
3. Separate facilities shall not be required in mercantile occupancies in which the
maximum occupant load is 100 or less.
4. Multiple single-user Unisex facilities may be used provided that the total fixture
count as calculated per 2902.1 is satisfied.
- 35 -
(75) Section 2902.3.1 Access is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
2902.3.1 Access. The route to the public toilet facilities required by Section 2902.3 shall
not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, closets, or spaces used for similar purposes. A
clearly signed unobstructed access path shall be provided, leading directly from the
public customer area to the toilet facilities. Access to the required facilities shall be from
within the building or from the exterior of the building. Routes shall comply with the
accessibility section of this code. The public shall have access to the required toilet
facilities at all times that the building is occupied and without the need to ask for
permission to use the toilet facilities.
(76) Section 3109 Swimming pool enclosures and safety devices is hereby deleted in its
entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
SECTION 3109
BARRIER REQUIREMENTS
3109.1 General.
The provisions of this Section shall apply to the design of barriers for pools and spas.
These design controls are intended to provide protection against the potential drowning
and near drowning by restricting access to such pools or spas. These requirements
provide an integrated level of protection against potential drowning through the use of
physical barriers and warning devices.
Exceptions:
1. Spas and hot tubs with a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
2. Swimming pools with a powered safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
3109.2 Outdoor swimming pools and spas.
Outdoor pools and spas and indoor swimming pools shall be surrounded by a barrier that
complies with Sections 3109.2.1 through 3109.7.
3109.2.1 Barrier height and clearances.
Barrier heights and clearances shall be in accordance with all of the following:
1. The top of the barrier shall be not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade
where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa.
Such height shall exist around the entire perimeter of the barrier and for a distance
of 3 feet (914 mm) measured horizontally from the outside of the required barrier.
2. The vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall not
exceed 2 inches (51 mm) for grade surfaces that are not solid, such as grass or
- 36 -
gravel, where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or
spa.
3. The vertical clearance between a surface below the barrier to a solid surface, such
as concrete, and the bottom of the required barrier shall not exceed 4 inches (102
mm) where measured on the side of the required barrier that faces away from the
pool or spa.
4. Where the top of the pool or spa structure is above grade, the barrier shall be
installed on grade or shall be mounted on top of the pool or spa structure. Where
the barrier is mounted on the top of the pool or spa, the vertical clearance between
the top of the pool or spa and the bottom of the barrier shall not exceed 4 inches
(102 mm).
3109.2.2 Openings.
Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.
3109.2.3 Solid barrier surfaces.
Solid barriers that do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions that
form handholds and footholds, except for normal construction tolerances and tooled
masonry joints.
3109.2.4 Mesh fence as a barrier.
Mesh fences, other than chain link fences in accordance with Section 3109.2.7, shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall comply with the
following:
1. The bottom of the mesh fence shall be not more than 1 inch (25 mm) above the
deck or installed surface or grade.
2. The maximum vertical clearance from the bottom of the mesh fence and the solid
surface shall not permit the fence to be lifted more than 4 inches (102 mm) from
grade or decking.
3. The fence shall be designed and constructed so that it does not allow passage of a
4-inch (102 mm) sphere under any mesh panel. The maximum vertical clearance
from the bottom of the mesh fence and the solid surface shall not be more than 4
inches (102 mm) from grade or decking.
4. An attachment device shall attach each barrier section at a height not lower than
45 inches (1143 mm) above grade. Common attachment devices include, but are
not limited to, devices that provide the security equal to or greater than that of a
hook-and-eye type latch incorporating a spring-actuated retaining lever such as a
safety gate hook.
- 37 -
5. Where a hinged gate is used with a mesh fence, the gate shall comply with
Section 3109.3.
6. Patio deck sleeves such as vertical post receptacles that are placed inside the patio
surface shall be of a nonconductive material.
7. Mesh fences shall not be installed on top of on ground residential pools.
3109.2.5 Closely spaced horizontal members.
Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance
between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches (1143 mm), the
horizontal members shall be located on the pool or spa side of the fence. Spacing between
vertical members shall not exceed 1 3/4 inches (44 mm) in width. Where there are
decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1
3/4 inches (44 mm) in width.
3109.2.6 Widely spaced horizontal members.
Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance
between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, spacing
between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). Where there are
decorative cutouts within vertical members, the interior width of the cutouts shall not
exceed 13/4 inches (44 mm).
3109.2.7 Chain link dimensions.
The maximum opening formed by a chain link fence shall be not more than 1 3/4 inches
(44 mm). Where the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top and bottom which
reduce the openings, such openings shall be not more than 1 3/4 inches (44 mm).
3109.2.8 Diagonal members.
Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, the maximum opening formed by
the diagonal members shall be not more than1 3/4 inches (44 mm). The angle of diagonal
members shall be not greater than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) from vertical.
3109.2.9 Clear zone.
There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) between the exterior of
the barrier and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters
that can be used to climb the barrier.
3109.2.10 Poolside barrier setbacks.
The pool or spa side of the required barrier shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm)
from the water’s edge.
3109.3 Gates.
Access gates shall comply with the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.3
and shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates shall
- 38 -
open outward away from the pool or spa, shall be self-closing and shall have a self-
latching device.
3109.3.1 Utility or service gates.
Gates not intended for pedestrian use, such as utility or service gates, shall remain locked
when not in use.
3109.3.2 Double or multiple gates.
Double gates or multiple gates shall have at least one leaf secured in place and the
adjacent leaf shall be secured with a self-latching device. The gate and barrier shall not
have openings larger than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the latch
release mechanism. The self-latching device shall comply with the requirements of
Section 305.3.3.
3109.3.3 Latches.
Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches
(1372 mm) from grade, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool or spa side of
the gate not less than 3 inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate, and the gate and barrier
shall not have openings greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of
the release mechanism.
3109.4 Structure wall as a barrier.
Where a wall of a dwelling or structure serves as part of the barrier and where doors or
windows provide direct access to the pool or spa through that wall, one of the following
shall be required:
1. Operable windows having a sill height of less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above
the indoor finished floor and doors shall have an alarm that produces an audible
warning when the window, door or their screens are opened. The alarm shall be
listed and labeled as a water hazard entrance alarm in accordance with UL 2017.
In dwellings or structures not required to be Accessible units, Type A units or
Type B units, the operable parts of the alarm deactivation switches shall be
located 54 inches (1372 mm) or more above the finished floor. In dwellings or
structures required to be Accessible units, Type A units or Type B units, the
operable parts of the alarm deactivation switches shall be located not greater than
54 inches (1372 mm) and not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished
floor.
2. A safety cover that is listed and labeled in accordance with ASTM F 1346 is
installed for the pools and spas.
3. An approved means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-latching
devices, is provided. Such means of protection shall provide a degree of
protection that is not less than the protection afforded by Item 1 or 2.
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3109.5 On ground residential pool structure as a barrier.
An on ground residential pool wall structure or a barrier mounted on top of an on ground
residential pool wall structure shall serve as a barrier where all of the following
conditions are present:
1. Where only the pool wall serves as the barrier, the bottom of the wall is on grade,
the top of the wall is not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade for the entire
perimeter of the pool, the wall complies with the requirements of Section 3109.2
and the pool manufacturer allows the wall to serve as a barrier.
2. Where a barrier is mounted on top of the pool wall, the top of the barrier is not
less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool,
and the wall and the barrier on top of the wall comply with the requirements of
Section 3109.2.
3. Ladders or steps used as means of access to the pool are capable of being secured,
locked or removed to prevent access except where the ladder or steps are
surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Section 3109.5.
4. Openings created by the securing, locking or removal of ladders and steps do not
allow the passage of a 4inch (102 mm) diameter sphere.
5. Barriers that are mounted on top of on ground residential pool walls are installed
in accordance with the pool manufacturer’s instructions.
3109.6 Natural barriers.
In the case where the pool or spa area abuts the edge of a lake or other natural body of
water, public access is not permitted or allowed along the shoreline, and required barriers
extend to and beyond the water’s edge not less than 18 inches (457 mm), a barrier is not
required between the natural body of water shoreline and the pool or spa.
3109.7 Natural topography.
Natural topography that prevents direct access to the pool or spa area shall include but
not be limited to mountains and natural rock formations. A natural barrier as approved by
the building official shall be acceptable provided that the degree of protection is not less
than the protection afforded by the requirements of Sections 3109.2 through 3109.5.
3109.8 Entrapment avoidance.
Suction outlets shall be designed and installed in accordance with ANSI/APSP-7.
3109.9 Barriers around decorative pools, fountains, and ponds.
Decorative pools, fountains, and ponds that can contain water deeper than 24 inches (610
mm), shall be protected by barriers installed in accordance with Section 3109.
- 40 -
(77) Chapter 35 Referenced Standards is hereby amended to add, in alphabetical order, the
following additional referenced standards:
. . .
CDPH California Department of Public Health
1615 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95814
CDPH 01350
Standard Method for Testing VOC emissions from indoor sources
Referenced in Amended 12 IBC Section 3603.2 Low-volatile organic
compound (VOC) materials
. . .
FSC Forest Stewardship Council U.S. (FSC-US)
212 Third Avenue North, Suite 504
Minneapolis, MN 55401
. . .
GEI GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
2211 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110
Marietta, GA 30067
GGPS.001.GREENGUARD IAQ Standard for Building Materials, Finishes and
Furnishings
Referenced in Amended 12 IBC Section 3603.2 Low-volatile organic
compound (VOC) materials
Green Seal®
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 827
Washington, DC 20036-5525
GS-11 Paintings and Coatings
GS-43 Recycled Content Latex Paints
Referenced in Amended 12 IBC Section 3603.2
Low-volatile organic compound (VOC) materials
. . .
- 41 -
(78) A new Chapter 36 Sustainable Building Construction Practices is hereby added to read
as follows:
Chapter 36 Sustainable Building Construction Practices
3601 General
3601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern sustainable building
construction practices for new construction and additions and remodels over 5,000 square
feet that require a building permit, unless otherwise noted.
3602 Resource Efficiency
3602.1 Construction waste management. For new buildings and additions over 2,500
square feet or remodels over 2,500 square feet, a construction waste management plan
acceptable to the building official that includes recycling of concrete and masonry, wood,
metals and cardboard, is required at the time of application for a building permit. The
construction waste management plan shall be implemented and conspicuously posted on
the construction site. Compliance shall be certified by the hauler through receipts and
signed affidavits. Substantive changes to the plan shall be subject to prior approval by the
building official.
3602.1.1 Building demolitions. Buildings or portions of buildings that are removed shall
be processed in such a way as to safely remove all asbestos and lead paint contaminants.
All metals, asphalt, concrete and masonry that are free of asbestos and lead paint shall be
recycled, and where possible, all remaining materials, such as doors, windows, cabinets,
fixtures, and wood, shall be recycled. A construction waste management plan shall be
submitted at time of demolition permit. Compliance shall be certified by the hauler
through receipts and signed affidavits.
3603 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
3603.1 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
3603.1.1 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Design. Prior to and during
construction, reasonable efforts shall be made to minimize the release of particulates and
accumulation of debris, and the specific requirements of this Section shall apply.
3603.1.1.1 Air handling system access. The arrangement and location of air handling
system components including, but not limited to, air handler units, fans, coils and
condensate pans, shall allow access for cleaning and repair of the air handling surfaces of
such components. Piping, conduits, and other building components shall not be located
so as to obstruct the required access.
3603.1.1.2 Durability of air handling surfaces. Surfaces exposed to airflow within air
handling systems shall be constructed of materials that are resistant to deterioration and
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will not break away, crack, peel, flake off, or show evidence of delamination or continued
erosion when tested in accordance with the erosion test in UL 181.
3603.1.1.3 Airstream surfaces. Materials exposed to airflow within ducts, within air
plenums, or on top of suspended ceilings, shall not break away, crack, peel, flake off, or
show evidence of delamination or continued erosion when tested in accordance with the
erosion test in UL 181.
3603.1.2 New Building and first time completed tenant finish spaces pollutant flush-
out. After all interior finishes are installed, the building or space shall be flushed out by
ventilating at a minimum rate of 0.30 cfm per ft
2
of outside air or the design outdoor
airflow rate determined from the IMC, whichever is greater, for at least 14 days while
maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60°F, and relative humidity not higher
than 60 percent. Occupancy shall be permitted to start 1 day after start of the flush-out,
provided that flush-out continues for the full 14 days. The building or space shall not be
“baked out” by increasing the temperature of the space above the occupied set point.
Where continuous ventilation is not possible, the aggregate of flush-out periods shall be
equivalent to 14 days of continuous ventilation.
Exception: All residential buildings.
3603.2 Low-volatile organic compound (VOC) materials. All construction materials,
including but not limited to floor coverings and site-applied finishes, including sealants
and adhesives, resilient flooring, carpeting and pad, site-applied paints, stains and
varnishes, structural wood panels, hardwood veneer plywood, particle board and fiber
board building products, and insulation shall meet specified volatile organic compound
(VOC) emissions limits in accordance with relevant standards California Department of
Public Health (CDPH) 01350; GREENGUARD Environmental Institute GGPS.001
standard for building materials and finishes, and Green Seal® standards. Documentation
demonstrating compliance shall be required with delivery of such materials and shall be
available for inspection.
Exception: For alterations to existing buildings, carpeting and pad, structural wood
panels, hardwood, veneer plywood, particle board and fiber board building products and
insulation are not subject to this requirement.
3603.3 Acoustical control. Minimum requirements for exterior-to-interior sound
transmission, interior sound transmission, and background sound levels in new
construction and additions, except as noted hereunder, shall be provided as specified
herein.
3603.3.1 Sound transmission. Buildings and tenant spaces shall comply with the
following sound transmission requirements:
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Exceptions:
1. Portions of buildings or structures that have the interior environment open to the
exterior environment.
2. Concession stands and toilet facilities in Group A-4 and A-5 occupancies.
3603.3.1.1 Exterior sound transmission. Where a Group A1, A3, E and I occupancy
building, a Group B occupancy building used for educational purposes, or a Group R
occupancy building is constructed at a location listed herein, the wall assemblies making
up the building thermal envelope shall have a composite sound transmission class (STCc)
rating of 39 or greater in the following locations:
1. within 500 feet (152 m) of a multi-lane highway designed for high-speed travel
by large numbers of vehicles, and having no traffic lights, stop signs, or other
regulations requiring vehicles to stop; fire stations; heavy industrial or
manufacturing areas or facilities; commercial storage facilities with back-up
alarms; outdoor music amphitheaters; or sports arena or stadium;
2. within 250 feet (76 m) of a roadway containing 4 or more traffic lanes; or
3. within 1,000 feet (305 m) of an active railway.
3603.3.1.2 Interior sound transmission. Interior wall and floor/ceiling assemblies,
separating interior rooms and spaces shall be designed in accordance with the following
requirements:
1. Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies separating adjacent tenant spaces, tenant spaces
and public places, hotel rooms, motel rooms, patient rooms in nursing homes and
hospitals, and adjoining classrooms shall have a composite STC rating of 50 or
greater.
2. Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies separating classrooms from rest rooms and
showers shall have a composite STC rating of 53 or greater.
3. Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies separating classrooms from music rooms,
mechanical rooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and indoor swimming pools shall
have a composite STC rating of 60 or greater.
Exception: Residential Group R occupancies addressed in Section 1207 of this
code.
3603.3.1.3 Background Sound. The average background sound levels within
unoccupied rooms (from heating, ventilating and air conditioning and other building
systems) shall be below the maximum A-weighted sound level for specific occupancies
from Table 3603 below. This shall be confirmed by spot checks.
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Table 3603 Maximum Allowable Background Sound in Rooms
Occupancy Maximum
A-
weighted
sound
level
(dBa)
Small auditoriums (≤500 seats) 39
Large auditoriums, large live indoor theaters, and large churches (for very
good speech articulation) (>500 seats)
35
TV and broadcast studios (close microphone pickup only) 35
Small live indoor theaters (≤ 500 seats) 35
Private residences:
Bedrooms
Apartments
Family rooms and living rooms
39
48
48
Schools:
Lecture and classrooms
Core learning space with enclosed volume ≤ 20,000 cu ft (<566 cu m)
Core learning space with enclosed volume > 20,000 cu ft (>566 cu m)
Open-plan classrooms
35
40
35
Hotels/motels:
Individual rooms or suites
Meeting/banquet rooms
Service support areas
44
44
57
Office buildings:
Offices
executive
small, private
large, with conference tables
Conference rooms
Large
Small
Open-plan areas
Business machines, computers
Public circulation
44
48
44
39
44
48
53
57
Hospitals and clinics
Private rooms
Wards
Operating rooms
Laboratories
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3603.3.1.4 Outdoor Environmental Quality (OEQ)
3603.3.1.4 Exterior lighting. All building mounted exterior lighting fixtures associated
with new buildings shall have the “Fixture Seal of Approval” from the International
Dark-Sky Association (IDA) or, meet equivalent criteria approved by the Building
Official. Lighting placement shall conform to IDA Model Lighting Ordinance for
Lighting Zone LZ-1. Light shall be shielded such that the lamp itself or the lamp image is
not directly visible outside the property perimeter. Exterior lighting associated with
existing buildings shall comply with the Land Use Code as adopted.
3604 Commissioning, Operations & Maintenance
3604.1 Building commissioning. For new completed and fully occupied buildings or
first time completed tenant finish spaces both with a gross floor area of greater than
15,000 ft
2
(1,395 m
2
) and additions with a gross floor area of greater than 15,000 ft
2
(1,395 m
2
), commissioning shall be performed in accordance with this Section. A
commissioning process shall be incorporated into the design and construction of the
building project that verifies that the delivered building and its components, assemblies,
and systems comply with the documented owner project requirements (OPR).
Procedures, documentation, tools and training shall be provided to the building operating
staff to sustain features of the building assemblies and systems for the service life of the
building. This material shall be assembled and organized into a systems manual that
provides necessary information to the building operating staff to operate and maintain all
commissioned systems identified with the building project. The owner shall retain the
system manual and final commissioning report described below. The final
commissioning report shall be made available to the building official upon request.
The following commissioning activities shall be completed prior to approval:
1. The owner shall designate an approved project commissioning authority (CxA) to
lead, review, and oversee completion of the commissioning process activities.
2. The owner, in conjunction with the design team as necessary, shall develop the
owner’s project requirements (OPR) to guide the CxA. The OPR shall be
distributed to all parties participating in the project programming, design,
construction, and operations, and the commissioning team members.
3. The design team shall develop the basis of design (BOD).
4. The CxA shall:
a. review the both the OPR and BOD for clarity and completeness,
b. incorporate construction phase commissioning requirements into project
specifications and other construction documents developed by the design
team,
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c. develop and implement a commissioning plan containing all required
forms and procedures for the complete testing of all equipment, systems,
and controls included in Section 3604.1.1,
d. verify the installation and performance of the systems to be commissioned,
e. complete a final commissioning report satisfactory to the building official,
f. verify the owner requirements for training operating personnel and
building occupants are completed, and
g. verify that a system manual in a form satisfactory to the building official
has been prepared. At a minimum, the system manual shall include
operations and maintenance documentation and full warranty information,
and shall provide operating staff the information needed to understand and
operate the commissioned systems as designed.
Core and shell buildings or spaces not completed shall be commissioned to the extent
possible but not less than completing items 1, 2, and 3 in Section 3604.1.1 below.
3604.1.1 Systems. The following systems, if included in the building project, shall be
commissioned:
1. heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, indoor-air-quality, and refrigeration systems
and associated controls;
2. building thermal envelope systems, components, and assemblies to verify thermal,
air, and moisture integrity;
3. all lighting controls and shading controls;
4. service water heating systems;
5. renewable energy systems;
6. background sound levels;
7. cooling towers water use.
(79) Appendix C GROUP U AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS is adopted in its entirety.
(80) Appendix E SUPPLEMENTARY ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, is adopted in
its entirety.
(81) Appendix I PATIO COVERS is adopted in its entirety.
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Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 6th day of
June, A.D. 2017, and to be presented for final passage on the 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on this 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
- 1 -
ORDINANCE NO. 073, 2017,
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE II, DIVISION 2, OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPEALING THE 2012
INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE (IECC) AND ADOPTING THE
2015 INTERNATIONALENERGY CONSERVATION CODE, WITH AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, since 1924, the City has reviewed, amended and adopted the latest
nationally recognized building standards available for the times; and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation of City staff, the City Council has determined that it
is in the best interests of the City to align the five interconnected basic construction codes under
one publication year; and
WHEREAS, the five interconnected basic construction codes are the International
Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International
Fuel Gas Code, and International Energy Conservation Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the 2015 publication year of the five
interconnected basic construction codes ought to be adopted and that their counterpart codes
previously adopted should be repealed, both in order to align the publication years of the codes
and also because the 2015 publications contain improvements in construction code regulation;
and
WHEREAS, City staff has conducted a significant public outreach program, working
with the regulated construction industry and building professionals; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the five interconnected basic construction codes has been
presented to and recommended by the Affordable Housing Board, the Commission on Disability,
the Air Quality Advisory Board, the Natural Resources Advisory Board, the Building Review
Board, the Electric Board, the Landmark Preservation Commission and the Water Board; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the health,
safety and welfare of the City and its citizens that the 2012 International Energy Conservation
Code, as adopted and amended by the City pursuant to Ordinance No. 019, 2014, be repealed,
and that in its place, the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code be adopted, with local
amendments; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter II, Section 7, City Council may enact any
ordinance which adopts a code by reference in whole or in part provided that before adoption of
such ordinance the Council hold a public hearing thereon and that notice of the hearing is
published twice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City, with one of such
publications occurring at least eight (8) days preceding the hearing and the other publication
occurring at least fifteen (15) days preceding the hearing; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with Article II, Section 7, the City Clerk published in the Fort
Collins Coloradoan such notice of hearing concerning adoption of the 2015 International Energy
Conservation Code on May 21, 2017, and May 28, 2017; and
- 2 -
WHEREAS, attached as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference is the Notice
of Public Hearing dated May 14, 2017, that was so published and which the Council hereby finds
meets the requirements of Article II, Section 7 of the City Charter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That Section 5-26(c) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(c) 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 repeals
the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (2012 IECC), and adopts, as the
energy conservation code of the City, the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
(2015 IECC) published by the International Code Council, as amended by the City,
which shall have the same force and effect as though set forth in full herein, except as
amended pursuant to Section 5-31 of the City Code, and which shall apply exclusively to
the design and construction of all buildings that are classified as residential buildings not
more than three (3) stories above grade and their systems; new portions of such existing
buildings and their systems; and new systems and equipment in such existing buildings,
exclusive of detached one- and two-family dwellings, multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses), for the purpose of establishing minimum requirements for minimum
energy efficiency. None of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
Appendices are hereby adopted.
Section 2. That Section 5-31 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5-31. Amendments and deletions to the 2015 International Energy Conservation
Code
The 20125 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE adopted in § 5-26(c) is hereby
amended in the following respects:
(1) Section C101.1 Title is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
C101.1 Title. This code shall be known as the International Energy Conservation Code
of the City of Fort Collins and shall be cited as such. It is referred to herein as “this
code.”
(2) Section C101.4 Applicability is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
. . .
Information contained in the amended Commercial Sections: C101.1 Title; C103.6
Permits; C107 Fees; C109 Board of Appeals; C110 Violations; C110.2 Work
commencing before permit issuance; C202 Definitions; C301.4 Exterior and Interior
- 3 -
design parameters; C402.2 Specific insulation requirements, shall be applicable to the
corresponding Residential Sections and shall have the same meaning.
(3) A new Section C101.4.2 Energy assessment is hereby added to read as follows:
C101.4.2 Energy assessment. Prior to any alterations, an energy assessment shall be
completed and submitted to the building official.
Exceptions: Energy assessments are not required in the following cases.
1. Buildings for which the first Certificate of Occupancy was issued after October
2010.
2. First-time interior finishes.
3. A building that has undergone an energy assessment within the previous three
years.
4. Alterations to the HVAC, lighting, power, and exterior walls systems, or
replacement of such with a construction valuation of less than $50,000.
5. Residential buildings.
(4) A new Section C103.6 Permits is hereby added to read as follows:
C103.6 Permits. Procedures related to permits, required inspections, payment of fees and
obtaining required approvals shall be as set forth in Section 105 of the adopted
International Building Code, entitled ‘Permits’.
(5) Section C107 Fees is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety and the following is
hereby added in lieu thereof:
C107 Fees. All items relating to fees shall be as specified in Section 109 of the adopted
International Building Code, entitled “Fees.”
(6) Section C109 Board of Appeals is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety and the
following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
C109 Appeals. Appeals of decisions, determinations and interpretations of this code
shall be made pursuant to the applicable provisions of Section 113 of the adopted
International Building Code, entitled “Board of Appeals.”
(7) A new Section C110 Violations is hereby added to read as follows:
C110.1 Violations. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply
with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, 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,
- 4 -
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to the penalties and fines specified
in Section 1-15 of the City Code.
(8) A new Section C110.2 Work commencing before permit issuance is hereby added to
read as follows:
C110.2 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to the penalties set
forth in Section 110.1, 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 fine in addition to the standard prescribed permit fee. Said fine shall
be equal in amount to the permit fee, except that it shall not be less than $50 nor more
than $1,000 for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such
violation repeatedly shall be subject to a fine equal to double the amount of the permit fee
or double the amount of the fee imposed for the preceding violation, whichever is greater,
for every such subsequent violation committed within 180 days of a previous violation.
Said fines may be appealed to the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 2, Article VI of the
City Code.
(9) Section C202 DEFINITIONS, is hereby amended by adding, in alphabetical order, the
following definitions:
CONTINUOUS AIR BARRIER: The combination of interconnected materials,
assemblies, and flexible sealed joints and components of the building thermal envelope
that provides air tightness to a specified permeability.
ELECTRIC HEAT: An indoor environmental primary heat source that is electric. A
ground-source electric heat pump designed by a licensed professional engineer shall not
be considered electric heat.
NON-ELECTRIC HEAT: An indoor environmental primary heat source that is gas or
that is a ground-source electric heat pump designed by a licensed professional engineer to
operate without the use of supplemental electric resistance heat.
(10) A new Section C301.5 Exterior and Interior Local Design Parameters is hereby added
to read as follows:
Exterior and Interior Local Design Parameters.
Winter Outdoor, Design Dry-bulb (
o
F) = 6
Winter Indoor, Design Dry-bulb (
o
F) = 72
Summer, Outdoor Design Dry-bulb (
o
F) = 90
Summer, Indoor Design Dry-bulb (
o
F) = 75
Summer, Outdoor Design Wet-bulb (
o
F) = 62
Summer, Indoor Design Wet-bulb (
o
F) = 62
Degree Days heating = 5710
Degree days cooling = 694
Fort Collins is in Climate Zone 5.
- 5 -
(11) Section C402.1.3 Insulation component R-value-based method is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
. . .
Exception: For buildings using electric heat at the power density of 1.5 Watts per square
foot or greater, the building thermal envelope values in Table C402.1.5 shall be
mandatory.
(12) Section C402.1.4 Assembly U-factor, C-factor or F-factor-based method is hereby
retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
. . .
Exception: For buildings using electric heat at the power density of 1.5 Watts per square
foot or greater, the building thermal envelope values in Table C402.1.5 shall be
mandatory.
(13) Table C402.1.5 Building thermal envelope is hereby added to read as follows:
TABLE C402.1.5 (Mandatory)
BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRIC HEAT
Opaque Elements Assembly Max.
Insulation Min. R-
Value
Roofs
Insulation Entirely above Deck
Metal Building
Attic and Other
U-0.039
U-0.035
U-0.021
R-30.0 ci
R-19.0 + R-11.0 Ls
R-49.0
Walls, Above Grade
Massa
Metal Building
Steel Framed
Wood Framed and Other
U-0.080
U-0.052
U-0.055
U-0.051
R-13.3 ci
R-13.0 + R-13.0 ci
R-13.0 + R-10.0 ci
R-13.0 + R-7.5 ci
Wall, Below Grade
U-0.092 R-10.0 ci
Floors
Mass
Steel Joist
Wood Framed and Other
U-0.064
U-0.026
U-0.032
R-12.5 ci
R-30.0 + R-7.5 ci
R-38.0
- 6 -
Slab-On-Grade Floors
Unheated
Heated
F-0.540
F-0.440
R-10 for 24 in.
R-15.0 for 36 in. + R-5
ci below
Opaque Doors
Swinging
Non-Swinging
U-0.37
U-0.37
The following definitions apply: ci = continuous insulation, Ls = liner system, NR = No (insulation) requirement.
a Mass walls with a heat capacity greater than 12 Btu/ft2∙oF which are unfinished or finished only on the interior do not need to be insulated.
b Nonmetal framing includes framing materials other than metal with or without metal reinforcing or cladding.
c Metal framing includes metal framing with or without thermal break. The “all other” subcategory includes operable windows, fixed windows,
and non-entrance doors.
(14) Section C402.2 Specific building thermal envelope insulation requirements
(Prescriptive) is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
C402.2 Specific building thermal envelope insulation requirements (Mandatory).
Insulation in building thermal envelope opaque assemblies shall comply with Sections
C402.2.1 through C402.2.6 and Table C402.1.3. In addition to the requirements of
Section C402.1, insulation shall meet the specific requirements of Sections C402.2.1
through C402.2.6. All insulation shall be installed to meet Residential Energy Services
Network (RESNET) Grade I standard.
Exception: RESNET Grade II is acceptable for cavity insulation in exterior walls that
include continuous rigid insulating sheathing and/or insulated siding with a minimum R-
value of 5, and rim joists.
(15) A new Section C402.2.3.1 Thermal resistance of below-grade walls is hereby added to
read as follows:
C402.2.3.1 Thermal resistance of below-grade walls. The minimum thermal resistance
(R-value) of the insulating material installed in, or continuously on, the below-grade
walls shall be R-10 and shall extend to a depth of 10 feet (3,048 mm) below the outside
finish ground level, or to the level of the floor, whichever is less.
(16) Sections C402.5 Air leakage-thermal envelope (Mandatory), C402.5.1 Air Barriers,
C402.5.1.1 Air barrier construction, C402.5.1.2 Air barrier compliance options, and
C402.5.1.2.1 Materials, C402.5.1.2.2 Assemblies, are hereby deleted and replaced in
their entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
Fenestration Assembly Max. U
Vertical Fenestration, (up to 40% of Wall maximum)
Nonmetal framing: allb
Metal fr: curtainwall/stonefrontc
Metal framing: entrance doorc
Metal framing: all otherc
U-0.25
U-0.35
U-0.70
U-0.45
Skylight (up to 3% of Roof maximum)
SHGC
Uall-0.50
U-0.40
- 7 -
Section C402.5 Air leakage-thermal envelope (Mandatory). The building thermal
envelope shall be designed and constructed with a continuous air barrier that complies
with the following requirements to control air leakage into, or out of, the conditioned
space. The boundary limits and size of the surface area (floor, wall, and ceiling or roof)
of the building air barrier, and of the zone or zones to be tested for maximum building air
infiltration and exfiltration, shall be clearly identified on the approved construction
drawings. All air barrier components of each building thermal envelope assembly shall
be clearly identified on construction documents and the joints, interconnections, and
penetrations of the air barrier components shall be detailed and shall comply with the
following:
1. The air barrier shall be continuous throughout the building thermal envelope (at
the lowest floor, exterior walls, and ceiling or roof), with all joints and seams
sealed and with sealed connections between all transitions in planes and changes
in materials and at all penetrations.
2. The air barrier component of each assembly shall be joined and sealed in a
flexible manner to the air barrier component of adjacent assemblies, allowing for
the relative movement of these assemblies and components.
3. The air barrier shall be capable of withstanding positive and negative combined
design wind, fan, and stack pressures on the air barrier without damage or
displacement, and shall transfer the load to the structure, and shall not displace
adjacent materials under full load.
4. The air barrier shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions and in such a manner as to achieve the performance requirements.
5. Where lighting fixtures with ventilation holes or other similar objects are to be
installed in such a way as to penetrate the continuous air barrier, provisions shall
be made to maintain the integrity of the continuous air barrier.
Compliance of the continuous air barrier for the opaque building thermal envelope shall
be demonstrated by the following:
1. Materials. Using air-barrier materials that have an air permeability not to exceed
0.004 cfm/ft
2
under a pressure differential of 0.3 in. water (1.57 lb/ft
2
) (0.02
L/s
.
m
2
under a pressure differential of 75 Pa) when tested in accordance with
ASTM E2178;
2. Assemblies. Using assemblies of materials and components that have an average
air leakage not to exceed 0.04 cfm/ft
2
under a pressure differential of 0.3 in. water
(1.57 lb/ft
2
) (0.2 L/s
.
m
2
under a pressure differential of 75 Pa) when tested in
accordance with ASTM E2357 or ASTM E1677;
3. Testing. Testing the completed building and documenting that the air leakage rate
of the building thermal envelope does not exceed 0.25 cfm/ft
2
under a pressure
differential of 0.3 in. water (1.57 lb/ft
2
) (0.02 L/s
- 8 -
of 75 Pa) shall be completed in accordance with the most current version of the
City of Fort Collins Building Air Leakage Test Protocol for commercial buildings
or City of Fort Collins Building Code Protocol for New Multifamily
Building Air Tightness Testing. Documentation of the testing results shall be
submitted to the building official prior to approval. If the building fails air leakage
testing, the testing agency is required to perform a diagnostic evaluation in
accordance with ASTM E1186-03(2009). The testing agency can use additional
methods to discover leaks. Repairs based on these diagnostics and retesting is
required prior to submitting results to the building official.
4. Alternative Inspection. When approved by the building official, where it is
deemed impractical to isolate and perform a blower door test on a new renovation
or addition, the renovation or addition air barrier shall be inspected for continuity
and integrity by an approved inspector.
(17) Section C402.5.6 Loading dock weatherseals is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
C402.5.6 Loading dock weatherseals. Cargo doors and loading dock doors shall be
equipped with weather-seals to restrict infiltration.
(18) Section C405.2.1 Occupant sensor controls is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
. . .
In new construction and additions that require a building permit, occupant sensor
controls shall be provided to automatically reduce connected lighting power by not less
than 50 percent during periods when no occupants are present in the following locations:
1. corridors and enclosed stairwells;
2. storage stack areas not open to the public;
3. library stack areas; and
4. parking garages.
Lighting in means of egress shall comply with the luminance or uniformity criteria
required by the International Building Code when occupied.
Exception: Automatic power reduction shall not be used to control battery back-up
emergency lighting and exit signage.
(19) Section C405.2.4 Specific application controls is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
3. In hotels and motels the lighting switched outlets, permanently wired luminaires,
television, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning system equipment serving
each guest room shall be automatically controlled so that lighting, switched
outlets, permanently wired luminaires, and televisions will be turned off and the
- 9 -
heating, ventilating and air conditioning system set point raised at least 5 degrees
Fahrenheit (3 degrees centigrade) in the cooling mode and lowered at least 5
degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees centigrade) in the heating mode whenever the guest
room is unoccupied.
All permanently wired luminaires located in bathrooms within sleeping units in hotels,
motels, boarding houses or similar buildings shall be equipped with occupant sensors that
require manual intervention to energize circuits.
(20) Section C405.2.5 Exterior lighting controls is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety
and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
C405.2.5 Exterior lighting controls. In addition to any other applicable requirements of
this IECC, all outdoor lighting controls shall comply with the following requirements.
For lighting of building façades, parking lots, garages, canopies (sales and non-sales), and
all outdoor sales areas, automatic controls shall be installed to reduce the sum of all
lighting power (in watts) by a minimum of 50 percent two hours after normal business
closing, and to turn off outdoor lighting within 30 minutes after sunrise.
Exceptions:
1. Lighting required by a statute, ordinance, or regulation duly adopted for the
protection of public health, safety and/or human life, including but not limited to,
emergency lighting.
2. Lighting that is controlled by a motion sensor and photo-control.
3. Lighting for facilities that have equal lighting requirements at all hours and are
designed to operate continuously.
4. Temporary outdoor lighting.
5. Externally illuminated signs and signs that are either internally illuminated or
have integral lamps.
(21) A new Section C405.10 Electricity distribution design is hereby added to read as
follows:
C405.10 Electricity distribution design requirements and load type isolation.
Electric distribution systems within, on or adjacent to and serving a new building shall be
designed in such fashion that each primary panel supplies only one electricity load type
as defined in Sections C405.10.1 through C405.10.5. The energy load type served by
each distribution panel shall be clearly designated on the panel with the use served, and
adequate space shall be provided for installation of metering equipment or other data
collection devices, temporary or permanent, to measure the energy use associated with
each distribution panel.
- 10 -
Exceptions:
1. Buildings or spaces with less than 600 amp electric service are exempted from
this requirement.
2. Electrical systems that are designed and constructed in such fashion that the total
usage of each of the load types as described in Sections C405.10.1 through
C405.10.5 shall be permitted to be measured through the use of installed sub-
meters or other equivalent methods as approved.
3. Group U occupancies
C405.10.1 Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system electric load. This
category shall include all electricity used to heat, cool, and provide ventilation to the
building including, but not limited to, fans, pumps, and cooling energy.
C405.10.2 Lighting system electric load. This category shall include all electricity for
interior and exterior lighting used in occupant spaces and common areas.
C405.10.3 Plug loads. This category shall include all electricity use by devices, electric
appliances and equipment connected to convenience receptacle outlets.
C405.10.4 Process loads. This category shall include all electricity used by any single
load associated with activities within the building, such as, but not limited to, data
centers, manufacturing equipment and commercial kitchens, that exceed 5% of the total
energy use of the whole building.
C405.10.5 Miscellaneous loads. This category shall include all electricity use for all
other building operations and other operational loads.
(22) Section C408 System commissioning is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety and
the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
C408 System Commissioning shall be in conformance with Section 3604 of the adopted
International Building Code, entitled “Commissioning, Operations and Maintenance.”
(23) TABLE R402.1.2 Insulation and Fenestration Requirements by Component is hereby
deleted and replaced in its entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
TABLE R402.1.2
INSULATION AND FENESTRATION REQUIREMENTS BY COMPONENT
HEATING
SYSTEM
TYPE
FENESTRATION
U-FACTORb
SKYLIGHTb
U-FACTOR
GLAZED
FENESTRATION
SHGC
CEILING
R-
VALUE
WOOD
FRAME
WALL
R-VALUE
f
g
MASS
WALL
R-
VALUEg
FLOOR
R-
VALUE
e
BASEMENTc
WALL
R-VALUE
- 11 -
a. R-values are minimums. U-factors and SHGC are maximums. R-19 batts compressed into a nominal 2x6 framing cavity such that the
R-value is reduced by R-1 or more shall be marked with the compressed batt R-value in addition to the full thickness R-value.
b. The fenestration U-factor column excludes skylights. The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration.
c. “15/19” means R-15 continuous insulation on the interior or exterior of the foundation wall or R-19 cavity insulation at the interior of
the foundation wall. “15/19” shall be permitted to be met with R-13 cavity insulation on the interior of the foundation wall plus R-5
continuous insulation on the interior or exterior of the foundation wall. “10/13” means R-10 continuous insulation on the interior or
exterior of the foundation wall or R-13 cavity insulation at the interior of the foundation wall.
d. R-5 shall be added to the required slab edge R-values for heated slabs.
e. Insulation shall fill the framing cavity, R-19 minimum.
f. First value is cavity insulation, second is insulated sheathing or siding, so “20+5” means R-20 cavity insulation plus R-5 insulated
sheathing. If structural sheathing covers 25 percent or less of the exterior, insulating sheathing is not required where structural
sheathing is used. If structural sheathing covers more than 25 percent of the exterior, structural sheathing shall be supplemented with
insulated sheathing of at least R-2.
g The second R-value applies when more than half the insulation is on the interior of the mass wall.
h. All rim joists and adjoining plates shall be air-sealed and insulated using spray foam insulation to R-15 minimum.
i. All rim joists and adjoining plates shall be air-sealed
(24) TABLE R402.1.4 Equivalent U-Factors is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety and
the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
TABLE R402.1.4
EQUIVALENT U-FACTORSa
HEATING
SYSTEM
TYPE
FENESTRATION
U-FACTOR
SKYLIGHT
U-FACTOR
CEILING
R-VALUE
FRAME
WALL
U-
FACTOR
MASS
WALL
U-FACTORb
FLOOR
U-FACTOR
BASEMENT
WALL
U-FACTOR
CRAWL
SPACE
WALL
U-FACTOR
Nonelectric heat 0.32 0.55 0.026 0.057 0.082 0.033 0.059 0.055
Electric heat 0.30 0.55 0.026 0.048 0.060 0.033 0.050 0.055
a. Non-fenestration U-factors shall be obtained from measurement, calculation or an approved source.
b. When more than half the insulation is on the interior, the mass wall U-factor shall be the same as the frame
wall U-factor.
(25) Section R402.2 Specific insulation requirements (Prescriptive) is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
R402.2 Specific insulation requirements (Mandatory).
In addition to the requirements of Section R402.1, insulation shall meet the specific
requirements of Sections R402.2.1 through R402.2.14.
(26) Section R402.2.1 Ceilings with attics spaces is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
R402.2.1 Ceilings with attic spaces. Where Section R402.1.2 would require R-38
insulation in the ceiling, installing R-30 over 100 percent of the ceiling area requiring
- 12 -
(27) Section R402.2.3 Eave baffle is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R402.2.3 Eave baffle and blocks. For air permeable insulations in vented attics with
ventilation from open or box soffits, a baffle shall be installed to provide ventilation from
the soffit to the attic adjacent to each soffit or eave vent. In the case of continuous soffit
vents, enough baffles shall be installed to maintain the required attic ventilation from the
soffit. Baffles shall maintain an opening equal or greater than the size of the vent. The
ventilation baffle shall extend over the top of the attic insulation between rafters or
trusses, maintaining a minimum 1 inch clear opening below the roof deck and sufficient
space for the minimum depth of attic insulation. The baffle shall be permitted to be any
solid material. All other spaces between rafters or trusses shall be blocked at the outside
edge of the exterior wall top plate, with air impermeable materials so as to contain the
attic insulation.
(28) A new Section R402.2.14 Rim insulation requirements is hereby added to read as
follows:
R402.2.14 Rim insulation requirements. All rim plates and rim joist which are part of
the thermal envelope shall be air-sealed. All rim plates and rim joist which are part of the
thermal envelope shall be insulated using spray foam materials to R-15 minimum when
the basement walls are insulated to 10/13 in accordance with Table R402.1.2.
(29) Sections 402.4.1 Building thermal envelope, R402.4.1.1 Installation, and R402.4.1.2
Testing, are hereby deleted and replaced in their entirety and the following is hereby
added in lieu thereof:
R402.4.1 Building thermal envelope. The building, or individual dwelling units, shall be
tested and verified as having an air leakage rate not exceeding 3 air changes per hour.
Testing shall be conducted with a blower door at a pressure of 0.2 inches w.g. (50
Pascals) in accordance with Section 802 of the RESNET Mortgage Industry National
Home Energy Rating Standards or City of Fort Collins Building Code Protocol for New
Multifamily Building Air Tightness Testing. Where required by the building official,
testing shall be conducted by an approved third party. A written report of the results of
the test shall be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the building
official. Isolation of attached garages from adjoining conditioned areas shall be verified
in accordance with City of Fort Collins protocols.
Testing shall occur after rough-in and after installation of penetrations of the building
thermal envelope, including but not limited to penetrations for utilities, plumbing,
electrical, ventilation and combustion appliances.
General requirements during testing:
1. Exterior windows and doors, fireplace and stove doors shall be closed, but not
sealed beyond the intended weather-stripping or other infiltration control
measures.
- 13 -
2. Dampers including exhaust, intake, makeup air, backdraft and flue dampers shall
be closed, but not sealed beyond intended infiltration control measures.
3. Interior doors, if installed at the time of the test, shall be open.
4. Exterior doors for continuous ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators
shall be closed and sealed.
5. Heating and cooling systems, if installed at the time of the test, shall be turned off.
6. Supply and return registers, if installed at the time of the test, shall be fully open.
7. Combustion air inlets shall not be closed or otherwise obstructed.
8. Garage doors to the exterior shall be closed.
In additions or alterations to existing buildings, air sealing compliance shall be
considered acceptable when the items listed in Table R402.4.1.1, applicable to the
method of construction, are field-verified.
(30) Section R402.5 Maximum fenestration U-factor and SHGC (Mandatory) is hereby
retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
The area-weighted average maximum fenestration U-factor permitted using tradeoffs
from Section R402.1.5 or R405 shall be 0.40 for vertical fenestration.
(31) Section R403.3.1 Insulation (Prescriptive) is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
R403.3.1 Insulation (Mandatory).
. . .
(32) Section R403.7 Equipment sizing and efficiency rating (Mandatory) is hereby retained
in its entirety with the following amendments:
R403.7 Equipment sizing and efficiency rating (Mandatory). Heating and cooling
equipment shall be designed in accordance with International Residential Code Section
M1401.3 and performance will be verified in accordance with International Residential
Code Section M1309.
(33) Section R404.1 Lighting equipment (Mandatory) is hereby retained in its entirety with
the following amendments:
R404.1 Lighting equipment (Mandatory). Not less than 75 percent of the lamps in
permanently installed lighting fixtures shall be high-efficacy lamps or not less than 50
percent of the permanently installed lighting fixtures shall contain only high-efficacy
lamps.
Exception: Low-voltage lighting.
(34) A new Section R404.2 Occupant sensor controls is hereby added to read as follows:
- 14 -
R404.2 Occupant sensor controls. In multifamily buildings, occupant sensor controls
shall be provided to automatically reduce connected lighting power by not less than 50
percent during periods when no occupants are present in common corridors and common
enclosed stairwells.
Lighting in means of egress shall comply with the luminance or uniformity criteria
required by the International Building Code when occupied.
Exception: Automatic power reduction shall not be used to control battery back-up
emergency lighting and exit signage.
(35) Chapter 6 REFERENCED STANDARDS is hereby amended by adding, in alphabetical
order, the following additional referenced standard:
RESNET® Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards
Residential Energy Services Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 4561
Oceanside, CA 92052-4561
http://resnet.us
RESNET® reference standard Grade I and Grade II Insulation
Referenced in Amended 2012 IECC Section C402.2.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 6th day of
June, A.D. 2017, and to be presented for final passage on the 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on this 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
1
ORDINANCE NO. 074, 2017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE II, DIVISION 2, OF THE CODE
OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPEALING THE
2012 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC), AND ADOPTING THE
2015 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, WITH AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, since 1924, the City has reviewed, amended and adopted the latest
nationally recognized building standards available for the times; and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation of City staff, the City Council has determined that it
is in the best interests of the City to align the five interconnected basic construction codes under
one publication year; and
WHEREAS, the five interconnected basic construction codes are the International
Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International
Fuel Gas Code, and International Energy Conservation Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the 2015 publication year of the five
interconnected basic construction codes ought to be adopted and that their counterpart codes
previously adopted should be repealed, both in order to align the publication years of the codes
and also because the 2015 publications contain improvements in construction code regulation;
and
WHEREAS, City staff has conducted a significant public outreach program, working
with the regulated construction industry and building professionals; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the five interconnected basic construction codes has been
presented to and recommended by the Affordable Housing Board, the Commission on Disability,
the Air Quality Advisory Board, the Natural Resources Advisory Board, the Building Review
Board, the Electric Board, the Landmark Preservation Commission and the Water Board; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the health,
safety and welfare of the City and its citizens that the 2012 International Residential Code, as
previously adopted and amended by the City pursuant to Ordinance 020, 2014, be repealed, and
that in its place, the 2015 International Residential Code, be adopted, with local amendments as
set forth in this Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter II, Section 7, City Council may enact any
ordinance which adopts a code by reference in whole or in part provided that before adoption of
such ordinance the Council hold a public hearing thereon and that notice of the hearing is
published twice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City, with one of such
publications occurring at least eight (8) days preceding the hearing and the other publication
occurring at least fifteen (15) days preceding the hearing; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with Article II, Section 7, the City Clerk published in the Fort
Collins Coloradoan such notice of hearing concerning adoption of the 2015 International
Residential Code on May 21, 2017, and May 28, 2017; and
2
WHEREAS, attached as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference is the Notice
of Public Hearing dated May 14, 2107, that was so published and which the Council hereby finds
meets the requirements of Article II, Section 7 of the City Charter. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That Section 5-26(d) of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
(d) 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 repeals the 2012
Edition of the International Residential Code, and adopts, as the residential building code of the
City, the 2015 International Residential Code published by the International Code Council, as
amended by the City, which shall have the same force and effect as though 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 and demolition of, and its
applicability is hereby limited to, individual nonattached 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. As provided in the 2015
International Residential Code, Appendices are not adopted except as expressly set forth in
Section 5-30.
Section 2. That Section 5-30 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
Sec. 5-30 Amendments and deletions to code.
The 2015 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE adopted herein is hereby amended in the
following respects:
(1) Section R101.1 Title, is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
R101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and
Two-family Dwellings of the City of Fort Collins and shall be cited as such and will be
referred to herein as “this code.”
(2) Section R102.4 Referenced codes and standards, is hereby retained in its entirety with
the following amendments:
R102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this
code shall be those that are listed in Section 101.4, entitled ‘Referenced Codes’ of the
adopted International Building Code and shall be considered part of the requirements of
this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in
Sections R102.4.1 and R102.4.2.
3
Exception: Where enforcement of a code provision would violate the conditions of the
listing of the equipment or appliance, the conditions of the listing and manufacturer’s
instructions shall apply.
(3) Section R103 Department of Building Safety, is hereby deleted in its entirety and the
following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
R103 Code Administration.
R103.1 Entity charged with code administration shall be as determined in accordance
with Section 103, entitled ‘Code Administration’ of the adopted International Building
Code.
(4) Section R105.2 Work exempt from permit, is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
. . .
Building:
1. One-story, detached, accessory structures for lawn and garden equipment storage,
tool storage and similar uses, as well as arbors, pergolas, and similar structures,
provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m
2
)
or 8 feet (2.438
m) in height, do not house flammable liquids in quantities exceeding 10 gallons
(38 l) per building and are located at least 3 feet (0.914 m) from an adjoining
property line.
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the
low side grade to the top of the wall, provided the horizontal distance to the next
uphill retaining wall is at least equal to the total height of the lower retaining wall,
unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
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 intended for human occupancy or walking, sidewalks and driveways
not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and are not part of an
accessible route.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish
work.
4
7. Prefabricated and portable swimming or wading pools, hot tubs or spas supported
directly upon grade when the walls are entirely above grade and which cannot
contain water more than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
8. Swings and other playground equipment, or play house/structure not exceeding
120 square feet. One elevated play house or play structure per lot designed and
used exclusively for play. Elevated play houses or play structures shall not exceed
64 square feet (5.9 m2)
of floor area nor 6 feet (1.82 m) in height measured from
the floor to the highest point of such structure.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than
54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support
and do not extend over the public right of way. Window replacement requiring no
structural alteration or no change in the window configuration which reduces the
clear opening and when such work is determined not to be historically significant,
storm window, storm door and rain gutter installation.
10. Decks that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are
not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section
R311.4.
11. Roofing repair or replacement work not exceeding one square (100 square feet) of
covering per building.
12. Replacement of nonstructural siding, when removal of siding is performed in
accordance with State laws regarding asbestos and lead paint.
13. Work valued at less than $500 when such work does not involve alteration of
structural components, fire-rated assemblies, plumbing, electrical, mechanical or
fire-extinguishing systems.
14. Decorative ponds, fountains and pools that cannot contain water more than 24
inches (610 mm) deep.
15. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not
including service systems. Hoop houses constructed with a flexible frame such as
PVC tubing used for starting plants.
(5) Section R105.3.2 Time limitation of application, is hereby retained in its entirety with
the following amendments:
R105.3.2 Time limitation of application An application for a permit for any proposed
work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless
such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that
the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional
periods not exceeding 180 days each provided the application has not expired and is
5
considered an active application. The extension shall be requested in writing and
justifiable cause demonstrated. Applications that have expired for 30 days or more will be
considered as null and void and all plans discarded.
(6) Section R105.5 Expiration, is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
Section R105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued 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, one
or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall
be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
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.
(7) A new Section R105.10 Premises identification, is hereby added to read as follows:
R105.10 Premises identification during construction. 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.
(8) A new Section R105.11 Transfer of permits, is hereby added to read as follows:
R105.11 Transfer of permits. A current valid building permit may be transferred from
one party 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 $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.
(9) Section R106.1.4 Information for construction in flood hazard areas, is hereby deleted
in its entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
R106.1.4 Information for construction in flood hazard areas. 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 City Code, Chapter 10, entitled ‘Flood Prevention and Protection’.
6
(10) A new Section R106.1.5 Grading performance plans and certificate, is hereby added to
read as follows:
R106.1.5 Grading performance plans and certificate. Every building permit
application for a new building regulated by this code shall be accompanied by a site
drainage/grading performance plan as prescribed by City standards. Drainage plans shall
be submitted to and approved by the City’s Storm Drainage department prior to the
issuance of the permit.
(11) Section R106.3.1 Approval of construction documents, is hereby retained in its entirety
with the following amendments:
R106.3.1 Approval of construction documents. Where the building official issues a
permit, the construction documents shall be approved in writing or by a stamp that
indicates the approved permit number. One set of construction documents so reviewed
shall be retained by the building official. The other set shall be returned to the applicant,
shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the building official or
a duly authorized representative.
(12) Section R107, Temporary Structures and Uses, is deleted in its entirety.
(13) Section R108, Fees, is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby added in
lieu thereof:
R108 Fees
R108.1 Payment of fees. All items relating to fees shall be as specified and in
accordance with Section 109 Fees of the adopted International Building Code, as
amended by the City.
(14) A new Section R109.1.7 Site Survey required, is hereby added to read as follows:
R109.1.7 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.
(15) A new Section R110.2 Change in use, is hereby amended to read as follows:
R110.2 Change in use. Changes in the character, use, or occupancy of an existing
structure shall not be made except when approved by the building official and the
structure is in conformance with this code and the International Building Code, as
amended by the City.
(16) Section R112, Board of Appeals, is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is
hereby added in lieu thereof:
7
R112 Board of Appeals
R112.1 General. Appeals of decisions, determinations and interpretations of this code
shall be made pursuant to applicable provisions as set forth in Section 113, entitled
‘Board of Appeals’ of the International Building Code, as amended by the City.
(17) Section R113.4 Violation penalties, is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to
comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, 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 City Code, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 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.
(18) A new Section 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 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
$50 nor more than $1,000 for the first such violation. A person or firm committing 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 City Code.
(19) Section R202 Definitions, is hereby amended to delete, modify, or add, in alphabetical
order, the following definitions:
…
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.
…
CITY. The municipal corporation of Fort Collins, Colorado, including its physical
location and boundaries.
…
8
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.
…
DWELLING. Shall mean a building used exclusively for residential occupancy and for
permitted accessory uses, including single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and
multi-family dwellings. The term dwelling shall not include hotels, motels, homeless
shelters, seasonal overflow shelters tents or other structures designed or used primarily
for temporary occupancy. Any dwelling shall be deemed to be a principal building.
DWELLING UNIT. Shall mean one or more rooms and a single kitchen and at least 1
bathroom, designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as separate quarters for the
exclusive use of a single family for living, cooking and sanitary purposes, located in a
single-family, two-family or multi-family dwelling or mixed-use building.
…
FAMILY. shall mean any individual living alone or any number of persons who are all
related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship or other duly authorized custodial
relationship, and who live together as a single housekeeping unit and share common
living, sleeping, cooking and eating facilities.
…
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.
…
GRADE. (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION). The lowest point of elevation of the
finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk, deck or platform 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.
…
ROOM, SLEEPING (BEDROOM). A habitable space within a dwelling or other
housing unit designed primarily for the purpose of sleeping. The presence of a bed, cot,
mattress, convertible sofa or other similar furnishing used for sleeping purposes is indicia
for determining that such space or room qualifies as a sleeping room. The presence of
closets and similar storage facilities is not considered a relevant factor in determining
whether or not a room is a sleeping room.
9
…
SITE. A parcel of land bounded by a property line or a designated portion of a public
right-of-way.
…
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.
…
(20) Section 301.1.3 Engineered design, is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
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 International Building Code,
as amended by the City, is permitted for all buildings, structures, and portions thereof
included in the scope of this code.
(21) Section R301.2(1), Climatic and geographic design criteria, is hereby deleted in its
entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
For SI: C = [(F)-32]/1.8.
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 73, C 90, C 129, C 145, 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.
ROOF
SNOW
LOAD
WIND
SPEED b
MPH
SEISMIC
DESIGN
CATE-
GORY
SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM
WINTER
DESIGN
TEMP
AIR
FREEZ-
ING
INDEX
f
MEAN
ANN-
UAL
TEMP.
g
FLOOD
e
10
f. 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403.3(2) or from the 100-year (99 percent) value on the
National Climatic Data Center data table Air Freezing Index- USA Method (Base 32o 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 32o
Fahrenheit) at www.ncdc.noaa.gov/fpsf.html.
(22) A new Section R301.2.1.5.2 Basic wind speed, is hereby added to read as follows:
R301.2.1.5.2 Basic wind speed. The Special Wind Region as indicated on Figure
R301.2(4) of this code shall apply using a basic wind speed, 100 miles per hour (161 kph)
Vasd or 129 miles per hour (208 kph) Vult, based on the exposure category as described in
Section R301.2.1.4, or the equivalent pressure thereto.
(23) Section R302.1 Exterior walls, is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R302.1 Exterior walls. Construction, projections, openings and penetrations of exterior
walls of dwellings and accessory buildings shall comply with Table R302.1 (1) as
amended.
Exceptions:
1. Walls, projections, openings or penetrations in walls perpendicular to the line
used to determine the fire separation distance.
2. Walls of dwellings and accessory structures located on the same lot.
3. Detached tool sheds and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures
exempted from permits 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.
4. Detached garages accessory to a dwelling located within 2 feet (610 mm) of a lot
line are permitted to have roof eave projections not exceeding 4 inches (102 mm).
5. Foundation vents installed in compliance with this code are permitted.
(24) A new Section R302.1.1 Exterior wall finish materials, is hereby added to read as
follows:
R302.1.1 Exterior wall finish materials Walls of dwellings located within the fire
separation distance (location from property line) of 0 feet to less than 5 feet shall be
constructed of exterior finishes containing cementitious materials.
Exception: Dwellings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed
in accordance with Section P2904 or NFPA 13D.
11
(25) Table R302.1(1) Exterior Walls, is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
TABLE R302.1(1) EXTERIOR WALLS
EXTERIOR WALL ELEMENT
MINIMUM FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING
MINIMUM FIRE
SEPARATION
DISTANCE
WALLS
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED
1 HOUR-TESTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 119
OR UL 263 WITH EXPOSURE
FROM BOTH SIDES
LESS THAN 3
FEET
NOT FIRE RESISTANCE
RATED
0 HOURS
3 FEET OR MORE
PROJECTIONS
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED 1 HOUR ON THE UNDERSIDE
2 TO
3 FEET
NOT ALLOWED N/A
LESS THAN 2
FEET
OPENINGS IN
WALLS
NOT ALLOWED N/A
LESS THAN 3
FEET
UNLIMITED
0 HOURS 3 FEET OR MORE
PENETRATIONS ALL
COMPLY WITH SECTION
R302.4
LESS THAN 3
FEET
NONE REQUIRED 3 FEET OR MORE
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
N/A = Not Applicable.
a. Roof eave fire-resistance rating shall be permitted to be reduced to 0 hours on the underside of the eave if fireblocking is provided from
the wall top plate to the underside of the roof sheathing.
b. Roof eave fire-resistance rating shall be permitted to be reduced to 0 hours on the underside of the eave provided that gable vent
openings are not installed.
(26) Table R302.1(2) Exterior Walls-Dwellings with Fire Sprinklers, is hereby deleted in its
entirety:
(27) Section R302.2.1 Continuity is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R302.2.1 Continuity. The fire-resistance-rated common wall or assembly separating
townhouses along property lines shall be continuous from the foundation to the underside
of the roof sheathing, deck or slab. The fire-resistance rating shall extend the full length
of the wall or assembly, including wall extensions through and separating attached and/or
enclosed accessory structures or spaces. The fire-resistance-rating shall be maintained
within concealed spaces of projecting elements such as, roof overhangs, canopies,
marquees and similar projections. The fire- resistant rated adjoining walls shall extend to
12
the outer edge of horizontal projecting elements such as balconies which extend more
than 24 inches beyond the exterior wall.
(28) Section R302.3 Two-family dwellings is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R302.3 Two-family dwellings. Two-family dwellings shall be provided with a fire-
suppression system as per P2904 at a minimum. Dwelling units in two-family dwellings
shall be separated from each other by wall and/or floor assemblies having not less than a
one-hour fire-resistance rating when tested in accordance with ASTME 119 or UL 263.
Fire-resistance-rated floor-ceiling and wall assemblies shall extend to and be tight against
the exterior wall, and wall assemblies shall extend from the foundation to the underside
of the roof sheathing.
Exceptions:
1. A fire-resistance rating of ½ hour shall be permitted in buildings equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA
13.
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 R302.12.1 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 1/2-inch (12.7 mm)
gypsum board or equivalent.
(29) Section R308.4.5 Glazing and wet surfaces is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
R308.4.5 Glazing and wet surfaces. Glazing in walls, enclosures or fences containing or
facing hot tubs, spas, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, bathtubs, showers and indoor or
outdoor swimming pools where the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 60
inches (1524 mm) shall be considered a hazardous location. This shall apply to single
glazing and all panes in multiple glazing.
Exception: Glazing that is more than 48 inches (1219 mm), measured horizontally and in
a straight line, from the water’s edge of a bathtub, shower, hot tub, spa, whirlpool, or
swimming pool or from the edge of a shower, sauna or steam room and not less than 48
inches measured vertically above any standing or walking surface.
(30) Section R308.4.7 Glazing adjacent to the bottom stair landing is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
R308.4.7 Glazing adjacent to stair landings. Glazing adjacent to the stair landings
where the glazing is less than 36 inches (914 mm) above the landing and within a 60 inch
13
(1524 mm) horizontal arc less than 180 degrees of the top or bottom tread shall be
considered a hazardous location.
Exception: The glazing is protected by a guard complying with Section R312 and the
plane of the glass is more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the guard.
. . .
(31) Section R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue opening required is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue opening required Basements, habitable attics,
habitable lofts and mezzanines, and every sleeping room, shall have not less than one
operable emergency escape and rescue opening. Where basements contain one or more
sleeping rooms, an emergency escape and rescue opening shall be required in each
sleeping room. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall open directly into a public
way, or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.
Exception: Storm shelters and basements used only to house mechanical equipment not
exceeding a total floor area of 200 square feet (18.58 m2).
(32) Section R310.2.2 Window sill height is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R310.2.2 Window sill height Where a window is provided as the emergency escape and
rescue opening, it shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above
the floor; where the sill height is below grade, it shall be provided with a window well in
accordance with Section R310.2.3. Emergency escape and rescue window openings that
are located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade shall have a sill
height of not less than 24 inches (609 mm) measured from the finished interior side floor.
Exception: Emergency escape and rescue openings located over a roof surface with a
slope of 4:12 or less and extending a minimum of 5 feet horizontally outward from the
window.
(33) Section R310.2.3 Window wells is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R310.2.3. Window wells. The horizontal area of the window well shall be not less than 9
square feet (0.9m2), with a horizontal projection and width of not less than 36 inches
(914 mm).The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue
opening to be fully opened.
14
Exceptions:
1. The ladder or steps required by Section R310.2.3.1 shall be permitted to encroach
not more than 6 inches (152 mm) into the required dimensions of the window
well.
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:
a. 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
b. 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.
c. Window well steps shall not exceed a rise of 16 inches maximum and the
step run shall be 4 inches minimum.
(34) Section R310.2.3.2 Drainage is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R310.2.3.2 Drainage. All window wells shall be designed for proper drainage by
connecting to the building’s foundation drainage system required by Section R405.1 or
by an approved alternative method. The inlet to the drainage system shall be a minimum
of 4 inches (101 mm) below the window sill. Where no drains are required the window
well surface shall be a minimum of 4 inches (101 mm) below the window sill.
Exceptions:
1. A drainage system for window wells is not required when the foundation is on
well-drained soil or sand-gravel mixture soils as determined by the foundation
engineer of record.
2. A drainage system is not required for new window wells on additions to existing
dwellings.
(35) Section R311.7.1 Width is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
R311.7.1 Width Stairways shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in clear width at all
points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height.
Handrails shall not project more than 41/2 inches (114 mm) on either side of the stairway
and the clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail height, including treads and
15
landings, shall be not less than 311/2 inches (787 mm) where a handrail is installed on
one side and 27 inches (698 mm) where handrails are provided on both sides.
Exception: The width of spiral stairways installed as part of an individual dwelling unit
shall be in accordance with Section R311.7.10.1.
(36) Section R311.7.5.1 Risers is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R311.7.5.1 Risers. The riser height shall be not more than 7 3/4 inches (196 mm). The
minimum riser height shall be not less than 4 inches (102 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). Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the underside of the nosing of the tread
above at an angle not more than 30 degrees (0.51 rad) from the vertical. Open risers are
permitted provided that the openings located more than 30 inches (762 mm), as measured
vertically, to the floor or grade below do not permit the passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102
mm) sphere.
Exceptions:
1. The opening between adjacent treads is not limited on spiral stairways.
2. The riser height of spiral stairways shall be in accordance with Section
R311.7.10.1.
(37) A new Section R312.1.1.1 Area well retaining walls, is hereby added to read as follows:
R312.1.1.1 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 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.
16
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.
(38) Section R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems is hereby retained
in its entirety with the following amendments:
R313.2 Two-family dwellings automatic fire systems. An automatic residential fire
sprinkler system shall be installed in two-family dwellings.
Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for
additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with an
automatic residential sprinkler system.
(39) Section R314.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions, is hereby retained in its entirety
with the following amendments:
R314.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. Where alterations, repairs or additions
requiring a permit occur, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in
existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke equipped
with smoke for new dwellings.
Exceptions:
1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing
or siding, the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or
deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.
(40) Section R315.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions, is hereby retained in its entirety
with the following amendments:
R315.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. Where alterations, repairs or additions
requiring a permit occur, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in
existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with carbon monoxide
alarms located as required for new dwellings.
Exceptions:
1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of
roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a
porch or deck, is exempt from the requirements of this section.
(41) Section R320.1 Scope, is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
17
R320.1 Scope. Where there are four or more dwelling units or sleeping units constructed
in a single structure, the applicable provisions of Colorado Revised Statutes, Federal
regulations, and the provisions of Chapter 11 of the adopted International Building Code
for Group R-3 shall apply.
(42) Section R322 Flood-resistant construction is hereby deleted in its entirety and the
following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
R322 Flood-Resistant Construction
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. 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.
(43) Section R326 Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs is hereby deleted in its entirety and the
following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
SECTION R326
BARRIER REQUIREMENTS
R326.1 General.
The provisions of this Section shall apply to the design of barriers for pools and spas.
These design controls are intended to provide protection against the potential drowning
and near drowning by restricting access to such pools or spas. These requirements
provide an integrated level of protection against potential drowning through the use of
physical barriers and warning devices.
Exceptions:
1. Spas and hot tubs with a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
2. Swimming pools with a powered safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
R326.2 Outdoor swimming pools and spas.
Outdoor pools and spas and indoor swimming pools shall be surrounded by a barrier that
complies with Sections 305.2.1 through 305.7.
R326.2.1 Barrier height and clearances.
Barrier heights and clearances shall be in accordance with all of the following:
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1. The top of the barrier shall be not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade
where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa.
Such height shall exist around the entire perimeter of the barrier and for a distance
of 3 feet (914 mm) measured horizontally from the outside of the required barrier.
2. The vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall not
exceed 2 inches (51 mm) for grade surfaces that are not solid, such as grass or
gravel, where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or
spa.
3. The vertical clearance between a surface below the barrier to a solid surface, such
as concrete, and the bottom of the required barrier shall not exceed 4 inches (102
mm) where measured on the side of the required barrier that faces away from the
pool or spa.
4. Where the top of the pool or spa structure is above grade, the barrier shall be
installed on grade or shall be mounted on top of the pool or spa structure. Where
the barrier is mounted on the top of the pool or spa, the vertical clearance between
the top of the pool or spa and the bottom of the barrier shall not exceed 4 inches
(102 mm).
R326.2.2 Openings.
Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.
R326.2.3 Solid barrier surfaces.
Solid barriers that do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions that
form handholds and footholds, except for normal construction tolerances and tooled
masonry joints.
R326.2.4 Mesh fence as a barrier.
Mesh fences, other than chain link fences in accordance with Section 305.2.7, shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall comply with the
following:
1. The bottom of the mesh fence shall be not more than 1 inch (25 mm) above the
deck or installed surface or grade.
2. The maximum vertical clearance from the bottom of the mesh fence and the solid
surface shall not permit the fence to be lifted more than 4 inches (102 mm) from
grade or decking.
3. The fence shall be designed and constructed so that it does not allow passage of a
4-inch (102 mm) sphere under any mesh panel. The maximum vertical clearance
from the bottom of the mesh fence and the solid surface shall not be more than 4
inches (102 mm) from grade or decking.
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4. An attachment device shall attach each barrier section at a height not lower than
45 inches (1143 mm) above grade. Common attachment devices include, but are
not limited to, devices that provide the security equal to or greater than that of a
hook-and-eye type latch incorporating a spring-actuated retaining lever such as a
safety gate hook.
5. Where a hinged gate is used with a mesh fence, the gate shall comply with
Section 305.3.
6. Patio deck sleeves such as vertical post receptacles that are placed inside the patio
surface shall be of a nonconductive material.
7. Mesh fences shall not be installed on top of on ground residential pools.
R326.2.5 Closely spaced horizontal members.
Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance
between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches (1143 mm), the
horizontal members shall be located on the pool or spa side of the fence. Spacing between
vertical members shall not exceed 13/4 inches (44 mm) in width. Where there are
decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed
13/4 inches (44 mm) in width.
R326.2.6 Widely spaced horizontal members.
Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance
between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, spacing
between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). Where there are
decorative cutouts within vertical members, the interior width of the cutouts shall not
exceed 13/4 inches (44 mm).
R326.2.7 Chain link dimensions.
The maximum opening formed by a chain link fence shall be not more than 1 3/4 inches
(44 mm). Where the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top and bottom which
reduce the openings, such openings shall be not more than 1 3/4 inches (44 mm).
R326.2.8 Diagonal members.
Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, the maximum opening formed by
the diagonal members shall be not more than1 3/4 inches (44 mm). The angle of diagonal
members shall be not greater than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) from vertical.
R326.2.9 Clear zone.
There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) between the exterior of
the barrier and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters
that can be used to climb the barrier.
20
R326.2.10 Poolside barrier setbacks.
The pool or spa side of the required barrier shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm)
from the water’s edge.
R326.3 Gates.
Access gates shall comply with the requirements of Sections 305.3.1 through 305.3.3 and
shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates shall open
outward away from the pool or spa, shall be self-closing and shall have a self-latching
device.
R326.3.1 Utility or service gates.
Gates not intended for pedestrian use, such as utility or service gates, shall remain locked
when not in use.
R326.3.2 Double or multiple gates.
Double gates or multiple gates shall have at least one leaf secured in place and the
adjacent leaf shall be secured with a self-latching device. The gate and barrier shall not
have openings larger than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the latch
release mechanism. The self-latching device shall comply with the requirements of
Section 305.3.3.
R326.3.3 Latches.
Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches
(1372 mm) from grade, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool or spa side of
the gate not less than 3 inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate, and the gate and barrier
shall not have openings greater than 1/2inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the
release mechanism.
R326.4 Structure wall as a barrier.
Where a wall of a dwelling or structure serves as part of the barrier and where doors or
windows provide direct access to the pool or spa through that wall, one of the following
shall be required:
1. Operable windows having a sill height of less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above
the indoor finished floor and doors shall have an alarm that produces an audible
warning when the window, door or their screens are opened. The alarm shall be
listed and labeled as a water hazard entrance alarm in accordance with UL 2017.
In dwellings or structures not required to be Accessible units, Type A units or
Type B units, the operable parts of the alarm deactivation switches shall be
located 54 inches (1372 mm) or more above the finished floor. In dwellings or
structures required to be Accessible units, Type A units or Type B units, the
operable parts of the alarm deactivation switches shall be located not greater than
54 inches (1372 mm) and not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished
floor.
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2. A safety cover that is listed and labeled in accordance with ASTM F 1346 is
installed for the pools and spas.
3. An approved means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-latching
devices, is provided. Such means of protection shall provide a degree of
protection that is not less than the protection afforded by Item 1 or 2.
R326.5 On ground residential pool structure as a barrier.
An on ground residential pool wall structure or a barrier mounted on top of an on ground
residential pool wall structure shall serve as a barrier where all of the following
conditions are present:
1. Where only the pool wall serves as the barrier, the bottom of the wall is on grade,
the top of the wall is not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade for the entire
perimeter of the pool, the wall complies with the requirements of Section 305.2
and the pool manufacturer allows the wall to serve as a barrier.
2. Where a barrier is mounted on top of the pool wall, the top of the barrier is not
less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool,
and the wall and the barrier on top of the wall comply with the requirements of
Section 305.2.
3. Ladders or steps used as means of access to the pool are capable of being secured,
locked or removed to prevent access except where the ladder or steps are
surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Section 305.
4. Openings created by the securing, locking or removal of ladders and steps do not
allow the passage of a 4inch (102 mm) diameter sphere.
5. Barriers that are mounted on top of on ground residential pool walls are installed
in accordance with the pool manufacturer’s instructions.
R326.6 Natural barriers.
In the case where the pool or spa area abuts the edge of a lake or other natural body of
water, public access is not permitted or allowed along the shoreline, and required barriers
extend to and beyond the water’s edge not less than 18 inches (457 mm), a barrier is not
required between the natural body of water shoreline and the pool or spa.
R326.7 Natural topography.
Natural topography that prevents direct access to the pool or spa area shall include but
not be limited to mountains and natural rock formations. A natural barrier as approved by
the building official shall be acceptable provided that the degree of protection is not less
than the protection afforded by the requirements of Sections 305.2 through 305.5.
R326.8 Entrapment avoidance.
Suction outlets shall be designed and installed in accordance with ANSI/APSP-7.
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R326.9 Barriers around decorative pools, fountains, and ponds.
Decorative pools, fountains, and ponds which can contain water deeper than 24 inches
(610 mm), shall be protected by barriers installed in accordance with section AG105.2.
(44) A new Section R327 Resource Efficiency is hereby added to read as follows:
R327 Resource Efficiency
R327.1 Construction waste management. For new buildings, and additions over 2,500
square feet or remodels over 2,500 square feet a construction waste management plan
acceptable to the building official that includes recycling of concrete and masonry, wood,
metals and cardboard, is required at time of application for a building permit. The
construction waste management plan shall be implemented and conspicuously posted on
the construction site. Compliance shall be certified by the hauler through receipts and
signed affidavits. Substantive changes to the plan shall be subject to prior approval by the
building official.
R327.1.1 Building demolitions. Buildings or portions of buildings which are removed
shall be processed in such a way as to safely remove all asbestos and lead paint
contaminants. All metals, asphalt, concrete and masonry that are free of asbestos and lead
paint shall be recycled, and where possible, all remaining materials, such as doors,
windows, cabinets, fixtures, and wood, shall be recycled. A construction waste
management plan shall be submitted at time of demo permit. Compliance with the
CWMP shall be certified by the hauler through receipts and signed affidavits.
(45) A new Section R328 Indoor Environmental Quality hereby added to read as follows:
R328 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
R328.1 Low-volatile organic compound (VOC) materials. Construction materials,
floor coverings and site applied finishes, including sealants and adhesives, resilient
flooring, carpeting and pad, site-applied paints, stains and varnishes, structural wood
panels, hardwood veneer plywood, particle board and fiber board building products, and
insulation shall meet specified volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions limits in
accordance with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) 01350;
GREENGUARD Environmental Institute GGPS.001 standard for building materials and
finishes; and Green Seal® standards. Documentation demonstrating compliance be
required with delivery of such materials and shall be available for inspection.
Exception: For alterations to existing buildings, carpeting and pad, structural wood
panels, hardwood, veneer plywood, particle board and fiber board building products and
insulation are not subject to this requirement.
(46) A new Section R329 Outdoor Environmental Quality is hereby added to read as follows:
23
R329 Outdoor Environmental Quality (OEQ)
R329.1 Exterior lighting. All exterior lighting fixtures associated with new buildings
shall have the “Fixture Seal of Approval” from the International Dark-Sky Association
(IDA) or meet equivalent criteria approved by the building official. Lighting placement
shall conform to IDA Model Lighting Ordinance for Lighting Zone LZ-1. Light shall be
shielded such that the lamp itself or the lamp image is not directly visible outside the
property perimeter.
(47) A new Section R330 Operations and Maintenance and Building Owner Education is
hereby added to read as follows:
R330 Operations and Maintenance and Building Owner Education
R330.1 Operations and maintenance. In new buildings, operation and maintenance
information addressing all installed systems shall be provided for the building owner.
(48) Section R401.1 Application is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R401.1 Application. 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 R322.
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, adequate
ventilation of enclosed interior foundation spaces, and foundation waterproofing and
damp-proofing. Final engineer’s reports, indicating his/her acceptance of the above
requirements, shall be submitted to the building official prior to the issuance of the
Certificate of Occupancy.
Exceptions:
1. When approved by the building official, engineering is not required on
foundations for non-habitable detached accessory buildings, or habitable additions of less
than 120 sq. ft., when such structures are unlikely to be located on expansive,
compressible, or shifting soils, soils of unknown characteristics, or for other valid
reasons.
2. The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood foundations
only in the following situations:
a. In buildings that have no more than two floors and a roof.
24
b. Where interior basement and foundation walls are constructed at intervals
not exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm).
Wood foundations in Seismic Design Category D0, D1 or D2 shall be designed in
accordance with accepted engineering practice.
(49) A new Section, R401.5 Placement of backfill is hereby added to read as follows:
R401.5 Placement of backfill. 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 damp-proofing
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.
(50) Section R403.1.4.1Frost protection is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R403.1.4.1 Frost protection. Except where otherwise protected from frost, foundation
walls, piers and other permanent supports of buildings and structures shall be protected
from frost by one or more of the following methods:
1. Extended below the frost line specified in Table R301.2. (1).
2. Constructed in accordance with Section R403.3.
3. Constructed in accordance with ASCE 32.
4. Erected on solid rock.
Exceptions:
1. Protection of freestanding unconditioned accessory structures with an area of 600
square feet (56 m2) or less, of light-frame construction, with an eave height of 10
feet (3048 mm) or less shall not be required.
2. Protection of freestanding unconditioned accessory structures with an area of 400
square feet (37 m2) or less, of other than light-frame construction, with an eave
height of 10 feet (3048 mm) or less shall not be required.
3. Decks not supported by a dwelling need not be provided with footings that extend
below the frost line.
25
Footings shall not bear on frozen soil unless the frozen condition is permanent.
(51) Section R405.1 Concrete or masonry foundations, is hereby retained in its entirety,
including Table 405.1, with the following amendments:
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 engineer of record has
determined that 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.
…
(52) A new Section R405.3 Landscape irrigation, is added to read as follows:
R405.3 Landscape irrigation. Landscape irrigation systems, other than drip systems,
shall be installed such that the ground surface within 60 inches (1524 mm), measured
perpendicular from the foundation, is not irrigated.
(53) Section R408.1Ventilation is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby
added in lieu thereof:
R408.1 Crawl space soil gas retarder. All exposed earth in a crawl space shall be
covered with a minimum 3 mil cross-linked Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor
retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of
the vapor retarder shall extend at least 6 inches (152 mm) up the perimeter stem wall and
any footing pads on grade, and be permanently attached and sealed to the stem wall or
footing pads. Reference adopted Appendix F of this code.
(54) Section R408.2 Openings for under-floor ventilation is hereby deleted in its entirety and
the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
R408.2 Crawl space. Crawl spaces shall be designed and constructed to be inside the
building thermal envelope, in accordance with the insulation and air sealing requirements
for crawl space walls and rim joists of Section N1102 of this code. Crawl spaces shall not
26
be vented to the exterior. They shall be conditioned using one of the following
approaches:
1. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cubic
foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7m2) of crawlspace floor
area, including an air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer
grille);
2. Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute
(0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of under-floor area, including a return
air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille);
3. Plenum in existing structures complying with Section M1601.5, if under-floor
space is used as a plenum.
Exception: Crawl spaces shall be permitted to be designed and constructed as
unconditioned spaces, outside the building thermal envelope, provided the following
requirements are met:
1. The floor above the crawl space is part of the building thermal envelope. It shall
meet the insulation requirements of Table N1102.1.1 of this code and shall be air-
sealed in accordance with Section N1102.4.1 of this code.
2. Ventilation openings shall be placed through foundation walls or exterior walls.
The minimum net area of ventilation openings shall not be less than 1 square foot
(0.0929 m2) for each 1,500 square feet (140 m2) of under-floor space area. One
such ventilating opening shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of each corner of the
building.
3. Ventilation openings 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):
a. Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
b. Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
c. Cast-iron grill or grating.
d. Extruded load-bearing brick vents.
e. Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
f. Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being 1/8 inch
(3.2 mm) thick.
4. The installation of operable louvers shall not be prohibited.
(55) A new Section R408.2.1 Ventilated under-floor spaces, is hereby added to read as
follows:
27
R408.2.1 Ventilated under-floor spaces. Floor systems above ventilated under-floor
spaces or floors open to the exterior or floors above an unconditioned space below shall
be insulated to R-30. Floor system shall be sealed to prevent heat loss and air infiltration.
(56) Section R408.3 Unvented crawl space 3 is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
R408.3 Unvented crawl space. Ventilation openings in under-floor spaces specified in
Sections R408.1 and R408.2 shall not be required where the following items are
provided:
1. Exposed earth is covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the
vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped.
The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend not less than 6 inches (152 mm) up
the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the stem wall or insulation.
2. One of the following is provided for the under-floor space:
2.1. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1
cubic foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7m2) of crawl space
floor area, including an air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer
grille), and perimeter walls insulated in accordance with N1102.2.11 of this code.
2.2. Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per
minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of under-floor area, including a
return air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille), and
perimeter walls insulated in accordance with Section N1102.2.11 of this code.
2.3. Plenum in existing structures complying with Section M1601.5, if under-floor
space is used as a plenum.
3. The perimeter walls enclosing un-vented crawl spaces shall be thermally insulated
to R-15 continuous insulation or R-19 batt insulation in accordance with Table
N1102.1.2.
(57) A new Section R408.3.1 Spaces under below-grade floors, is hereby added to read as
follows:
R408.3.1 Spaces under below-grade floors. Mechanical ventilation systems for spaces
under below-grade floors shall be installed as designed by a professional engineer.
Exception: Below grade floors designed specifically to accommodate soils expansion
and less than 18 inches in depth.
(58) A new Section R703.8.1Fenestration Installation is hereby added to read as follows:
28
R703.8.1 Fenestration installation. For all new construction, all fenestration
installations shall be in accordance with American Architectural Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) Standards/ Specifications for Windows, Doors and Skylights and
shall be supervised or inspected by an individual certified as an Installation Master or by
one having attended training by the manufacturer of the specific window product being
installed. Fenestration perimeter flashing shall be installed per Installation Masters
Chapter 16 Method A or A1, including either rigid or flexible sill pan flashing.
(59) A new Section R703.11.1.5 Vinyl siding on new buildings is hereby added to read as
follows:
Section R703.11.1.5 Vinyl siding on new buildings. Vinyl siding on new buildings shall
be installed over one-hour fire-rated assemblies listed for exterior fire exposure, in both
the vertical and horizontal plane.
(60) A new Section R703.13.2 Insulated vinyl siding on new buildings is hereby added to
read as follows:
Section R703.13.2 Insulated vinyl siding on new buildings. Insulated vinyl siding on
new buildings shall be installed over one-hour fire-rated assemblies listed for exterior fire
exposure, in both the vertical and horizontal plane.
(61) A new Section R703.14.3 Polypropylene siding on new buildings is hereby added to
read as:
R703.14.3 Polypropylene siding on new buildings. Polypropylene on new buildings
shall be installed over one-hour fire-rated assemblies listed for exterior fire exposure, in
both the vertical and horizontal plane.
(62) Section R902.1 Roofing Covering Materials is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
R902.1 Roofing covering materials.
Except as otherwise allowed, roofs shall be covered with materials listed as Class A and
with materials as set forth in Sections R904 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 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 5 feet (1.524
m) from the nearest adjacent property line and are a minimum distance of 10 feet (3.048
m) from another building.
29
(63) Section R903.2.2 Crickets and saddles is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
R903.2.2 Crickets and saddles. A cricket or saddle shall be installed on the ridge side of
any chimney or penetration more than 18 inches (457 mm) wide as measured
perpendicular to the slope. Cricket or saddle coverings shall be sheet metal or of the same
material as the roof covering.
Exceptions:
1. Unit skylights installed in accordance with Section R308.6 and flashed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions shall be permitted to be installed without
a cricket or saddle.
2. Re-roofing per Section R907.
(64) Section R905.1.2 Ice barriers is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
R905.1.2 Ice barriers. In areas where there has been a history of ice forming along the
eaves causing a backup of water as designated in Table R301.2(1), an ice barrier shall be
installed for asphalt shingles, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and
slate-type shingles, wood shingles and wood shakes. The ice barrier shall consist of not
fewer than two layers of underlayment cemented together, or a self-adhering polymer-
modified bitumen sheet shall be used in place of normal underlayment and extend from
the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 12 inches (304 mm) inside
the exterior wall line of the building. On roofs with slope equal to or greater than 8 units
vertical in 12 units horizontal, the ice barrier shall also be applied not less than 36 inches
(914 mm) measured along the roof slope from the eave edge of the building.
Exceptions:
1. Detached accessory structures not containing conditioned floor area.
2. Re-roofing where the existing roof covering has not been removed.
(65) Section R905.2.1 Sheathing requirements is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
R905.2.1 Sheathing requirements Asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solidly sheathed
decks. Gaps in the solid decking shall not exceed 1/8 inch.
(66) Section R908.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
30
R908.1 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. For roofs that provide positive drainage, re-covering or replacing an existing roof
covering shall not require the secondary (emergency overflow) drains or scuppers
of Section R903.4.1 to be added to an existing roof.
3. 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.
(67) Section R1004.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
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. Solid fuel fireplaces, fireplace stoves and solid-fuel-type room heaters
shall also comply with Section 5-110 of the City Code and shall be provided with a spark
arrestor.
(68) Section R1004.4 Unvented Gas log heaters is hereby deleted in its entirety.
(69) A new Section N1101.1.1 Thermal design parameters is hereby added to read as
follows:
N1101.1.1 Thermal design parameters. The following thermal design parameters in
Table N1101.1 shall be used for calculations required under this chapter.
TABLE N1101.1
THERMAL DESIGN PARAMETERS
CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
Winter Outdoor, Design Dry-bulb (oF) = 6
Winter Indoor, Design Dry-bulb (oF) = 72
Summer, Outdoor Design Dry-bulb (oF) = 90
Summer, Indoor Design Dry-bulb (oF) = 75
Summer, Outdoor Design Wet-bulb (oF) = 62
31
Summer, Indoor Design Wet-bulb (oF) = 62
Degree Days heating = 5710
Degree days cooling = 694
For SI: C = [(F)-32]/1.8.
Note: based on the 2013 Colorado Climate Center analysis.
(70) Section N1101.5 (R103.2) Information on construction documents, is hereby kept
and preserved in its entirety with the following amendments:
N1101.5 ( R103.2) Information on construction documents. Construction documents
for all buildings shall describe the exterior wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine
compliance with this code. 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.
Construction documents shall be drawn to scale 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 shows in sufficient detail pertinent data and features of
the building, systems and equipment as herein governed. Details shall include, but are not
limited to, as applicable,
1. insulation materials and their R-values;
2. fenestration schedule listing sizes, U-factors and SHGCs;
3. area-weighted U-factor and SHGC calculations;
4. mechanical system design criteria;
5. mechanical and service water heating system and equipment types, sizes and
efficiencies;
6. economizer description;
67. equipment and systems controls;
8. fan motor horsepower (hp) and controls;
79. duct sealing, duct and pipe insulation and location;
10. lighting fixture schedule with wattage and control narrative; and
811. air sealing details.
(71) Table N1102.1.2 (Table R402.1.2) Insulation and fenestration requirements by
component is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
TABLE N1102.1.2
INSULATION AND FENESTRATION REQUIREMENTS BY COMPONENT
a
Fort Collins is in Climate Zone 5
32
CLIMATE ZONE
HEATING
SYSTEM
TYPE
FENESTRATION
U-FACTORb
SKYLIGHTb
U-FACTOR
GLAZED
FENESTRATION
SHGC
CEILING
R-
VALUE
WOOD
FRAME
WALL
R-VALUE
f g
MASS
WALL
R-
VALUEg
FLOOR
R-
VALUE
e
BASEMENTc
WALL
R-VALUE
SLABd
R-
VALUE
&
DEPTH
CRAWLc
SPACE
WALL
R-
VALUE
Non-
Electric heat
0.32 0.55 NR 49 20 or
13 + 5
13/17 30 10/13h
15/19i
10,2
ft
10/13h
15/19i
Electric heat
0.30 0.55 NR 49 20+5 15/19 30 15/19 10,3
ft
15/19
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8mm
a. R-values are minimums. U-factors and SHGC are maximums. R-19 batts compressed into a nominal 2x6
framing cavity such that the R-value is reduced by R-1 or more shall be marked with the compressed batt R-value in
addition to the full thickness R-value.
b. The fenestration U-factor column excludes skylights. The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration.
33
1. cavity insulation in exterior walls that include continuous rigid insulating
sheathing and/or insulated siding with a minimum R-5 value; and
2. rim joist.
(74) Section N1102.2.1 (R402.2.1) Ceilings with attic spaces is hereby retained in its entirety
with the following amendments:
N1102.2.1 (R402.2.1) Ceilings with attic spaces
1. Where Section R1102.1.2 would require R-38 insulation in the ceiling, installing
R-30 over 100 percent of the ceiling area requiring insulation shall be deemed to
satisfy the requirement for R-38 wherever the full height of uncompressed R-30
insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. Similarly, where Section
R1102.1.2 would require R-49 insulation in the ceiling, installing R-38 over 100
percent of the ceiling area requiring insulation shall be deemed to satisfy the
requirement for R-49 insulation wherever the full height of uncompressed R-38
insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. This reduction shall not
apply to the U-factor alternative approach in Section R1102.1.4 and the total UA
alternative in Section R1102.1.5.
2. (Mandatory) At the eaves, the insulation extending over the exterior wall top plate
shall be R-19 minimum.
Exception: In remodels of existing buildings, R-10 shall be installed over top plates
where the top plates are exposed during the remodel.
(75) Section N1102.2.3 (R402.2.3) Eave baffles is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
N1102.2.3 (R402.2.3) Eave baffles and blocks (Mandatory). For air permeable
insulations in vented attics with ventilation from open or box soffits, a baffle shall be
installed to provide ventilation from the soffit to the attic adjacent to each soffit or eave
vent. In the case of continuous soffit vents, enough baffles shall be installed to maintain
the required attic ventilation from the soffit. Baffles shall maintain an opening equal or
greater than the size of the vent. The ventilation baffles shall extend over the top of the
attic insulation between rafters or trusses, maintaining a minimum 1” clear opening
below the roof deck and sufficient space for the minimum depth of attic insulation. The
baffle shall be permitted to be any solid material. All other spaces between rafters or
trusses shall be blocked full height, at the outside edge of the exterior wall top plate, with
air impermeable materials.
(76) A new Section N1102.2.7.1 (R402.2.8.1) Rim insulation requirements is hereby added
to read as follows:
N1102.2.7.1 (R402.2.8.1) Rim insulation requirements All rim plates and rim joist that
are part of the thermal envelope shall be air-sealed. All rim plates and rim joist that are
part of the thermal envelope shall be insulated using spray foam materials to R-15
34
minimum when the basement walls are insulated to 10/13 in accordance with Table
N1102.1.2. Where spray foam insulation is not used at the rim joist and adjoining plates,
the rim joists and adjoining plates shall be insulated to minimum R-19.
(77) Section N1102.4.1.2 (R402.4.1.2) Testing is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
N1102.4.1.2 (R402.4.1.2) Testing. The building or individual dwelling units shall be
tested and verified as having an air leakage rate of not exceeding 3 air changes per hour.
Testing shall be conducted with a blower door at a pressure of 0.2 inches w.g. (50
Pascals) in accordance with Section 802 of the RESNET Mortgage Industry National
Home Energy Rating Standards or City of Fort Collins Building Code Protocol for New
Multifamily Building Air Tightness Testing in duplex or townhomes. Where required by
the building official, testing shall be conducted by an approved third party. A written
report of the results of the test shall be signed by the party conducting the test and
provided to the building official. Isolation of attached garages from adjoining
conditioned areas shall be verified in accordance with City of Fort Collins protocols.
Testing shall occur after rough-in and after installation of penetrations of the building
thermal envelope, including but not limited to penetrations for utilities, plumbing,
electrical, ventilation and combustion appliances.
General requirements during testing:
1. Exterior windows and doors, fireplace and stove doors shall be closed, but not
sealed, beyond the intended weather-stripping or other infiltration control
measures;
2. Dampers including exhaust, intake, makeup air, backdraft and flue dampers shall
be closed, but not sealed beyond intended infiltration control measures;
3. Interior doors, if installed at the time of the test, shall be open;
4. Exterior doors for continuous ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators
shall be closed and sealed;
5. Heating and cooling systems, if installed at the time of the test, shall be turned
off;
6. Supply and return registers, if installed at the time of the test, shall be fully open;
7. Combustion air inlets shall not be closed or otherwise obstructed; and
8. Garage doors to the exterior shall be closed.
35
In additions or alterations to existing buildings, air sealing compliance shall be
considered acceptable when the items listed in Table N1102.4.1.1, applicable to the
method of construction, are field-verified.
(78) Section N1102.5 Maximum fenestration U-factor and SHGC (Mandatory) is hereby
deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
N1102.5 (R402.5) Maximum fenestration U-factor and SHGC (Mandatory). For new
construction and additions that require a building permit, the area-weighted average
maximum fenestration U-factor permitted using trade-offs from Section N1102.1.4 or
N1105 shall be 0.40 for vertical fenestration, and 0.75 for skylights.
(79) Section N1103.3.1 (R403.3.1) Insulation is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
N1103.3.1 (R403.3.1) Insulation (Mandatory). Supply and return ducts in attics shall be
insulated to a minimum of R-8 where 3 inches (76.2 mm) in diameter and greater and R-6
where less than 3 inches (76.2 mm) in diameter. Supply and return ducts in other portions
of the building shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6 where 3 inches (76.2 mm) in
diameter or greater and R-4.2 where less than 3 inches (76.2 mm) in diameter.
Exception: Ducts or portions thereof located completely inside the building thermal
envelope.
(80) Section N1104.1 (R404.1) Lighting equipment is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
N1104.1 (R404.1) Lighting equipment (Mandatory). A minimum of 75 percent of the
lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures shall be high-efficacy lamps or a
minimum of 50 percent of the permanently installed lighting fixtures shall contain only
LED lamps.
(81) Section N1105.1 (R405.1)Scope is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
N1105.1 (R405.1) Scope. This section establishes criteria for compliance using simulated
energy performance analysis. Such analysis shall include heating, cooling, and service
water heating energy only.
Exception: In addition to all Mandatory sections, new buildings, additions, or alterations
where the primary heat source is electrical shall comply with prescriptive portions of the
code.
(82) Section M1307.3 Elevation of ignition source is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
36
M1307.3 Elevation of ignition source. Electrical devices, 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 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 with a
private garage through openings shall be considered to be part of the garage.
Exception: Elevation of the ignition source is not required for appliances that are listed
as flammable-vapor-ignition resistant.
(83) A new Section M1309 Testing and verification is hereby added to read as follows:
M1309 Testing and verification. Installed heating, cooling and ventilation systems
shall be performance-tested and adjusted to operate within design specifications, in
accordance with ANSI/ACCA QI 5-2010 HVAC Quality Installation Specification.
Documentation of results shall be submitted to the building official prior to the issuance
of the Certificate of Occupancy.
(84) Section M1401.3 Equipment and appliance sizing is hereby deleted in its entirety and
the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
M1401.3 Heating and cooling system design. The design of new heating and cooling
systems shall meet the requirements of this Section. Design documents shall be
submitted to the building official at the time of application for a building permit.
M1401.3.1 Equipment sizing. Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized in
accordance with ACCA Manual S, based on design building loads calculated in
accordance with ACCA Manual J, or other equivalent methodology approved by the
building official, using thermal design parameters in Table N1101.1 as amended. The
total equipment output capacity shall be between the following limits, as applicable for
the equipment type:
1. 95% and 115% of calculated system cooling load, for air conditioners and heat
pumps;
2. 95% and 125% of calculated system cooling load, for heat pumps with winter
heating dominated requirements;
3. 100% and 140% of calculated system heating load, for warm air systems, unless
dictated by the cooling equipment selection; and
4. 100% and 115% of calculated system heating load, for heating boilers.
Where no available equipment is within the applicable capacity limits, the next largest
nominal piece of equipment that is available may be used.
37
M1401.3.2 Room loads. Room-by-room design heating and cooling loads shall be
calculated.
M1401.3.3 Matched components. Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute
(AHRI) matched evaporators, condensing units and air handlers shall be required.
(85) Section, M1414.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
M1414.1 General. 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.
(86) Section M1501.1 Outdoor discharge is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
M1501.1 Outdoor discharge. The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system
shall be discharged to the outdoors such that the exhaust termination is at least 10 feet
(3048 mm) from intakes of other mechanical ventilating systems. 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.
(87) A new Section M1501.2 Indoor depressurization is hereby added to read as follows:
M1501.2 Indoor depressurization. Ducted exhaust systems shall not induce or create a
negative pressure sufficient to cause back-drafting 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.
(88) Section M1502.4.5.2 Manufacturer’s instructions, is hereby deleted in its entirety.
(89) Section M1507.3 Whole-house mechanical ventilation system is hereby deleted in its
entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
M1507.3 Whole-dwelling unit mechanical ventilation system. For new buildings, a
mechanical exhaust system, supply system, or combination thereof shall be installed for
each dwelling unit to provide whole-dwelling unit ventilation. Such system shall comply
with Sections M1507.3.1 through M1507.3.4.
M1507.3.1 Whole-dwelling unit mechanical ventilation rate. The whole-dwelling unit
mechanical ventilation system shall provide outdoor air at a continuous rate of not less
than that determined in accordance with Table M1507.3.3(1).
38
Exception: The whole-dwelling unit mechanical ventilation system is permitted to
operate intermittently where the system has controls that enable operation for not less
than 25-percent of each 4-hour segment and the ventilation rate prescribed in Table
M1507.3.3(1) is multiplied by the factor determined in accordance with Table
M1507.3.3(2).
M1507.3.2 System design. The design of the required whole-dwelling unit mechanical
ventilation system shall comply with the requirements of this Section. System design
documents shall be submitted to the building official at the time of application for a
building permit.
M1507.3.2.1 System type. The system shall consist of one or more supply or exhaust
fans, or a combination thereof, and associated ducts and controls. Exhaust fans shall be
permitted to be part of a mechanical exhaust system. Outdoor air ducts connected to the
return side of an air handler shall be considered to provide supply ventilation.
M1507.3.2.2 Outdoor air intakes. Outdoor air intakes shall have automatic dampers that
close when the ventilation system is not operating.
M1507.3.2.3 Exhausts. Exhausts shall have gravity dampers that close when the
ventilation system is not operating.
M1507.3.2.4. Air circulation fan motors. Motors for air circulation fans used in the
ventilation system, rated at one-quarter horsepower or greater, shall meet at least one of
the following criteria:
39
1. Where the furnace serves as an air handler for the ventilation system, the furnace
shall be certified as an “Electrically Efficient Furnace” by the Air-conditioning,
Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
2. The blower motor shall be specified as a “Brushless DC” (BL or BLDC) motor by
the manufacturer.
3. The blower motor shall be specified as “Brushless Permanent Magnet” (BPM)
motor.
4. The blower motor shall be specified as “Electronically Commutated Motor”
(ECM)”.
5. The blower shall meet equivalent criteria acceptable to the building official.
M1507.3.2.5. System controls. The mechanical ventilation system shall be provided
with readily accessible and labeled controls that enable occupant override.
M1507.3.2.6. Sound ratings for fans. Whole-dwelling unit mechanical ventilation fans
shall be rated for sound at a maximum of 1.5 sones, in accordance with the procedures of
the Home Ventilating. Institute (HVI 915, Procedure for Loudness Rating of Residential
Fan Products).
Exception: Heating, ventilating and air conditioning air handlers and remote-mounted
fans need not meet sound requirements. To be considered for this exception, a remote-
mounted fan must be mounted outside the habitable spaces, bathrooms, toilets and
hallways, and there must be a least 4 ft (1 m) of ductwork between the fan and the intake
grille.
M1507.3.3 System installation. The installation of the whole-dwelling unit mechanical
ventilation system and equipment shall be carried out in accordance with the
manufacturers’ design requirements and installation instructions.
M1507.3.4 Performance verification. Performance of installed mechanical ventilation
systems shall be verified in accordance with Section M1309.
(90) Section M1601.1 Duct design is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
M1601.1 Duct design. Duct systems serving heating, cooling and ventilation equipment
in new buildings or new systems in additions shall be designed and fabricated in
accordance with the provisions of this section and ACCA Manual D or other approved
methods.
40
(91) Section M1601.1.1 Above-ground duct systems, is hereby retained in its entirety with the
exception of subsection 7 (including subsections 7.1 through 7.5), which is stricken in its
entirety.
(92) A new Section, M1601.4.11 Construction debris and contamination is hereby added to
read as follows:
M1601.4.11 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.
(93) Section M1602.2 Return air openings is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
M1602.2 Return air openings. A return air path shall be provided in all habitable rooms
by means of ducts or transfer grills. Return air openings for heating, ventilation and air
conditioning systems shall comply with all of the following:
1. Openings shall not be located less than 10 feet (3048 mm) measured in any
direction from an open combustion chamber or draft hood of another appliance
located in the same room or space.
2. The amount of return air taken from any room or space shall be not greater than
the flow rate of supply air delivered to such room or space.
3. Return and transfer openings shall be sized in accordance with the appliance or
equipment manufacturers’ installation instructions, Manual D or the design of the
registered design professional.
4. Return air shall not be taken from a closet, bathroom, toilet room, kitchen, garage,
mechanical room, boiler room, furnace room or unconditioned attic.
Exceptions:
1. Taking return air from a kitchen is not prohibited where such return air openings
serve the kitchen only, and are located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the
cooking appliances.
2. Dedicated forced-air systems serving only the garage shall not be prohibited from
obtaining return air from the garage.
3. Taking return air from an unconditioned crawl space shall not be accomplished
through a direct connection to the return side of a forced-air furnace. Transfer
openings in the crawl space enclosure shall not be prohibited.
41
4. Return air from one dwelling unit shall not be discharged into another dwelling
unit.
(94) Section G2404.3 (301.3) Listed and labeled is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
G2404.3 (301.3) Listed and labeled. Appliances regulated by this code shall be listed
and labeled for the application in which they are used unless otherwise approved in
accordance with Section R104.11.”
(95) Section G2406.2 (303.3) Prohibited locations is hereby retained in its entirety with the
exception of subsections 3 and 4 which are stricken in their entirety.
(96) A new Section G2406.4 (303.5.1) Natural Draft Appliances locations, is hereby added
to read as follows:
G2406.4 Natural Draft Appliances locations. For new buildings and new appliance or
new HVAC systems installed within additions, natural draft appliances shall not be
located within the building thermal envelope or be located in a space where the only
access to that space is from sleeping rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms, storage closets, or
surgical rooms.
Exceptions:
1. Where natural draft appliances are located in an enclosed mechanical room and
sealed to air flow from adjoining conditioned area and the following conditions
are met:
a. The access to the mechanical room is through a self-closing, gasketed
door;
b. No other exhaust appliances are located within the mechanical room;
c. The mechanical room is provided with outside combustion air as specified
in this code;
d. The isolation of the mechanical room from adjoining conditioned areas is
verified with a differential-pressure test not exceeding 45 Pascals,
performed by approved licensed contractors;
e. Such natural draft appliances pass a combustion safety test under worst-
case depressurization conditions in accordance with Building Performance
Institute (BPI) Technical Standards for the Heating Professional; and
42
f. Documentation of satisfactory testing results are submitted to the building
official prior to final approval.
2. Natural draft fireplaces that pass a combustion safety test, under worst-case
depressurization conditions, performed by approved licensed contractors and
conducted in accordance with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Technical
Standards for the Heating Professional, prior to final approval.
(97) Section G2407.11 (304.11) Combustion air ducts is hereby retained in its entirety with
the following amendments:
G2407.11(304.11)Combustion air ducts. Combustion air ducts shall comply with all of
the following:
1. Ducts shall be constructed of galvanized steel complying with Chapter 16 or of a
material having equivalent corrosion resistance, strength and rigidity.
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.
…
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.
…
(98) Section G2408.1 (305.1) General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
G2408.1(305.1) General. Equipment and appliances shall be installed as required by the
terms of their approval, in accordance with the conditions of listing, the manufacturer's
instructions and this code. Manufacturer's installation instructions shall be available on
the job site at the time of inspection. Where a code provision is less restrictive than the
conditions of the listing of the equipment or appliance or the manufacturer's installation
instructions, the conditions of the listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions
shall apply.
Where natural draft appliances are replaced in existing buildings, all appliances with a
draft hood shall have a Combustion Safety Test (CST) performed under first, the worst-
case conditions and secondly, under natural conditions. The CST shall be performed by
licensed contractors in accordance with the Building Performance Institute (BPI)
Technical Standards for the Heating Professional. If the test passes under the worst-case
conditions, no further testing is required. If the appliance fails the worst-case conditions
43
proceed to the natural conditions test. Appliances that fail the natural conditions test shall
be repaired until a natural condition test is passed. Should an appliance not pass the
worst-case test, a disclosure form reporting the test results shall be provided to the
homeowner. A copy of such disclosure form, signed by the homeowner, shall be
submitted to the building official prior to approval.
(99) Section G2408.2 (305.3) Elevation of ignition source is hereby retained in its entirety
with the following amendments:
G2408.2 (305.3) Elevation of ignition source. Electrical devices, 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 public
garages, private garages, repair garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities and parking
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.
(100) Section G2409.4.4 (308.4.5) Clearance from supply ducts is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
G2409.4.4 (308.4.5) Clearance from supply ducts. Supply air ducts connecting to listed
central heating furnaces where the bonnet temperature exceeds 150
o
F (68
o
C), shall have
the same minimum clearance to combustibles as required for the furnace supply plenum
for a distance of not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the supply plenum. Clearance is not
required beyond the 3-foot (914 mm) distance.
(101) Section G2415.9 (404.9) Above-ground piping outdoors is hereby retained in its entirety
with the following amendments:
G2415.9 (404.9) 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 31/2 inches (152 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.
(102) Section G2415.12 (404.12) Minimum burial depth is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
G2415.12 (404.12) 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 G2415.12.1.
44
(103) Section G2415.12.1 (404.12.1) Individual outside appliance is hereby kept and
preserved in its entirety with the following amendments:
G2415.12.1 (404.12.1) 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 3 1/2 inches (88.9 mm) in minimum
thickness, stone patio, concrete pavers or other approved materials.
(104) Section G2415.15 (404.15) Outlet closure is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
G2415.15 (404.15) Outlet closures. Gas outlets and fittings that 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:
1. Listed and labeled flush-mounted-type quick-disconnect devices and listed and
labeled gas convenience outlets shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions.
2. Drip/dirt legs installed at the floor level at appliances.
(105) Section G2416.1 (405.1) General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
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.
(106) Section G2416.2 (405.2) Metallic pipe is hereby deleted in its entirety.
(107) Section G2417.4.1 (406.4.1) Test pressure is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
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 gauge) 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.
(108) A new Section G2420.3.1 (409.3.2.1) Exterior appliances is hereby added to read as
45
follows:
G2420.3.1 (409.3.2.1) Exterior appliances Any building serving exterior appliances
shall provide a shut-off valve at the exterior of the building.
(109) Section G2420.5.2 (409.5.2) Vented decorative appliances and room heaters is hereby
retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
G2420.5.2 (409.5.2) Vented decorative appliances and room heaters. Shutoff valves
for vented decorative appliances, room heaters and decorative appliances for installation
in vented fireplaces shall be permitted to be installed in an area remote from the
appliances where such valves are provided with ready access. Such valves shall be
permanently identified and shall serve no other appliance. 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. The piping from the shutoff valve to within 6
feet (1829 mm) of the appliance shall be designed, sized and installed in accordance with
Sections G2412 through G2419.
(110) Section G2421.3 (410.3) Venting of regulators is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
G2421.3 (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, or foreign objects. Vents shall not terminate within 3 feet (0.916 m) of openings
into the building.
Exception: A vent to the outdoors is not required for regulators equipped with and
labeled for utilization with an approved vent-limiting device installed in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
(111) Section G2425.8 (501.8) Appliances not required to be vented is hereby kept and
preserved in its entirety with the exception of subsection 7, which is stricken in its
entirety.
(112) Section G2427.5.5.1 (503.5.6.1) Chimney lining is hereby retained in its entirety with
the following amendments:
G2427.5.5.1 (503.5.6.1) Chimney lining. Chimneys shall be lined in accordance with
NFPA 211.
(113) Section G2427.6.4 (503.6.5) Minimum height is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
G2427.6.4 (503.6.5) Minimum height. A Type B or L gas vent shall terminate at least 5
feet (1524 mm) in vertical height above the highest connected appliance draft hood or
flue collar. A Type B-W gas vent shall terminate at least 12 feet (3658 mm) in vertical
46
height above the bottom of the wall furnace. All gas vents shall terminate a minimum of
22 inches (559 mm) above the surface or grade directly below.
(114) Section G2439.3 (614.4) Exhaust installation is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
G2439.3 (614.4) Exhaust installation. Dryer exhaust ducts for clothes dryers shall
terminate on the outside of the building and shall be equipped with a backdraft damper.
Dryer exhaust duct terminations shall not be located within 36 inches (914 mm) of
exterior openings into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces and attics. Screens shall not be
installed at the duct termination. Ducts shall not be connected or installed with sheet
metal screws or other fasteners that will obstruct the flow. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts
shall not be connected to a vent connector, vent or chimney. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts
shall not extend into or through ducts or plenums.
(115) Section G2439.7.4.2 (614.8.4.2) Manufacturer’s instructions, is hereby deleted in its
entirety.
(116) Section G2445 (621), Unvented Room Heaters, is hereby deleted in its entirety.
(117) A new Section G2447.6 (623.8) Kitchens with gas cooking is hereby added to read as
follows:
G2447.6 Kitchens with gas cooking. Residential kitchens with gas cooking appliances
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.
(118) A new Section G2451.3 (630.3) Combustion and ventilation air is hereby added to read
as follows:
G2451.3 (630.3) Combustion and ventilation air Where infrared heaters are installed,
natural or mechanical means shall provide outdoor ventilation air at a rate of not less than
4 cfm per 1,000 Btu/h (0.38 m3/min/kW) of the aggregate input rating of all such heaters
installed in the space. Exhaust openings for removing flue products shall be above the
level of the heaters.
(119) Section G2454.1 (636.1) General is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
G2454.1 (636.1) General. Permanently fixed-in-place outdoor decorative appliances
shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.97 and shall be provided with a flame
safeguard device and be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
47
Appliances shall not be located beneath or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible
construction or as allowed by the listing.
(120) Section P2503.5.1 Rough Plumbing is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
P2503.5.1 Rough plumbing. DWV systems shall be tested on completion of the rough
piping installation by water or by air with no evidence of leakage. Either test shall be
applied to the drainage system in its entirety or in sections after rough piping has been
installed, as follows:
1. Water test. Each section shall be filled with water to a point not less than 10 feet
(3048 mm) above the highest fitting connection in that section, or to the highest
point in the completed system. Water shall be held in the section under test for a
period of 15 minutes. The system shall prove leak free by visual inspection.
2. Air test. The portion under test shall be maintained at a gauge pressure of 5
pounds per square inch (psi) (34 kPa) or 10 inches of mercury column (34 kPa).
This pressure shall be held without introduction of additional air for a period of 15
minutes.
(121) Section P2903.2 Maximum flow and water consumption is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
P2903.2 Maximum flow and water consumption. The maximum water consumption
flow rates and quantities for all plumbing fixtures and fixture fittings shall be in
accordance with Table P2903.2 and such fixtures shall be Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) WaterSense® labeled fixtures or such fixtures and fittings that provide the
equivalent maximum flow rates.
(122) Table P2903.2 is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
Table P2903.2 Maximum Flow Rates and Consumption For Plumbing Fixtures and
Fixture Fittings
b
PLUMBING FIXTURE
OR FIXTURE FITTING
MAXIMUM FLOW RATES
Lavatory faucet 1.5 gpm at 60 psi
Shower heada 2.0 gpm at 80 psi
Sink faucet 1.8 gpm at 60 psi
Water closet
1.6 gallons per flushing cycle
1.28 gallons per flushing cycle, with minimum MaP threshold of 350 grams
For SI: 1 gallon per minute (gpm) = 3.785 L/m.
1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.895 kPa
2 A handheld shower spray is also a shower head
3 Consumption tolerances shall be determined from referenced standards.
48
(123) A new Section E3401.5 Electrical Vehicle Ready is hereby added to read as follows:
Section E3401.5 Electrical Vehicle Ready. All new single family dwellings with an
attached garage or carport shall be provided with an empty conduit of 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
minimum, installed from the dwellings electrical panel board to a junction box in readily
accessible location in the garage or carport, capable of supporting a 30 ampere 220 volt
outlet.
(124) A new Section E3401.6 Photovoltaic Ready is hereby added to read as follows:
Section E3401.6 Photovoltaic Ready All new single family dwellings shall be provided
with an empty conduit of 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) minimum, installed from the dwellings
attic space beneath the roof which most likely would support the majority of installed
photovoltaic system, to a junction box located within 12 inches of the dwellings electrical
meter or connected directly to the dwellings electrical panel board.
(125) Chapter 44 Referenced Standards is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
…
ANSI/ACCA QI 5-2007 HVAC Quality Installation Specification.
Referenced in Amended 2012 IRC Section M1309 Performance verification
Installation Masters™ Testing and Certification Program
Referenced in Amended 2012 IRC Section R703.8.1 Fenestration installation
CDPH California Department of Public Health
1615 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95814
CDPH 01350 Standard Method for Testing VOC emissions from indoor sources
Referenced in Amended 2012 IRC Section R325.1 Low-volatile organic compound
(VOC) materials.
FSC Forest Stewardship Council U.S. (FSC-US)
212 Third Avenue North, Suite 504
Minneapolis, MN 55401
GEI GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
2211 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110
Marietta, GA 30067
GGPS.001.GREENGUARD IAQ Standard for Building Materials, Finishes and
Furnishings
Referenced in Amended 2012 IRC Section R325.1 Low-volatile organic compound
(VOC) materials.
Green Seal® 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
49
Suite 827
Washington, DC 20036-5525
GS-11 Paintings and Coatings
GS-43 Recycled Content Latex Paints
Referenced in Amended 2012 IRC Section R325.1 Low-volatile organic compound
(VOC) materials.
HVI Home Ventilating Institute
1000 N Rand Rd, Ste 214
Wauconda, IL 60084 USA
HVI referenced standard HVI 915, Procedure for Loudness Rating of Residential Fan
Products
Referenced in Amended 2012 IRC Section M1507.4.2.6. Sound ratings for fans.
IDA International Dark-Sky Association
3225 N. First Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85719
IDA fixture seal of approval (FSA) third-party certification for luminaires that minimize
glare, reduce light trespass, and don’t pollute the night sky.
http://www.darksky.org/
http://www.darksky.org/outdoorlighting/mlo
http://www.darksky.org/outdoorlighting/about-fsa
RESNET® Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standards
Residential Energy Services Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 4561
Oceanside, CA 92052-4561
http://resnet.us
RESNET® reference standard Grade I and Grade II Insulation
Referenced in Amended 2012 IRC Section N1102.2 Specific insulation requirements.
…
(126) APPENDIX E, MANUFACTURED HOUSING USED AS DWELLINGS, is hereby
adopted in its entirety.
(127) APPENDIX F, RADON CONTROL METHODS, is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
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 RADON RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-
50
FAMILY DWELLINGS, and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as this
appendix.
AF101.2 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 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 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 and 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.
51
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
AF102).
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 1are 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 m
2
) 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 AF103.5.2 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 m
2
), consisting of a continuous loop of minimum 3-inch
52
(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 cm
2
/ m
2
) 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 m
2
) but less
than 4,000 square feet (372 m
2
), 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 m
2
) shall have under them separate loops for
every additional 2,000 square feet (186 m
2
) 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 m
2
) and 4,000 square
feet (372 m
2
) 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 m
2
) 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 m
2
) 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 m
2
) but less than 4,000 square feet (372
m
2
) 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.
53
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 AF103.3.1 through AF103.3.11.
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 and view port.
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.
54
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 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 (152mm) 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 or PVC DWV
pipe, 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.
55
All vent pipes shall be extended up through the building floors and 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 .25 inch (6.4 mm) and .5 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
56
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 Provisions for future depressurization fan installation. 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.
AF103.12 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
AF103.11.1. 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.
(128) APPENDIX H, PATIO COVERS, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(129) APPENDIX M, HOME DAY-CARE R-3 OCCUPANCIES, is hereby adopted in its
entirety.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 6th day of
June, A.D. 2017, and to be presented for final passage on the 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
57
Passed and adopted on final reading on this 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
- 1 -
ORDINANCE NO. 075, 2017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE IV OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF FORT COLLINS FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPEALING THE
2012 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE (IMC), AND ADOPTING THE
2015 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE, WITH AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, since 1924, the City has reviewed, amended and adopted the latest
nationally recognized building standards available for the times; and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation of City staff, the City Council has determined that it
is in the best interests of the City to align the five interconnected basic construction codes under
one publication year; and
WHEREAS, the five interconnected basic construction codes are the International
Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International
Fuel Gas Code, and International Energy Conservation Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the 2015 publication year of the five
interconnected basic construction codes ought to be adopted and that their counterpart codes
previously adopted should be repealed, both in order to align the publication years of the codes
and also because the 2015 publications contain improvements in construction code regulation;
and
WHEREAS, City staff has conducted a significant public outreach program, working
with the regulated construction industry and building professionals; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the five interconnected basic construction codes has been
presented to and recommended by the Affordable Housing Board, the Commission on Disability,
the Air Quality Advisory Board, the Natural Resources Advisory Board, the Building Review
Board, the Electric Board, the Landmark Preservation Commission and the Water Board; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the health,
safety and welfare of the City and its citizens that the 2012 International Mechanical Code, as
adopted and amended by the City pursuant to Ordinance No. 021, 2014, be repealed, and that in
its place, the 2015 International Mechanical Code be adopted, with amendments.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter II, Section 7, City Council may enact any
ordinance which adopts a code by reference in whole or in part provided that before adoption of
such ordinance the Council hold a public hearing thereon and that notice of the hearing is
published twice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City, with one of such
publications occurring at least eight (8) days preceding the hearing and the other publication
occurring at least fifteen (15) days preceding the hearing; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with Article II, Section 7, the City Clerk published in the Fort
Collins Coloradoan such notice of hearing concerning adoption of the 2015 International
Mechanical Code on May 21, 2017, and May 28, 2017; and
- 2 -
WHEREAS, attached as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference is the Notice
of Public Hearing dated May 14, 2017, that was so published and which the Council hereby finds
meets the requirements of Article II, Section 7 of the City Charter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That Section 5-106 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5-106. – Adoption of standards.
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 repeals the 2012
International Mechanical Code (2012 IMC) and adopts as the mechanical code of the
City the 2015 International Mechanical Code (2015 IMC), published by the
International Code Council, which shall have the same force and effect as though set
forth in full herein except as amended pursuant to Section 5-107 of the City Code. The
subject matter of the 2015 International Mechanical Code (2015 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 systems, incinerators, miscellaneous heat-
producing appliances for the purposes of protecting public health, safety and general
welfare. None of the 2015 International Mechanical Code Appendices are hereby
adopted.
Section 3. That Section 5-107 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
repealed and re-enacted to read in its entirety as follows:
Sec. 5-107. - Amendments and deletions to the 2015 International Mechanical Code.
The 2015 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE adopted in §5-106 is hereby amended in the
following respects:
(1) Section 101.1 Title is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Mechanical Code of the City of Fort
Collins, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
(2) Section 102.8 Referenced codes and standards is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
Section 102.8 Reference codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced
herein shall be those that are listed in Section 101.4 of the adopted International Building
- 3 -
Code, entitled “Referenced Codes” and shall be considered part of the requirements of
this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.
Exception: Where enforcement of a code provision would violate the conditions of the
listing of the equipment or appliance, the conditions of the listing and the manufacturer’s
installation instructions shall apply.
(3) Section 103 Department of Mechanical Inspection is hereby deleted and replaced in its
entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
SECTION 103 – CODE ADMINISTRATION
103.1 Entity charged with code administration. The entity charged with code
administration shall be as determined in accordance with Section 103 of the adopted
International Building Code, entitled “Code Administration.”
(4) Sections 106.5 Fees, 106.5.1 Work commencing before permit issuance, 106.5.2 Fee
schedule, and 106.5.3 Fee refunds are hereby deleted and replaced in their entirety and
the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
106.5 Payment of fees. All items relating to fees shall be as specified in Section 109 of
the adopted International Building Code, entitled “Fees.”
(5) Sections 107.3 Testing and verification, 107.3.1 New, altered, extended or repaired
systems, 107.3.2 Apparatus, material and labor for tests, and 107.3.3 Reinspection and
Testing are hereby deleted and replaced in their entirety and the following is hereby
added in lieu thereof:
107.3 Testing and verification. Installed heating, cooling and ventilation systems shall
be performance-tested by an approved agency and adjusted to operate within design
specifications, in accordance with ANSI/ACCA QI 5-2010 HVAC Quality Installation
Specification. Documentation of results shall be submitted to the building official prior to
approval.
Exception: Buildings subject to commissioning requirements in Section 3604.1 of the
2015 International Building Code as amended.
(6) Section 108.4 Violation Penalties is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
108.4 Violation penalties. Persons who violate a provision of this code or fail to comply
with any of the requirements thereof or who erect, install, alter or repair a 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 and shall be subject to the penalties and fines specified in
Section 1-15 of the City Code.
- 4 -
(7) A new Section 108.4.1 Work Commencing before Permit Issuance is hereby added to
read as follows:
108.4.1 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to the 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 fine in addition to the standard prescribed permit fee. Said fine shall
be equal in amount to the permit fee, except that it shall not be less than $50 nor more
than $1,000 for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such
violation repeatedly shall be subject to a fine equal to double the amount of the permit fee
or double the amount of the fee imposed for the preceding violation, whichever is greater,
for every such subsequent violation committed within 180 days of a previous violation.
Said fines may be appealed to the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 2, Article VI of the
City Code.
(8) Section 109 Means of Appeal is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety and the
following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
109 Appeals. Appeals of decisions, determinations and interpretations of this code shall
be made pursuant to the applicable provisions of Section 113 of the adopted International
Building Code, entitled “Board of Appeals.”
(9) Section 202 GENERAL DEFINITIONS, is hereby amended to add, in alphabetical
order, the following definitions:
Multifamily. Any building housing group R-1, R-2 or R-4 occupancies.
Whole-dwelling unit mechanical ventilation system. An exhaust system, supply system,
or combination thereof that is designed to mechanically exchange indoor air for outdoor
air when operating continuously or through a programmed intermittent schedule to
satisfy the whole-dwelling ventilation rate.
(10) Section 304.3 Elevation of ignition source is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
304.3 Elevation of ignition source. Electrical devices, equipment and appliances having
an ignition source and located in hazardous locations and public garages, private garages,
repair garages, automotive motor fuel-dispensing facilities and parking garages shall be
elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the
floor surface on which the equipment or appliance rests. 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.
(11) Section 312.1 Load calculations is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
- 5 -
312.1 Heating and cooling load calculations. Heating and cooling system design loads
for the purpose of sizing systems, appliances and equipment shall be determined in
accordance with the adopted International Energy Conservation Code.
(12) A new Section 408 Whole-dwelling unit ventilation is hereby added to read as follows:
408.1 Whole-dwelling unit mechanical ventilation system. For new buildings, a
mechanical exhaust system, supply system, or combination thereof shall be installed for
each dwelling unit to provide whole-dwelling unit ventilation. Such system shall comply
with Sections 407.1.1 through 407.5.
408.1.1 Whole-dwelling unit ventilation rate. The dwelling unit mechanical ventilation
system shall provide outdoor air at a continuous rate of not less than that determined in
accordance with Table M1507.3.3(1).
Exception:
The whole-dwelling unit mechanical ventilation system is permitted to operate
intermittently where the system has controls that enable operation for not less than 25-
percent of each 4-hour segment and the ventilation rate prescribed in IRC Table
M1507.3.3(1) is multiplied by the factor determined in accordance with IRC Table
M1507.3.3(2).
408.2 System design. The design of the required whole dwelling unit ventilation system
shall comply with the requirements of this Section. System design documents shall be
submitted, as required by the building official, at the time of application for a building
permit.
408.2.1 System type. The system shall consist of one or more supply or exhaust fans, or
a combination thereof, and associated ducts and controls. Exhaust fans shall be permitted
- 6 -
to be part of a mechanical exhaust system. Outdoor air ducts connected to the return duct
of a forced air furnace shall be considered to provide supply ventilation and shall be sized
to provide adequate mechanical ventilation in accordance with ASHRAE 62.2 and shall
meet the manufacturer’s requirements for minimum return air temperature to the furnace
heat exchanger.
408.2.2 Outdoor air intakes. Outdoor air intakes shall have automatic dampers that close
when the ventilation system is not operating.
408.2.3. Exhausts. Exhausts shall have gravity dampers that close when the ventilation
system is not operating.
408.2.4 Air Circulation fan motors. Motors for air circulation fans used in the
ventilation system, rated at one-quarter horsepower or greater, shall meet at least one of
the following criteria:
1. Where the furnace serves as an air handler for the ventilation system, the furnace
shall be certified as an “Electrically Efficient Furnace” by the Air-conditioning,
Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
2. The blower motor shall be specified as a “Brushless DC” (BL or BLDC) motor by the
manufacturer.
3. The blower motor shall be specified as “Brushless Permanent Magnet” (BPM) motor.
4. The blower motor shall be specified as “Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM).”
5. The blower shall meet equivalent criteria acceptable to the building official.
408.2.5 System controls. The mechanical ventilation system shall be provided with
readily accessible and labeled controls that enable occupant override.
408.2.6 Sound ratings for fans. Whole-dwelling unit ventilation fans shall be rated for
sound at a maximum of 1.5 sones, in accordance with the procedures of the Home
Ventilating Institute (HVI 915, Procedure for Loudness Rating of Residential Fan
Products).
Exception:
Heating, ventilating and air conditioning air handlers and remote-mounted fans need not
meet sound requirements. To be considered for this exception, a remote-mounted fan
must be mounted outside the habitable spaces, bathrooms, toilets and hallways, and there
must be at least 4 ft (1 m) of ductwork between the fan and the intake grille.
408.3 System installation. The installation of the whole-dwelling unit ventilation system
and equipment shall be carried out in accordance with the manufacturers’ design
requirements and installation instructions.
408.4 Performance verification. Performance of installed mechanical ventilation
systems shall be verified in accordance with Section 107.3.
- 7 -
408.5 Multifamily buildings. In multifamily buildings, all doors between dwelling units
and common hallways shall be gasketed or otherwise substantially airtight with weather
stripping, except when the ventilation system explicitly requires transfer of air from
corridors into units.
(13) Section 504.1 Installation is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
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. Dryer exhaust duct terminations shall not be located within 36 inches (914
mm) of exterior openings into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces, and attic spaces.
(14) Section 504.8.4.2 Manufacturer’s instructions is deleted in its entirety:
(15) Section 512.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
512.1 General. Where a subslab soil exhaust system is provided, the duct for such system
shall conform to the requirements of Section 1211 of the adopted International Building
Code, entitled “Radon-Resistant Construction.”
(16) Section 602.3 Stud cavity and joist space plenums is hereby deleted and replaced in its
entirety and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
Section 602.3 Building cavities (Mandatory). Building framing cavities shall not be
used as ducts or plenums.
(17) A new Section 602.3.1 Return air is hereby added to read as follows:
Section 602.3.1 Return air. Return air shall be taken from inside the dwelling. Dilution
of return air with outdoor air shall be permitted. A return air path shall be provided in
all habitable rooms by means of ducts or transfer grills.
(18) A new Section 603.18.3 Construction debris and contamination is hereby added to read
as follows:
603.18.3 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.
(19) Section 607.4 Access and identification is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
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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 and readable
without the removal of finish ceiling works by a label having 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.
(20) Section 801.19 Multistory prohibited is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
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.
(21) A new Section 903.1.1 Solid fuel fireplaces and appliances is added to read as follows:
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 City Code.
(22) Section 903.3 Unvented gas logs heaters is deleted in its entirety:
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 6th day of
June, A.D. 2017, and to be presented for final passage on the 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
- 9 -
Passed and adopted on final reading on this 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
- 1 -
ORDINANCE NO. 076, 2017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE IV OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF FORT COLLINS FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPEALING THE
2012 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE (IFGC) AND ADOPTING THE
2015 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE, WITH AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, since 1924, the City has reviewed, amended and adopted the latest
nationally recognized building standards available for the times; and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation of City staff, the City Council has determined that it
is in the best interests of the City to align the five interconnected basic construction codes under
one publication year; and
WHEREAS, the five interconnected basic construction codes are the International
Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International
Fuel Gas Code, and International Energy Conservation Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the 2015 publication year of the five
interconnected basic construction codes ought to be adopted and that their counterpart codes
previously adopted should be repealed, both in order to align the publication years of the codes
and also because the 2012 publications contain improvements in construction code regulation;
and
WHEREAS, City staff has conducted a significant public outreach program, working
with the regulated construction industry and building professionals; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the five interconnected basic construction codes has been
presented to and recommended by the Affordable Housing Board, the Commission on Disability,
the Air Quality Advisory Board, the Natural Resources Advisory Board, the Building Review
Board, the Electric Board, the Landmark Preservation Commission and the Water Board; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the health,
safety and welfare of the City and its citizens that the 2012 International Fuel Gas Code, as
adopted and amended by the City pursuant to Ordinance No. 022, 2014, be repealed, and that in
its place, the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code be adopted, with local amendments.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter II, Section 7, City Council may enact any
ordinance which adopts a code by reference in whole or in part provided that before adoption of
such ordinance the Council hold a public hearing thereon and that notice of the hearing is
published twice in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City, with one of such
publications occurring at least eight (8) days preceding the hearing and the other publication
occurring at least fifteen (15) days preceding the hearing; and
- 2 -
WHEREAS, in compliance with Article II, Section 7, the City Clerk published in the Fort
Collins Coloradoan such notice of hearing concerning adoption of the 2015 International Fuel
Gas Code on May 21, 2017, and May 2, 2017; and
WHEREAS, attached as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference is the Notice
of Public Hearing dated May 14, 2017, that was so published and which the Council hereby finds
meets the requirements of Article II, Section 7 of the City Charter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That Section 5-111 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
Sec. 5-111. 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 repeals the 2012
International Fuel Gas Code (2012 IFGC), and adopts, as the fuel gas code of the City,
the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (2015 IFGC), published by the International Code
Council, which shall have the same force and effect as though set forth in full herein
except as amended pursuant to Section 5-112 of the City Code. The subject matter of the
2015 International Fuel Gas Code (2015 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. None of the 2015
International Fuel Gas Code Appendices are hereby adopted.
Section 3. That Section 5-112 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
repealed and reenacted to read in its entirety as follows:
Sec. 5-112. Amendments and deletions to the 2015 International Fuel Gas Code.
The 2015 INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE adopted in § 5-111 is hereby amended in
the following respects:
(1) Section 101.1 Title is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fuel Gas Code of the City of Fort
Collins, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
(2) Section 102.8 reference codes and standards is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
- 3 -
Section 102.8 reference codes and standards The codes and standards referenced in
this code shall be those that are listed in Section 101.4 of the adopted International
Building Code, entitled “Referenced codes,” and such codes and standards shall be
considered as part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such
reference.
(3) Section 102.8.1, Conflicts is hereby deleted in its entirety:
(4) Section 102.8.2, Provisions in referenced codes and standards is hereby deleted in its
entirety:
(5) Section 103 Department Of Inspection is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety and
the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
SECTION 103 – CODE ADMINISTRATION
103.1 Entity charged with code administration. The entity charged with code
administration shall be as determined in accordance with Section 103 of the adopted
International Building Code, entitled “Code Administration,” as amended and set forth in
Section 5-27(3) of the City Code.
(6) Section 106.6 Fees is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety and the following is
hereby added in lieu thereof:
106.6 Fees. All items relating to fees shall be as specified in Section 109 of the adopted
International Building Code, entitled “Fees.”
(7) Section 106.6.1 Work commencing before permit issuance is hereby deleted in its
entirety:
(8) Section 106.6.2 Fee schedule is hereby deleted in its entirety:
(9) Section 106.6.3 Fee refunds is hereby deleted in its entirety:
(10) Section 108.4 Violation penalties is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
108.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code, fail to
comply with any of the requirements thereof or erect, install, alter or repair 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 specified in Section 1-15 of the City
Code. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be
deemed a separate offense.
- 4 -
(11) A new Section 108.4.1 Work commencing before permit issuance is hereby added to
read as follows:
108.4.1 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to the 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 fine in addition to the standard prescribed permit fee. Said fine shall
be equal in amount to the permit fee, except that it shall not be less than $50 nor more
than $1,000 for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such
violation repeatedly shall be subject to a fine equal to double the amount of the permit fee
or double the amount of the fee imposed for the preceding violation, whichever is greater,
for every such subsequent violation committed within 180 days of a previous violation.
Said fines may be appealed to the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 2, Article VI of the
City Code.
(12) Section 109 Means Of Appeal is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is
hereby added in lieu thereof:
109 Means of Appeal. Appeals of decisions, determinations and interpretations of this
code shall be made pursuant to the applicable provisions of Section 113 of the adopted
International Building Code, entitled “Board of Appeals.”
(13) Section 301.3 Listed and labeled is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
301.3 Listed and labeled. Appliances regulated by this code shall be listed and labeled
for the application in which they are used unless otherwise approved in accordance with
Section R104.11.
(14) Section 303.3 Prohibited locations is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
. . .
3. The appliance is installed in a room or space that opens only into a bedroom or
bathroom, and such room or space is used for no other purpose and is provided with a
solid weather-stripped door equipped with an approved self-closing device. All
combustion air shall be taken directly from the outdoors in accordance with Section
304.6.
(15) A new Section 303.5.1 Natural Draft Appliances locations is hereby added to read as
follows:
303.5.1 Natural draft appliances locations. For new buildings and new appliance or
new HVAC systems installed within additions, natural draft appliances shall not be
located within the building thermal envelope or be located in a space where the only
- 5 -
access to that space is from sleeping rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms, storage closets, or
surgical rooms.
Exceptions
1. Where natural draft appliances are located in an enclosed mechanical room and
sealed to air flow from adjoining conditioned area and the following conditions
are met:
a. The access to the mechanical room is through a self-closing, gasketed
door;
b. No other exhaust appliances are located within the mechanical room;
c. The mechanical room is provided with outside combustion air as specified
in this code;
d. The isolation of the mechanical room from adjoining conditioned areas is
verified with a differential-pressure test not exceeding 45 Pascals,
performed by approved licensed contractors;
e. Such natural draft appliances pass a combustion safety test under worst-
case depressurization conditions in accordance with Building Performance
Institute (BPI) Technical Standards for the Heating Professional; and
f. Documentation of satisfactory testing results are submitted to the building
official prior to final approval.
2. Natural draft fireplaces that pass a combustion safety test, under worst-case
depressurization conditions, performed by approved licensed contractors and
conducted in accordance with the Building Performance Institute (BPI) Technical
Standards for the Heating Professional, prior to final approval.
(16) Section 304.11 Combustion air ducts is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
. . .
1. Ducts shall be constructed of galvanized steel complying with Chapter 6 of the
International Mechanical Code or of a material having equivalent corrosion
resistance, strength and rigidity.
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.
. . .
- 6 -
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.
(17) Section 305.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
. . .
Where natural draft appliances are replaced in existing multi-family buildings, all
appliances with a draft hood shall pass a combustion safety test under natural conditions,
conducted by an approved agency in accordance with the Building Performance Institute
(BPI) Technical Standards for the Heating Professional. Such appliances shall also be
combustion safety tested under worst-case depressurization conditions, by an approved
agency in accordance with Building Performance Institute (BPI) Technical Standards for
the Heating Professional. Should an appliance not pass such test, a disclosure form
reporting the test results shall be provided to the dwelling unit owner. A copy of such
disclosure form, signed by the homeowner, shall be submitted to the Building Official
prior to approval.
(18) Section 305.3 Elevation of ignition source is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
305.3 Elevation of ignition source. Electrical devices, 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 public garages, private
garages, repair garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities and parking 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.
(19) Section 308.4.5 Clearance from supply ducts is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
308.4.5 Clearance from supply ducts. Supply air ducts connecting to listed central
heating furnaces where the bonnet temperature exceeds 150°F (68°C) shall have the same
minimum clearance to combustibles as required for the furnace supply plenum for a
distance of not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the supply plenum. Clearance is not
required beyond the 3-foot (914 mm) distance.
(20) Section 404.9 Above-ground piping outdoors is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
404.9 Above-ground piping outdoors. 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 3½ inches (89 mm) above the roof surface. Piping installed
- 7 -
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 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.
(21) Section 404.12 Minimum burial depth is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
404.12 Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be installed a
minimum depth of 18 inches (457 mm) below grade.
(22) Section 404.12.1 Individual outside appliances, is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
404.12.1 Individual outside appliances. Individual lines to outdoor lights, grills and
other appliances shall be installed a minimum of not less than 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 3 1/2 inches (89 mm) in minimum thickness, stone
patio, concrete pavers or other approved materials.
(23) Section 404.15 Outlet closure is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
404.15 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:
1. Listed and labeled flush-mounted-type quick disconnect devices and listed and
labeled gas convenience outlets shall be installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drip/dirt legs installed at the floor level at appliances.
(24) Section 405.1 General is hereby retained in its entirety with the following amendments:
405.1 General. Changes in direction of rigid metallic pipe specified in Section 403.4
shall be permitted to be made only by the use of fittings, and factory bends.
(25) Section 405.2 Metallic pipe is hereby deleted in its entirety:
- 8 -
(26) Section 406.4.1 Test pressure is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
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
gauge) 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.
(27) A new Section 409.3.2.1 Exterior appliances is hereby added to read as follows:
409.3.2.1 Exterior appliances. Any building serving exterior appliances shall provide a
shut-off valve at the exterior of the building.
(28) Section 409.5.2 Vented decorative appliances and room heaters is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
409.5.2 Vented decorative appliances and room heaters. Shutoff valves for vented
decorative appliances, room heaters and decorative appliances for installation in vented
fireplaces shall be permitted to be installed in an area remote from the appliances where
such valves are provided with ready access. Such valves shall be permanently identified
and shall not serve another appliance. 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. The piping from the shutoff valve to within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the
appliance shall be designed, sized and installed in accordance with Sections 401 through
408.
(29) Section 410.3 Venting of regulators is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
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.
. . .
(30) Section 501.8 Appliances not required to be vented is hereby retained in its entirety with
the following amendments:
. . .
8. Direct-fired makeup air heaters.
. . .
- 9 -
(31) Section 503.2.2 Well-ventilated spaces is hereby deleted in its entirety.
(32) Section 503.5.6.1 Chimney lining is hereby retained in its entirety with the deletion of
the listed “Exception” which is stricken in its entirety.
(33) Section 503.6.5 Minimum height is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
503.6.5 Minimum height. A Type B or L gas vent shall terminate not less than 5 feet
(1524 mm) in vertical height above the highest connected appliance draft hood or flue
collar. A Type B-W gas vent shall terminate not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) in vertical
height above the bottom of the wall furnace. All gas vents shall terminate a minimum of
22 inches (559 mm) above the surface or grade directly below.
(34) Section 614.4 Exhaust installation is hereby retained in its entirety with the following
amendments:
614.4 Exhaust installation. Exhaust ducts for clothes dryers shall terminate on the
outside of the building and shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Dryer exhaust
duct terminations shall not be located within 36 inches (914 mm) of exterior openings
into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces and attics. Screens shall not be installed at the duct
termination. Ducts shall not be connected or installed with sheet metal screws or other
fasteners that will obstruct the flow. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts shall not be connected to
a vent connector, vent or chimney. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts shall not extend into or
through ducts or plenums.
(35) Section 614.8.4.2 Manufacturer’s instructions is hereby deleted in its entirety:
(36) Section 621 Unvented room heaters is hereby deleted in its entirety:
(37) A new Section 623.3.1 Kitchens with gas cooking is hereby added to read as follows:
623.3.1 Kitchens with gas cooking. Gas cooking appliances in residential kitchens 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.
(38) Section 630.3 Combustion and ventilation air is hereby amended to read as follows:
630.3 Combustion and ventilation air. Where infrared heaters are installed, natural or
mechanical means shall provide outdoor ventilation air at a rate of not less than 4 cfm per
1,000 Btu/h (0.38 m3/min/kW) of the aggregate input rating of all such heaters installed
in the space. Exhaust openings for removing flue products shall be above the level of the
heaters.
- 10 -
(39) Section 636 Outdoor decorative appliances is hereby retained in its entirety with the
following amendments:
636.1 General. Permanently fixed-in-place outdoor decorative appliances shall be tested
in accordance with ANSI Z21.97 and shall be provided with a flame safeguard device
and be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Appliances shall not
be located beneath or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.
(40) Chapter 8 REFERENCED STANDARDS is hereby amended to add, in alphabetical
order, the following additional referenced standards:
BPI Building Performance Institute
107 Hermes Road, Suite 110
Malta, NY 12020
BPI 104 Envelope Professional Standard and BPI Technical Standards for the Heating
Professional
Referenced in Amended 12 IFGC Section 303.5.1 Natural Draft Appliances Locations
and Section 305.1 General
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 6th day of
June, A.D. 2017, and to be presented for final passage on the 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on this 5th day of July, A.D. 2017.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Slabs larger than 4,000 square feet (372 m
2
) shall have separate loops for each
2,000 (186 m
2
) square feet; or, increased to 4,000 square feet (372 m
2
) 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.
c. “15/19” means R-15 continuous insulation on the interior or exterior of the foundation wall or R-19cavity
insulation at the interior of the foundation wall. “15/19” shall be permitted to be met with R-13 cavity insulation on the
interior of the foundation wall plus R-5 continuous insulation on the interior or exterior of the foundation wall. “10/13”
means R-10 continuous insulation on the interior or exterior of the foundation wall or R-13 cavity insulation at the
interior of the foundation wall.
d. R-5 shall be added to the required slab edge R-values for heated slabs.
e. Insulation shall fill the framing cavity, R-19 minimum.
f. First value is cavity insulation, second is insulated sheathing or siding, so “20+5” means R-20 cavity
insulation plus R-5 insulated sheathing. If structural sheathing covers 25 percent or less of the exterior, insulating
sheathing is not required where structural sheathing is used. If structural sheathing covers more than 25 percent of the
exterior, structural sheathing shall be supplemented with insulated sheathing of at least R-2.
g. The second R-value applies when more than half the insulation is on the interior of the mass wall.
h. All rim joists and adjoining plates shall be air-sealed and insulated using spray foam insulation to R-15 minimum.
i. All rim joists and adjoining plates shall be air-sealed.
(72) Table N1102.1.4 (Table R402.1.4) Equivalent U-Factors is hereby deleted in its entirety
and the following is hereby added in lieu thereof:
TABLE N1102.1.4
EQUIVALENT U-FACTORS
a
a. Non-fenestration U-factors shall be obtained from measurement, calculation or an approved source.
b. When more than half the insulation is on the interior, the mass wall U-factor shall be the same as the frame
wall U-factor.
(73) Section N1102.2 (R402.2) Specific insulation requirements is hereby retained in its
entirety with the following amendments:
N1102.2 (R402.2) Specific insulation requirements (Mandatory) In addition to the
requirements of Section N1102.1, insulation shall meet the specific requirements of
Sections N1102.2.1 through N1102.2.13. All insulation shall be installed to meet
Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Grade I standard with six-sided
encapsulation.
Exceptions: RESNET Grade II is acceptable for:
HEATING SYSTEM
TYPE
FENESTRATION
U-FACTOR
SKYLIGHT
U-FACTOR
CEILING
R-VALUE
FRAME WALL
U-FACTOR
MASS
WALL
U-FACTORb
FLOOR
U-FACTOR
BASEMENT
WALL
U-FACTOR
CRAWL
SPACE
WALL
U-FACTOR
Nonelectric heat 0.32 0.55 0.026 0.057 0.082 0.033 0.059 0.055
Electric heat 0.30 0.55 0.026 0.048 0.060 0.033 0.050 0.055
HAZARDS
Weathering
a
Roof Ice
c
Damming
Frost line
depth
Termite
Decay
d
30psf
(1436.4p
a)
100 Nom
129 Ult
B
Severe
Yes
30 inches
(762mm)
Slight to
Moderate
None to
Slight
+6o F
(-14o C)
906
48.4
July 16,
1979
insulation shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for R-38 wherever the full height of
uncompressed R-30 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. Similarly,
where Section R402.1.2 would require R-49 insulation in the ceiling, installing R-38 over
100 percent of the ceiling area requiring insulation shall be deemed to satisfy the
requirement for R-49 insulation wherever the full height of uncompressed R-38
insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. This reduction shall not apply to
the U-factor alternative approach in Section R402.1.4 and the total UA alternative in
Section R402.1.5. At the eaves, the insulation extending over the exterior wall top plate
shall be R-19 minimum.
SLABd
R-
VALUE
&
DEPTH
CRAWLc
SPACE
WALL
R-VALUE
Non-Electric
heat
0.32 0.55 NR 49 20 or
13 + 5
13/17 30 10/13h
15/19i
10,2
ft
10/13h
15/19i
Electric heat
0.30 0.55 NR 49 20+5 15/19 30 15/19 10,3
ft
15/19
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8mm
.
m
2
under a pressure differential
Corridors
Public areas
39
44
44
53
53
52
Movie theaters ≤ 500 seats 48
Churches, small (≤500 seats) 44
Courtrooms 44
Libraries 48
Restaurants 52
Light maintenance shops, industrial plant control rooms, kitchens, and
laundries
62
Shops and garages 67
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.