HomeMy WebLinkAbout126 - 08/17/2004 - AMENDING THE CITY CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC), WI ORDINANCE NO. 126, 2004
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, ARTICLE II, DIVISION 2, OF THE CITY CODE
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE 2003 INTERNATIONAL
RESIDENTIAL CODEd (IRC), WITH AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, the current building code adopted by City is based on the UNIFORM
BUILDING CODE, 1997 EDITION, published by the International Conference of Building
Officials (ICBO), as enacted in May 1998; and
WHEREAS, ICBO has since merged the other two nationally prominent building-code
promulgating organizations, Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc.
(BOCA) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI), to form International
Code Council (ICC); and
WHEREAS ICC jurisdiction members, following extensive deliberation, have published
the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE as the ICC's most recent edition of a
building code regulating the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement,
repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of one- and two-family
dwellings; and
WHEREAS, a Code Review Task Group (represented by code officials from the City of
Fort Collins and Larimer County, the building industry in the Larimer County region and
nationally, the Home Builders' Association of Northern Colorado, various product suppliers,
building science professionals from E-Star Colorado, the Building Review Board, the
Affordable Housing Board, and the Air Quality Advisory Board) has completed a sixteen-month
review of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE and the proposed amendments
thereto; and
WHEREAS, the Affordable Housing Board, the Air Quality Advisory Board, the
Building Review Board, the Electric Board, the Health District of Northern Larimer County
Board, and the Natural Resources Advisory Board have made certain recommendations with
respect to the adoption of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE and proposed
amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Fort Collins has determined that it is in the best
interest of the health, safety and welfare of the City and its citizens that the 2003
INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE, as amended be adopted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS that Chapter 5, Article II, Division 2 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is
hereby amended and revised in the following respects:
Section 1. That Section 5-26 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended by the addition of a new subparagraph (d) which reads in its entirety as follows:
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(d) There is hereby adopted by reference as the residential building code of
the city, the 2003 Edition of the International Residential Code, published by the
International Code Council as if set forth in full herein. The subject matter of the
International Residential Code adopted herein includes comprehensive provisions and
standards for the protection of the public health and safety by prescribing regulations
governing the construction, alteration, enlargement, relocation, replacement, repair,
equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal an demolition of, and its applicability
is hereby limited to, individual non-attached one and two family dwellings and multiple
single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three (3) stories above grade in
height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures.
Section 2. That Section 5-28 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby
amended to read as follows:
See. 5-28. Defintions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in Article II of this chapter
and in any code adopted by reference therein, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in
this Section:
Whenever the word municipality,jurisdiction or city is used it shall mean the City
of Fort Collins.
Whenever the term Building Official is used the term shall be synonymous with
Director of Building and Zoning or authorized representative.
Section 3. That the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended by the
addition of a new Section 5-30 which reads in its entirety as follows:
Sec. 5-30. Amendments and deletions to code.
The 2003 International Residential Code adopted herein is hereby amended in the
following respects:
(1) Section R101.2, "Scope. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R101.2 Scope. The provisions of the International Residential Code for One and Two-family
Dwellings shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement,
repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of"detached" one- and
two-family dwellings, which dwellings are completely separated from adjacent dwellings by
unobstructed physical space, and multiple, attached single-family dwellings (townhouses) not
more than three stories in height above grade and with each townhouse having its own separate
means of egress."
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(2) Section R102, "APPLICABILITY", is hereby amended in the following respects:
a) Subsection R102.4, "Referenced codes and standards," is hereby amended by adding
the following new subsections thereto reading as follows:
"102.4.1 All references to the International Building Code shall mean the general building
code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
102.4.2 All references to the International Plumbing Code shall mean the plumbing code
currently in effect in the City.
102.4.3 All references to the International Fire Code shall mean the fire code currently in
effect as enacted by the City.
102.4.4 All references to "flood hazard" shall refer to the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood
Prevention and Protection.
b) A new subsection, "R102.8 Areas prone to flooding, " is hereby added, reading as
follows:
"R102.8 Areas prone to flooding. All references to "areas prone to flooding" in this code
and appendices adopted therewith shall be in accordance with the Code of the City , Chapter
10, Flood Prevention and Protection."
(3) Section R103, is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"SECTION R103 - CODE ADMINISTRATION
R103.1 Entity charged with code administration. The Building and Zoning Department as
established by the Code of the City, is hereby charged with the administration and enforcement
of this code.
R103.2 Building official. The building official is charged with the administration of this code,
and in the performance of said duties may delegate the necessary authority to the appropriate
technical, administrative, and compliance staff under the supervision of the building official."
(4) Section R105, 'PERMITS'; is hereby amended in the following respects:
(a) Subsection R105.2, "Work exempt from permit. ", is hereby amended by revising
the first paragraph and subsequent listed numbered items related to "Building:" to
read as follows and the remainder of the subsection adopted as published:
"R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Permits shall not be required for the following buildings,
structures, or alterations thereto listed below. Exemption from the permit requirements of this
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code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in
violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of the City.
Building:
I.Detached one-story accessory buildings used for lawn and garden equipment storage, tool
storage and similar uses provided such buildings do not exceed one hundred twenty (120)
square feet (11.15 m2) of floor area nor eight (8) feet (2.438 m) in height, do not house
flammable liquids in quantities exceeding ten (10) gallons (38 1) per building and are
constructed entirely of noncombustible materials when located less than three (3) feet
(0.914 m) from an adjoining property line.
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1.829 m) high.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1.219 m) in height measured from the bottom of
the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons
(18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Platforms and decks intended for human occupancy or walking, which are not more than 30
inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and are not over any basement or story below, and
walks and driveways.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated and portable swimming or wading pools, hot tubs or spas when the walls are
entirely above grade and which cannot contain water more than twenty-four (24) inches
(610 mm) deep.
8. Swings and other play or playground equipment, including elevated playhouses not
exceeding (120) square feet (11.15 mZ)of floor area nor eight (8) feet (2.438 m) in height
measured from the floor to the highest point of such structure, designed and used
exclusively for play.
9. Window awnings on Group R, Division 3 and Group U Occupancies projecting not more
than 54 inches (1372 mm), window replacement requiring no structural alteration and when
such work is determined not to be historically significant, storm window, storm door and
rain gutter installation.
1 O.Roofing repair or replacement work not exceeding one square of covering per building.
11. Replacement of nonstructural siding.
12. Minor work valued at less than five hundred dollars ($500.) when such minor work does
not involve alteration of structural components, fire-rated assemblies, plumbing, electrical,
mechanical or fire-extinguishing systems."
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(b) Section R105.3.2, "Time limitation of application.", is hereby amended in its entirety
to read as follows:
"R105.3.2 Time limitation of application. Applications for which a permit has not been
issued within 90 days following the date of application shall automatically expire and plans
submitted for code-compliance review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or
destroyed by the building official. The building official may extend the time for action by the
applicant for a period not exceeding 90 days, upon receipt of a written request by the
applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented
action from being taken. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the
applicant shall resubmit plans and plan review fee as provided in this Code.
Exception: For applications to construct affordable housing units as defined in Section
26-631 of the Code of the City, such expiration shall occur when a permit has not been
issued within 180 days following the date of permit application."
(c) Section R105.5, "Expiration.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R105.5 Permit expiration and incompletion of authorized work. Every permit issued, both
prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, shall become invalid unless the
work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the
work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the
time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing,
extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be
requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated. No more than two such extensions
may be granted by the building official without the permit holder first requesting and being
granted the additional extension(s) by the Building Review Board pursuant to Section R112.
Both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, any work authorized by a
permit regulated by this code or any other building construction code administered by the
building official that involves the construction or alteration of an exterior building
component, assembly or finish material, such as the foundation, wall and roof framing,
sheathing, siding, fenestration, and roof covering, shall be fully finished and completed for
permanent outdoor exposure within 24 months of date of this issuance of such permit,
regardless of when then permit was issued. Failure to comply with the preceding specified
time-period shall constitute a violation of this code, resulting in revocation of the permit and
subject the permit holder and property owner to all penalties provided by the Code of the
City. No such revoked permit may be reinstated or a new permit issued therefor without the
property owner or permit holder first requesting and being granted such reinstatement or
issuance of a new permit by the Building Review Board pursuant to Section R112.
(d) Two new subsections, "R105.9 Premises." and "R105.10 Transfer of permits.", are hereby
added to read as follows:
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1111105.9 Premises Identification. The approved permit number and street address number
shall be displayed and be plainly visible and legible from the public street or road fronting
the property on which any new building is being constructed.
"11105.10 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 fifty dollars ($50.) shall be
paid to cover administrative costs for all building permit transfers. No change shall be made
in the expiration date of the original permit."
(5) Section R106, "SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SECTION R106 -SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS
R106.1 Submittal documents. Construction documents, special inspection and structural
observation programs, and other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each
application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design
professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be
constructed. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require
additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.
Exception: The building official is authorized to waive the submission of construction
documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it
is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of construction
documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.
R106.1.1 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be
drawn upon suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted
when approved by the building official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity
to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will
conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations,
as determined by the building official.
R106.1.2 Manufacturer's installation instructions. Manufacturer's installation instructions,
as required by this code, shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection.
R106.1.3 Information for construction in areas prone to flooding. For buildings or structures
regulated under the scope of this code that are in whole or in part located in flood hazard areas,
construction documents shall be submitted as established in accordance with the Code of the
City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection.
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R106.1.4 Grading performance plans and certificate. Every building permit application for a
new building regulated by this code shall be accompanied by a site drainage plan as prescribed
by City standards.
R106.1.5 Exterior wall envelope. Construction documents for all buildings shall describe the
exterior wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with this code and with
Section N 1111. When applicable as determined by the building official, construction documents
submitted as part of the building permit application shall provide details of the exterior wall
envelope as required, including flashing, intersections of dissimilar materials, corners, end
details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves, or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive
membrane, and details around openings. The construction documents shall include
manufacturing installation instructions that provide supporting documentation that the proposed
penetration and opening details described in the construction documents maintain the weather
resistance of the exterior wall envelope. The supporting documentation shall fully describe the
exterior wall system which was tested, where applicable, as well as the test procedure used.
R106.2 Site plan.The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be
accompanied by a site plan showing the size and location of new construction and existing
structures on the site and distances from lot lines. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall
show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and
construction that are to remain on the site or plot. The site plan shall include a grading
performance plan as specified in R106.1.4.
(6) Section R107, TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES", is deleted in its entirety.
(7) Section R108, "FEES", is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"SECTION - 108 FEES
R108.1 Payment of fees. No permit with any amendments and related construction plans
therefor shall be valid until the fees prescribed by the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 7.5,
ARTICLE I of the Code of the City, entitled, "ADMINISTRATIVE FEES", have been paid.
R108.2 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or
demolition for work done in connection with or concurrently with the work authorized by a
building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other
fees that are prescribed by law.
R108.3 Fee refunds. Any fee paid hereunder that is erroneously paid or collected, shall be
refunded. The building official may authorize the refunding of 90% of a plan review fee or
building permit fee to the applicant who paid such fee pursuant to Sections R108.2 and R108.6,
provided the plan review is withdrawn or cancelled and the plan review and/or work authorized
under a permit issued in accordance with this Code has not commenced; and provided further
such plan review or permit is valid and not expired as set forth in Sections R105.5 and R108.4.
Prior to authorizing the refunding of any fee paid to the original applicant or permitee, a written
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request from such party must be submitted to the City within 180 days of the date of the fee
payment."
(8) Section 109, "INSPECTIONS", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SECTION 109- INSPECTIONS
R109.1 Types of inspections. For on-site construction, from time to time the building official,
upon notification from the permit holder or his agent, shall make or cause to be made any
necessary inspections and shall either approve that portion of the construction as completed or
shall notify the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code.
R109.1.1 Foundation inspection. Inspection of the foundation shall be made after poles or
piers are set or trenches or basement areas are excavated and any required forms erected and
any required reinforcement is placed on approved supports prior to the placing of concrete.
The foundation inspection shall include excavations for thickened slabs intended for the
support of bearing walls, partitions, structural supports, or equipment and special
requirements for wood foundations.
R109.1.2 Plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems inspection. Preliminary
inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to
covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and prior to
framing inspection.
Exception: Ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with Section
M2105.1 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection.
R109.1.3 Floodplain inspections. Construction permitted in "areas prone to flooding" shall
be—regulated in accordance with the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and
Protection.
R109.1.4 Frame and masonry inspection. Inspection of framing and masonry construction
shall be made after the roof, masonry, all framing, firestopping, draftstopping and bracing are
in place and after the plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough inspections are approved.
R109.1.5 Fire-resistance-rated construction inspection. Where fire-resistance-rated
construction is required between dwelling units or due to location on property, the building
official shall require an inspection of such construction after all lath and/or wallboard is in
place, but before any plaster is applied, or before wallboard joints and fasteners are taped and
finished.
R109.1.6 Site Survey required. A survey or improvement location certificate of the site on
which a new building or addition is to be constructed may be required by the building
official to verify that the structure is located in accordance with the approved plans and any
other regulations of the City.
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R109.1.7 Final inspection. Final inspection shall be made after the permitted work is
complete and prior to occupancy.
R109.1.8 Other inspections. In addition to the inspections above, the building official may
make or require any other inspections to ascertain compliance with this code and other
applicable laws enforced by the building official.
R109.2 Inspection agencies. The building official is authorized to accept reports of approved
agencies, provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
109.3 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the
building official that such work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the person
requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of
such work.
R109.4 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each
successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. The building
official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the
portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or shall notify the permit holder or
an agent of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that
do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until
authorized by the building official.
(9) Section R110, "CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY", is hereby amended to read as
follows:
"SECTION RI10 - CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
R110.1 Use and occupancy. No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change
in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be
made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein.
Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the
provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Certificates presuming to give
authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction
shall not be valid.
Exception: Work exempt from permits under Section RI05.2 and accessory buildings and
structures as noted in Section R101.2.
R110.2 Change in use. Changes in the character or use of an existing structure shall not be
made except in conformance with this code and the general building code enacted by the City.
R110.3 Certificate issued. After the building official inspects the building or structure and finds
no violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department of
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building safety, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy which shall contain the
following:
1. The building permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with
the requirements of this code.
6. The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. If an automatic sprinkler system is provided and whether such is required.
9. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
R110.4 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary
certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit,
provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely. The building official shall set a
time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.
R110.5 Revocation. The building official shall, in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of
occupancy issued under the provisions of this code wherever the certificate is issued in error, or
on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or
structure or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions
of this code."
(10) Section R112, "BOARD OFAPPEALS", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SECTION R112 - BOARD OF APPEALS
112.1 General. The Building Review Board (hereaRer 'Board") as established in Section 2-117
of the Code of the City is hereby empowered in accordance with the procedures set forth in this
section to hear and to decide appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the
building official relative to the application and interpretation of this code; to the suitability of
alternative materials or alternative methods of construction; and the granting of permit
extensions and reinstatements as prescribed by Section R105.5. The building official shall be an
ex officio member of the Board without vote and shall serve as the Secretary of the Board. The
Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business, and shall render all decisions
and findings in writing.
112.2 Applications/Hearings. When a building permit applicant or a holder of a building
permit desires relief from any decision of the building official related to the enforcement of this
code, except as is otherwise limited in Section R112.4, such building permit applicant, building
permit holder, or representative thereof may appeal the decision of the building official to the
Board stating that such decision by the building official was based on an erroneous interpretation
of the building regulations or that an alternative design, alternative materials and/or the
alternative methods of construction proposed by the appellant are equivalent to those prescribed
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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 alternative methods of construction. A quorum of
four(4) members shall be necessary for any meeting of the Board.
112.3 Fees and Notification. Persons desiring to appeal to the Board any decision of the
building official as provided in this section shall, at the time of filing such appeal, pay to the City
a filing fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.). Written notice of hearings shall be given to the
Appellant and, with respect to requests for exceptions or variances authorized pursuant to
Section R322 of this code and Section 1101.1 of the UNIFORM BUILDING CODE as enacted
by the City, to the secretary to the Commission on Disability, at least three (3) days prior to the
hearing by mailing the same to such party's last known address by regular U.S. mail.
112.4 Limitations. The Building Review Board shall have no authority with respect to any of
the following functions:
1.1 The administration of this code except as expressly provided otherwise;
1.2 Waiving requirements of this code, except as provided for pursuant to this section;
1.3 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
1.4 Modifying, interpreting, or ruling on the applicability or intent of the zoning and land use
regulations or other laws of the City except as expressly empowered otherwise.
(11) Section R113, "VIOLATIONS.", is hereby amended in the following respects:
(a) Section RI13.4, "Violation penalties. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall
fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter or
repair a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or
directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of
this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to the penalties and fines pursuant to
Section 1-15 of the Code of the City, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00
dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding 180 days, or both such fine and imprisonment.
Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a
separate offense."
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(a) A new subsection, "RI13.5, "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 fifty dollars
($50) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the first such violation. A person or
firm committing the same such violation repeatedly is subject to processing and penalty fees
equal to double the amount of the permit fee or double the amount of the preceding violation,
whichever is greater, for every same such subsequent violation committed thereafter within
any 180-day period. The foregoing fees may be appealed to the City manager pursuant to
Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of the City."
CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS
(12) Section R202, "DEFINITIONS", is hereby amended in the following respects:
(a) The term, "APPROVED", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"APPROVED. Acceptable to the building official."
(b) The term, "BASEMENT', is hereby amended to read as follows:
"BASEMENT. That portion of a building located partly or completely below grade,
wherein the underside of the floor system immediately above is 72 inches (1829 mm) or
more above the surface of an approved permanent basement floor system."
(c) The term "BUILDING OFFICIAl", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"BUILDING OFFICIAL. The person designated by the City Manager and such
person's authorized representative(s) charged with the administration and enforcement of
this code."
(d) The term, "CITY"is hereby added in alphabetical sequence, to read as follows:
"CITY. Is defined as set forth in the Code of the City of Fort Collins.
(e) The term, "CRAWLSPACE"is hereby added to read as follows:
"CRAWLSPACE. That portion of a building that is conditioned or non-conditioned
space located partly or completely below grade (excluding the under-floor space beneath
below-grade structural floor systems), wherein the underside of the adjacent finished
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floor above is less than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the bottom surface of such
crawlspace."
(f) The term, "DWELLING"is hereby amended to read as follows:
"DWELLING. Is defined as set forth in the Land Use Code."
(g) The term, "DWELLING UNIT' is hereby amended to read as follows:
"DWELLING UNIT. Is defined as set forth in the Land Use Code."
(h) The term, "EXTERIOR WALL", is hereby revised to read as follows:
"EXTERIOR WALL. An above grade wall that defines the exterior boundaries of a
building, including walls between floor spandrels and peripheral edges of floors, roof and
basement knee walls, dormer walls, gable end walls, walls enclosing a mansard roof, and
basement walls with an average below grade wall area that is less than 50 percent of the
total opaque and non-opaque area of that enclosing side."
(i) The term, "FAMILY" is hereby added in alphabetical sequence, to read as follows:
"FAMILY. Is defined as set forth in the Land Use Code."
(j) The term, "FLOOR AREA" is hereby added in alphabetical sequence, to read as
follows:
"FLOOR AREA. The area included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building
or portion thereof, exclusive of vent shafts and courts. The floor area of a building, or
portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area
under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above."
(k) The term, "GRADE"is hereby amended to read as follows:
"GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION). The lowest point of elevation of
the finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk with the area between the building
and the property line or, when the property line is more than 5 feet (1.524 m) from the
building, between the building and a line 5 feet (1.524 m) from the building".
(1) The term "HABITABLE SPACE", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"HABITABLE SPACE. A space in a building approved for living, sleeping, eating or
cooking, bathing and personal hygiene. Closets, halls, crawlspaces, storage, laundry
rooms, utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces."
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(m) The term "ROOM, SLEEPING (BEDROOM)", is hereby added in alphabetical
sequence to read as follows:
"ROOM, SLEEPING (BEDROOM). A habitable room within a dwelling unit
designed primarily for the purpose of sleeping. Built-in features such as closets and
similar storage facilities shall not be considered as relevant factors in determining
whether or not a room is a sleeping room."
(n) The term "SITE", is hereby added in alphabetical sequence to read as follows:
"SITE. A parcel of land bounded by a property line or a designated portion of a public
right-of-way."
(o) The term, "TOWNHOUSE", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"TOWNHOUSE: A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of two or more
attached individual units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation
to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land
(site) bounded by property lines that is deeded exclusively for such single-family
dwelling."
(p) The tern "UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION" is hereby amended to read
as follows:
"UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION. Construction which results in a
demonstrated interior air-infiltration rate of 0.40 air changes per hour (AHC) or less, or
which meets the following standards:
1. Doors and openable windows meet the air-infiltration requirements Section
N1111.7.2 of the FORT COLLINS RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION
CODE.
2. Caulking or sealant are applied to areas such as joints around window and door
frames between sole plates and floors, between wall-ceiling joints, between wall
panels, at penetrations for plumbing, electrical and gas lines, and at other openings."
(a) The new term, "WALL, RETAINING", is hereby added to read as follows:
"WALL, RETAINING. A wall not laterally supported at the top, that resists lateral soil
load and other imposed loads.
CHAPTER 3 - BUILDING PLANNING
(13) Section 301.1.3, "Engineered Design", is hereby amended to read as follows:
14
"R301.1.3 Engineered design. When a building of otherwise conventional light-frame
construction contains structural elements not conforming to this code, these elements shall be
designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. The extent of such design need only
demonstrate compliance of nonconventional elements with other applicable provisions and shall
be compatible with the performance of the conventional framed system. Engineered design, in
accordance with the general building code enacted by the City, is permitted for all buildings,
structures, and portions thereof included in the scope of this code.
(14) Table R301.2(1), "Climatic and Geographic Design criteria", is hereby amended to read
as follows:
For SI: °C = [(°F)-32]/1.8.
WIND SEISMIC SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM WINTER AIR MEAN
SPEED' DESIGN DESIGN FREEZ ANN- FLOOI
GROUNDS CATEGO TEMP -ING UAL HAZAR
NOW RY INDEX` TEMP.
LOAD Roof Ice` Frost line Termite Decayd x
Weathering' Damming depth
100mph B Severe No 30 inch I Slight to None to +V F(-17' 906 48.4 July 16,
30psf (161 kph) (762mm) Moderate Slight C) 1979
1436.4 a
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 (-4° C) or where the
history of local damage from the effects of ice damming is not substantial.
d. "None to slight" in accordance with Figure R301.2(7).
e. Date of the City's entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the
first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas), or the date(s) of the currently
effective FIRM and FBFM, or other flood hazard map adopted by the community.
f. 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403.3(2) or from the 100-
year (99%)value on the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index- USA
Method (Base 320 Fahrenheit)" at www.ncdc.noaa.g_ov/fpsfhtml.
15
g. Mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing
Index-USA Method (Base 320 Fahrenheit)" at www.ncdc.noaa.gov/fpsfhtrnl.
(15) A new Section R301.2.1.5, 'Basic Wind Speed", is hereby added, to read as follows:
"R301.2.1.5 Basic Wind Speed. The "Special Wind Region" as indicated on Figure 301.2(4) of
this Code shall apply using a 'Basic Wind Speed" of 100 miles per hour (161 kph) based on the
exposure category as described in Section 301.2.1.4, or the equivalent pressure thereto."
(16) Section R302.1 "Exterior walls", is hereby amended to read as follows:
R302.1 Exterior walls. Exterior walls with a fire separation distance less than 3 feet (0.914 m)
shall have not less than a one-hour fire-resistive rating with exposure from both sides.
Projections shall not extend to a point closer than 2 feet (0.610 m) from the line used to
determine the fire separation distance.
Exception: Detached garages accessory to a dwelling located within 2 feet (0.610 m) of a
lot line may have roof eave projections not exceeding 4 inches (102 mm).
Projections extending into the fire separation distance shall have not less than one-hour fire-
resistive construction on the underside. The above provisions shall not apply to walls which are
perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.
Exceptions:
1. Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures exempted from permits by
Section R105.2 are not required to provide wall protection based on location on the lot.
Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not extend over the lot line.
2. Separated buildings on the same property (site) may be considered as portions of one
building provided that buildings or portions thereof which are classified as garages or
carports, or buildings housing accessory uses that are not exempted from permits by the
preceding exception, and which are located by a fire-separation distance of less than 36
inches (914 mm) from a dwelling, are separated from such dwelling as prescribed by
Section R309.
(17) Section R303.1, "Habitable Rooms", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R303.1 Habitable rooms. All habitable rooms shall be provided with aggregate glazing area of
not less than 8 percent of the floor area of such rooms. Natural ventilation shall be through
windows, doors, louvers or other approved openings to the outdoor air. Such openings shall be
provided with ready access or shall otherwise be readily controllable by the building occupants.
The minimum openable area to the outdoors shall be 4 percent of the floor area being ventilated.
16
Exceptions:
1. The glazed areas need not be openable where the opening is not required by Section
R310 and an approved mechanical ventilation system is provided capable of producing
0.35 air change per hour in the room or a whole-house mechanical ventilation system is
installed capable of supplying outdoor ventilation air of 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm)
(7.08 L/s) per occupant computed on the basis of two occupants for the first bedroom and
one occupant for each additional bedroom.
2. The glazed areas need not be provided in rooms where Exception 1 above is satisfied and
artificial light is provided capable of producing an average illumination of 6 foot candles
(6.46 lux) over the area of the room at a height of 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor
level.
3. Sunroom additions, solariums, and open patio covers in which 40 percent or more of the
exterior sunroom walls are open, or are enclosed only by insect screening, and the ceiling
height of the sunroom is not less than 7 feet (2.134 m), shall be permitted to be used for
natural ventilation."
(18) Section R303.Z "Adjoining Rooms", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"°R303.2 Adjoining rooms. For the purpose of determining light and ventilation requirements,
any room shall be considered as a portion of an adjoining room when at least one-half of
the area of the common wall is open and unobstructed and provides an opening of not
less than one-tenth of the floor area of the interior room but not less than 25 square feet
(2.32 m2).
Exceptions:
1. Light and ventilation for an interior room may be supplied from an adjoining exterior
room, provided the following conditions are met:
a) The common wall is provided with permanent openings that permit the passage of
light and free movement of air. Such openings when fully open shall provide an
aggregate unobstructed area of not less than one-twentieth (1/20) of the floor area of
the interior room.
b) The adjoining exterior room has exterior openings for light and ventilation as
required in this section, plus additional such openings not less in area than the amount
required for the interior room.
2. Openings required for light and/or ventilation shall be permitted to open into a thermally
isolated sunroom addition or patio cover, provided that there is an openable area between
the adjoining room and the sunroom addition or patio cover of not less than one-tenth of
the floor area of the interior room but not less than 20 square feet (1.86 m2). The
minimum openable area to the outdoors shall be based upon the total floor area being
ventilated."
17
(19) A new section, "R303.7.2 Sunrooms, solariums, open patio covers.", is hereby added, to
read as follows:
1IR303.7.2 Sunrooms, solariums, open patio covers. Required glazed openings shall be
permitted to open into a sunroom addition, as defined in Section R202, a solarium, or an
open patio cover that abut a street, yard or court, provided more than 40 percent of the
exterior sunroom, solarium, or covered patio walls are open, or are enclosed only by
insect screening, and the ceiling height of the sunroom is not less than 7 feet (2.134 m)."
(20) Section R303.8, `Required Heating", is hereby amended to read as follows:
`°R303.8 Required heating. Every dwelling unit shall be provided with permanently
installed heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 68°F
(20°C) at a point 3 feet (0.914 m) above the floor and 2 feet (0.610 m)from exterior walls
in all habitable rooms at the design temperature. The installation of one or more portable
space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance with this section."
(21) Section R304, "MINIMUM ROOMAREAS", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SECTION R304 - MINIMUM ROOM AREAS
R304.1 Minimum area. Every dwelling unit shall have at least one habitable room that shall
have not less than 120 square feet (11.2 m Z) of gross floor area.
R304.2 Other rooms. Other habitable rooms shall have a floor area of not less than 70 square
feet (6.5 m ').
Exception: Toilet rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
R304.3 Minimum dimensions. Habitable rooms shall not be less than 7 feet (2.134 m) in any
horizontal dimension.
Exception: Kitchens, toilet rooms and bathrooms.
R304.4 Height effect on room area. Portions of a room with a sloping ceiling measuring less
than 5 feet (1.524 m) or a furred ceiling measuring less than 7 feet (2.134 m) from the
finished floor to the finished ceiling shall not be considered as contributing to the
minimum required habitable area for that room."
(22) The first paragraph of Section R305.1 "Minimum ceiling height.", is hereby amended to
read as follows:
"R305.1 Minimum height. Habitable rooms, hallways, corridors, bathrooms, toilet rooms,
laundry rooms and basements shall have a ceiling height of not less than 90 inches (2,286
18
mm). The required height shall be measured from the finish floor to the lowest projection
from the ceiling."
(23) Section R309.2 GSeparation Required", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"11309.2 Separation required. The garage shall be separated from the residence and its attic
space above by not less than 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board or 1/2-inch (12.7 mm)
fire-retardant-treated wood applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms
shall be separated from all habitable rooms above by not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm)
Type X gypsum board or equivalent. Where the separation is a floor-ceiling assembly,
the structure supporting the separation shall also be protected by not less than 1/2 —inch
(12.7 mm) gypsum board, 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) fire-retardant-treated wood or equivalent.
Garages located adjacent to a dwelling unit on the same property shall be protected with
materials as prescribed in Section R309.2 applied to the interior side of exterior walls
where such garage walls are less than 3 feet (0.914 m) from the adjacent dwelling unit.
Openings in such walls shall be regulated by R309.1. This provision does not apply to
garage walls that are perpendicular to an adjacent dwelling unit wall."
(24) Section R310 "EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS", is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"SECTION R310 - EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS
R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required. Every basement and every sleeping room
shall have at least one operable exterior window or door approved for emergency escape
and rescue. Such opening shall open directly into a public street, public alley, yard or
court. Where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided they shall have a sill
height of not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. Where a door opening
having a threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency escape
and rescue opening and is provided with a bulkhead enclosure, the bulkhead enclosure
shall comply with Section 310.3. The net clear opening dimensions required by this
section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the emergency escape and rescue
opening from the inside. Emergency escape and rescue openings with a finished sill
height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well in
accordance with Section R310.2.
Exception: Basements used only to house mechanical equipment and not exceeding total
floor area of 200 square feet (18.60 m').
R310.1.1 Minimum opening area. All emergency escape and rescue openings shall
have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.530 m').
Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5
square feet (0.465 m2).
19
R310.1.2 Minimum opening height. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24
inches (610 mm).
R310.1.3 Minimum opening width. The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20
inches (508 mm).
R310.1.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be
operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools or special
knowledge.
R310.2 Window wells. The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet
(0.84 m'), with a minimum horizontal unobstructed projection and width of 36 inches (914 mm).
The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue door or window
opening to be fully opened.
Exceptions:
1. The ladder or steps required by Section R310.2.1 shall be permitted to encroach a
maximum of 6 inches (152 mm) into the required dimensions of the window well.
2. With the window in the full open position, the bottom window well step may encroach a
maximum of 12 inches (304 mm) into the minimum horizontal projection, provided the
well meets the following criteria:
2.1 The bottom of the well is not less than 36 inches wide (914 mm), centered
horizontally on the openable portion of the emergency escape and rescue door or
window, and
2.2 An unobstructed clear horizontal projection of 36 inches (914 mm) is maintained at
the centerline of the openable portion of the emergency escape and rescue door or
window.
R310.2.1 Ladder and steps. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches
(1118 mm) shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the
window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be
required to comply with Sections R311.5 and R311.6. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside
width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall
and shall be spaced vertically not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on-center for the full height
of the window well.
R310.3 Bulkhead enclosures. Bulkhead enclosures shall provide direct access to the basement.
The bulkhead enclosure with the door panels in the fully open position shall provide the
minimum net clear opening required by Section R310.1.1. Bulkhead enclosures shall also
comply with Section R314.9.
R310.4 Bars, grills, covers and screens. Bars, grills, covers, screens or similar devices are
permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or
window wells that serve such openings, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies
20
with Sections R310.1.1 to R310.1.3, and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the
inside without the use of a key, tool, special knowledge or force greater than that which is
required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening."
(25) Section R311.2, "Construction. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
R311.2 Stair Construction.
R311.2.1 Attachment. All exterior exit balconies, stairs and similar exit facilities shall
be positively anchored to the primary structure to resist both vertical and lateral forces.
Such attachment shall not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to
withdrawal.
R311.2.2 Under stair protection. Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have
walls, under stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 1/2-inch
(12.7 mm) gypsum board."
(26) Section R311.4, "Doors", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R311.4 Doors.
R311.4.1 Exit door required. Not less than one exit door conforming to this section
shall be provided for each dwelling unit. The required exit door shall provide for direct
access from the habitable portions of the dwelling to the exterior without requiring travel
through a garage. Access to habitable levels not having an exit in accordance with this
section shall be by a ramp in accordance with Section R311.6 or a stairway in accordance
with Section R3311.5.
R311.4.2 Door type and size. The required exit door shall be a side-hinged door not
less than 3 feet (0.914 m) in width and 6 feet 8 inches (2.032 m) in height. Other doors
shall not be required to comply with these minimum-dimensions.
R311.4.3 Landings at doors. There shall be a floor or landing on each side of each
exterior door. The landing shall be permitted to have a slope not to exceed 25 units
vertically in 12 units horizontally(2 percent).
Exception: Where a stairway of not more than two risers is located on the
exterior side of a door, other than the required exit door, a landing is not required
for the exterior side of the door.
The floor or landing at the exit door required by Section R311.4.1 shall not be more than
1.5 inches (38 mm) lower than the top of the threshold. The floor or landing at exterior doors
other than the exit door required by Section R311.4.1 shall not be required to comply with this
requirement but shall have a rise no greater than that permitted in Section R311.5.3
21
Exception: In other than accessory buildings, the floor or landing at an exterior doorway
shall not be more than 7 3/4 inches (197 mm) below the top of the threshold, provided the
door, other than an exterior storm or screen door does not swing over the landing.
The width of each landing shall not be less than the door served. Every landing shall have a
minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel.
R311.4.4 Type of lock or latch. All egress doors shall be readily openable from the side
from which egress is to be made without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort."
(27) Section R311.5.3 "Riser height", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R311.5.3.1 Riser height. The riser height shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) nor
greater than 7 3/4 inches (197 mm). The riser shall be measured vertically between
leading edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs
shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)."
(28) Section R311.5.8.I "Spiral stairways", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R311.5.8.1 Spiral stairways. Spiral stairways are permitted, provided the minimum
width shall be 26 inches (660 mm) with each tread having a 7 1/2-inches (191 mm)
minimum tread depth at 12 inches (305 mm) from the narrower edge. All treads shall be
identical, and the rise shall be no more than 9 1/2 inches (241 mm). A minimum
headroom of 6 feet 6 inches (1.981 m) shall be provided. Such stairways may be used as
a required means of the exit component where the area served is limited to 400 square
feet (37.16 m2)."
(29) Section R311.6.3.1, "Handrail height", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R311.6.3.1 Handrail height. Handrail height, measured vertically above the finished
surface of the ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than
38 inches (965 mm)."
(30) Section R312 "GUARDS", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SECTION R312 - GUARDS
R312.1 Guards required. Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than
30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches
(914 mm) in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than 30 inches (762 mm) above
the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches (864 mm) in height measured
vertically from the nosing of the treads. Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect
screening shall be provided with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30
inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.
22
R312.1.1 Area well retaining walls. Where any area well wall, bulkhead enclosure wall or
similar retaining wall or barrier is located less than 36 inches (914 mm) from the nearest
intended walking surface, parking surface, or driveway and the surface elevation difference
between the higher and lower side of the well wall, bulkhead enclosure wall, or retaining
wall is greater than 36 inches, such wall shall be protected with guards conforming to this
section or be provided with an equivalent barrier.
Exceptions:
1. The access side of stairways need not be barricaded.
2. Area wells provided for emergency escape and rescue windows may be protected with
approved grates or covers that comply with Section R310.4.
3. Covers and grates may be used over stairways and other openings used exclusively for
service access or for admitting light or ventilation.
4. Area well walls, bulkhead enclosure walls, or retaining walls adjacent to a building that
are located 24 inches (610 mm) or less measured perpendicular from the building.
5. Locations where the slope of the embankment or the side of the enclosure or the opening
adjacent to such walls does not exceed 2 horizontal to 1 vertical.
R312.2 Guard opening limitations. Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor
areas, balconies, porches, area wells and other bulkhead enclosures protected as specified
hereunder shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not allow passage of a
sphere 4 inches (102 mm) or more in diameter.
Exceptions:
1. The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at the open
side of a stairway are permitted to be of such a size that a sphere 6 inches (152 mm)
cannot pass through.
2. Openings for required guards on the sides of stair treads shall not allow a sphere 4-3/8
inches (1 I 1 mm) to pass through."
(31) Section R313, "Smoke Alarms."is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SECTION R313 - SMOKE ALARMS
R313.1 Smoke alarms. Smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations:
I. In each sleeping room.
2. Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.
3. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements but not including crawl spaces
and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an
intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall
suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story
below the upper level.
23
4. In dwelling units where the ceiling height of a room open to the hallway serving the
bedrooms exceeds that of the hallway by 24 inches 610 mm) or more, smoke alarms shall be
installed in the hallway and in the adjacent room.
When more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling
unit the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm
will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all
bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed.
All smoke alarms shall be listed and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code
and the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72.
R313.1.1 Alterations, repairs and additions. When interior alterations, repairs or additions
requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in
existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be provided with smoke alarms located
as required for new dwellings. All such smoke alarms shall be interconnected and
permanently wired into the building electric system.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required to be interconnected and
permanently wired where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior
wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space, or
basement available which could provide access for permanent wiring and interconnection
without the removal of interior finishes.
2. Repairs to the exterior surfaces of dwellings are exempt from the requirements of this
section.
R313.2 Power source. In new construction, the required smoke alarms shall receive their
primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source,
and when primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be
permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent
protection. Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings
without commercial power or in buildings that undergo alterations, repairs or additions regulated
by Section R313.1.1."
(32) New section, "R316.6, Glass and Mineral Wool Insulation", is hereby added to read as
follows:
"R316.6 Glass and mineral fiber insulation. Glass and mineral fiber(wool) insulation installed
on the conditioned side of basement foundation walls and in framed cavities or on interior
surfaces less than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the floor below shall be protected from damage
and releasing insulation fibers into the conditioned space by a permanent covering material
securely fastened in place such that the insulation is maintained in substantial contact with the
covering. The covering material shall be gypsum wallboard, wall paneling, wall sheathing, or
24
similar durable materials conforming to Section R315, that provide equivalent physical
protection as determined by the building official. See Section NJ 110.3.1."
(33) Section R317.1, "Two-family dwellings. ", through Section R317.Z `Townhouses';
inclusively, is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R317.1 Two-family dwellings. Dwelling units in two-family dwellings shall be separated from
each other by wall and/or floor assemblies having not less than 1-hour fire-resistance rating
when tested in accordance with ASTM E 119. Fire-resistance-rated floor-ceiling and wall
assemblies shall extend to and be tight against the exterior wall, and wall assemblies shall extend
to the underside of the roof sheathing.
Exceptions:
1. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with NFPA 13R.
2. Wall assemblies need not extend through attic spaces when the ceiling is protected by
not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board and an attic draft stop
constructed as specified in section R502.12.1 is provided above and along the wall
assembly separating the dwellings. The structural framing supporting the ceiling shall
also be protected by not less than '/2 -inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board or equivalent.
R317.1.1 Supporting construction. When floor assemblies are required to be fire-
resistance-rated by Section R321.1, the supporting construction of such assemblies shall have
an equal or greater fire-resistive rating.
R317.2 Townhouses. Each townhouse shall be considered a separate building and shall be
separated by fire-resistance-rated wall assemblies meeting the requirements of Section R302 for
exterior walls.
R317.2.1 Continuity. The adjoining walls along property lines in adjacent townhouses shall
be continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab and
shall extend the full length of the common wall including walls extending through and
separating attached accessory structures.
11317.2.2 Parapets. Parapets constructed in accordance with Section R317.2.3 shall be
provided for townhouses as an extension of adjoining walls along property lines in adjacent
townhouses in accordance with the following:
1. Where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at the same elevation, the parapet
shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the roof surfaces.
2. Where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at different elevations and the
higher roof is not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof, the parapet shall
extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof surface.
25
The following alternative construction methods are permitted in lieu of a parapet provided
openings in the roof are not located within 48 inches (1219 mm) of the 1-hour fire-resistance-
rated, adjoining walls along property lines in adjacent townhouses.
1. A parapet is not required when the roof decking or sheathing is of noncombustible
materials or approved fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance of 48 inches (1219
mm) on each side of the wall or walls, or one layer of 5/8-inch (16 mm) Type X
gypsum board is installed directly beneath the roof decking or sheathing, supported
by a minimum of nominal 2-inch (51mm) ledgers attached to the sides of the roof
framing members, for a minimum distance of 48 inches (1219 mm) on each side of
the wall or walls.
2. A parapet is not required where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at
different elevations and the higher roof is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the
lower roof. The common wall construction from the lower roof to the underside of
the higher roof deck shall not have less than a 1-hour fire-resistive rating. The wall
shall be rated for exposure from both sides.
3. A parapet is not required when the roof is constructed entirely of noncombustible
materials.
4. A parapet is not required when the dwelling unit has an area of not more than 1,000
square feet (93 mZ) on any floor.
5. A parapet is not required where the roof-ceiling framing elements and supporting
framing are constructed as follows:
a) Where the roof-ceiling framing is parallel to the adjoining walls along property
lines in adjacent townhouses, the roof-ceiling framing and supporting framing are
constructed as prescribed for a one-hour fire-resistance rating for a minimum
distance of 48 inches (1219 mm) from either side of the adjoining walls and
approved continuous draftstopping is installed vertically from the ceiling to the
roof sheathing for a minimum distance of 48 inches (1219 mm) from both sides of
the adjoining walls.
b) Where the roof-ceiling framing is not parallel to the adjoining walls along property
lines in adjacent townhouses, the entire span of such roof-ceiling framing and
supporting framing are constructed as prescribed for a one-hour fire-resistance
rating.
R317.2.3 Parapet construction. Parapets shall have the same fire-resistance rating as that
required for the supporting wall or walls. On any side adjacent to a roof surface, the parapet shall
have noncombustible faces for the uppermost 18 inches (457 mm), to include counter flashing
and coping materials. Where the roof slopes toward a parapet at slopes greater than two units
vertical in 12 units horizontal (16.7-percent slope), the parapet shall extend to the same height as
26
any portion of the roof within a distance of 3 feet (0.914 m), but in no case shall the height be
less than 30 inches (762 mm).
R317.2.4 Structural independence. Each individual townhouse shall be structurally
independent.
Exceptions:
Foundations supporting exterior walls or common walls.
Structural roof and wall sheathing from each unit may fasten to the common wall
framing.
Nonstructural wall coverings.
Flashing at termination of roof covering over common wall."
(34) Section R318, "MOISTURE VAPOR RETARDERS", is hereby amended to read as
follows:
"SECTION R318 - PROTECTION FROM MOISTURE
R318.1 Moisture control. The design of any building regulated by this code shall not create
conditions hazardous to occupants or of accelerated deterioration due to the presence of
excessive water vapor and condensation. Moisture control shall be provided in accordance with
the applicable provisions of this code and as determined necessary by the building official where
special conditions or construction methods are encountered, such as steam rooms and rooms
containing spas or pools, or below grade sub-floor spaces, or other interior locations subject to
excessive moisture.
R318.2 Moisture during construction. Under-floor spaces and building construction materials
shall be protected from moisture during construction as follows:
Under-floor spaces shall be protected from moisture during construction and no water, snow,
ice or other evidence of moisture in substantial amounts shall be present in any under-floor
space upon approval for occupancy of the building.
Construction materials shall be protected from damaging moisture in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications."
(35) Section R320.1, "Subterranean termite control.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R320.1 Subterranean termite control. In locations subject to termite damage as established
by Table R301.2(1), methods of protection shall be by chemical soil treatment, pressure-
preservatively treated wood in accordance with the AWPA standards listed in Section R319.1,
naturally termite-resistant wood or physical barriers (such as metal or plastic termite shields), or
any combination of these methods.
27
(36) Section R322.1, "Scope", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R322.1 Scope. Where four or more dwelling units are constructed as a single structure and
where dwelling units that are separated from adjacent dwelling units by a physical space of less
than three feet (0.914 m) are constructed as part of a planned development containing a total of
seven or more dwelling units, regardless of whether such units are separated by fire-resistance-
rated assemblies, the applicable provisions of the general building code enacted by the City,
Colorado Revised Statutes, and Federal regulations shall apply with respect to the construction
of accessible dwelling units."
(37) Section R323, "FLOOD RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION", is revised in the following
respects:
(a) Subsection R323.1, "General", is hereby revised to read as follows:
"R323AGeneral. In addition to complying with the provisions of this section, buildings and
structures constructed in flood hazard areas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
the provisions of the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection."
(b) New Subsection R323.1.3.1, "Determination of cumulative impacts", is hereby
added, reading as follows:
"R323.1.3.1 Determination of cumulative impacts. In riverine flood hazard areas where design
flood elevations are specified but floodways have not been designated, the applicant shall
demonstrate that the cumulative effect of the proposed buildings and structures on design flood
elevations, including fill, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development,
will not increase the design flood elevation more than one foot at any point within the City.
(c) Subsection R323.1.7, "Flood-resistant materials", is hereby revised to read as
follows:
"R323.1.7 Flood Resistant Materials. Building materials used below the design flood elevation
shall comply with the following:
1. All wood, including floor sheathing, shall be pressure-preservatively treated in
accordance with AWPA UI for the species, product, preservative and end use or the
decay-resistant heartwood of redwood, black locust, or cedars. Preservatives shall
conform to AWPA P1/13, P2, P3 or P5.
2. Materials and installation methods used for flooring and interior and exterior walls
and wall coverings shall conform to the provisions of FEMA/FIA-TB-2.
(d) Subsection R323.2.2, "Enclosed areas below design flood elevation
through subparagraph 2.4, is hereby revised as to read indicated below,
with subparagraphs 2.5and 2.6 unchanged:
28
"R323.2.2 Enclosed area below design flood elevation. Enclosed areas, including crawl spaces,
that are below the design flood elevation shall:
1. Be used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage.
2. Be provided with flood openings which shall meet the following criteria:
2.1 There shall be a minimum of two openings on different sides of each enclosed
area. When a building has more than one enclosed area below the design flood
elevation, each area shall have openings on exterior walls.
2.2 The total net area of all openings shall be at least 1 square inch (645 mmz) for
each square foot (0.093 mz) of enclosed area, or the openings shall be designed
and the construction documents shall include a statement that the design and
installation will provide for equalization of hydrostatic flood forces on exterior
walls by allowing for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters.
2.3 The bottom of each opening shall be I foot (305 mm) or less above the adjacent
ground level.
2.4 The minimum dimension of such openings shall be 3 inches (76 mm)."
Subparagraphs 2.5 and 2.6, to remain unchanged.
CHAPTER 4 FOUNDATIONS
(38) Section R401.1, "Application. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R401.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the
foundation and foundation spaces for all buildings. In addition to the provisions of this chapter,
the design and construction of foundations in areas prone to flooding as established by Table
R301.2(1) shall meet the provisions of Section R323. All foundations shall be designed by a
qualified professional licensed in the State of Colorado. Such designs shall be performed in
accordance with accepted and approved engineering practices including considerations for soil
load-bearing capacities, surface and subsurface water conditions, adequate foundation and floor
drainage, adequate ventilation of enclosed interior foundation spaces, and foundation
waterproofing and dampproofing.
Exception: Foundations for accessory buildings and minor additions unlikely to be located
on expansive, compressible, or shifting soils, soils of unknown characteristics, or for other
valid reasons as determined by the building official, need not be designed by a licensed
professional.
Wood foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance with AF&PA Report No. 7.
Exception:
The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood foundations only in the
following situations:
1. In buildings that have no more than two floors and a roof.
29
2. When interior basement and foundation walls are provided at intervals not exceeding
50 feet (15.24 m).
(39) Section R401.5, "Compressible or shifting soil", is renumbered and revised to read as
follows:
"R401.4.2 Compressible or shifting soil. In lieu of a complete geotechnical evaluation, when
top or subsoils are compressible or shifting, such soils shall be removed to a depth and width
sufficient to assure stable moisture content in each active zone and shall not be used as fill or
stabilized within each active zone by chemical, dewatering, or pre-saturation.
(40) A new Section, "R401.6 'Placement of backfill. ", is hereby added to read as follows:
1111401.6 Backfill and placement. The excavation outside the foundation, including utility
trenches and excavation ramp, shall be backfilled with soil that is substantially free of organic
material, construction debris and cobbles, boulders, and solid soil masses larger than 6 inches
(152 mm) diameter; or of frozen soil. The backfill shall be placed in lifts and compacted as set
forth in the engineering documents. The backfill shall be placed in a manner that does not
damage the foundation or the waterproofing or dampproofing material. Excavation ramps shall
be backfilled in such a manner that the ramp does not become a conduit for surface water to flow
toward the foundation. Where excavations include more than one house, a specially engineered
drainage system may be required by the building official."
(41) Section R402.1.2 "Wood treatment", is revised to read as follows:
"R402.1.2 Wood Treatment. All lumber and plywood shall be pressure preservatively treated
and dried after treatment in accordance with AWPA U1 (Commodity Specification A, Use
Category 4B and section 5.2), and shall bear the label of an accredited agency. Where lumber
and/or plywood is cut or drilled after treatment, the treated surface shall be field treated with
copper naphthenate, the concentration of which shall contain a minimum of 2 percent copper
metal,by repeated brushing, dipping or soaking until the wood absorbs no more preservative.
(42) Section R403.1.4, "Minimum depth. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R403.1.4 Minimum depth. All exterior footings shall be placed a minimum depth of 30 inches
(762 mm) below the undisturbed ground or shall be placed a minimum depth of 12 inches (305
mm) below the undisturbed ground and be protected from frost by one or more of the following
methods:
1. Constructed in accordance with Section R403.3 for frost-protected shallow foundations;
2. Constructed in accordance with ASCE 32-01; or
3. Erected on solid rock.
Exceptions:
1. Freestanding accessory structures with an area of 400 square feet (37 m2) or less and an
eave height of 10 feet (3.048 m) or less shall not be required to be protected.
30
2. Decks not supported by a dwelling need not be provided with footings that extend below
the frost line. Footings shall not bear on frozen soil unless such frozen condition is of a
permanent character."
(43) Section R403.1.6 "Foundation anchorage. ", is hereby amended by adding exceptions
"2." and "3." in numerical sequence, reading as follows:
"2. Walls 24 inches (610 mm) total length or shorter connecting offset braced wall panels shall
be anchored to the foundation with a minimum of one anchor bolt located in the center third
of the plate section and shall be attached to adjacent braced wall panels per Figure R602.10.5
at corners.
"I Walls 12 inches (305 mm)total length or shorter connecting offset braced wall panels shall
be permitted to be connected to the foundation without anchor bolts. The wall shall be
attached to adjacent braced wall panels per Figure R602.10.5 at corners."
(44) Section R404.1.5.1, "Pier and curtain wall foundations.9 is hereby amended to read as
follows:
"R404.1.5.1 Pier and curtain wall foundations. Pier and curtain wall foundations shall be
permitted to be used to support light-frame construction not more than two stories in height,
provided the following requirements are met:
I. All load-bearing walls shall be placed on continuous concrete footings placed integrally
with the exterior wall footings.
2. The minimum actual thickness of a load-bearing masonry wall shall be not less than 4
inches (102 mm) nominal or 3 3/8 inches (86 mm) actual thickness, and shall be bonded
integrally with piers spaced in accordance with R606.8.
3. Piers shall be constructed in accordance with Section R606.5 and Section R606.5.1, and
shall be bonded into the load-bearing masonry wall in accordance with Section R608.1.1
or Section R608.1.1.2.
4. The maximum height of a 4-inch (102 mm) load-bearing masonry foundation wall
supporting wood framed walls and floors shall not be more than 4 feet (1.219 m) in
height.
5. Anchorage shall be in accordance with Section R403.1.6 or as specified by engineered
design accepted by the building official.
6. The unbalanced fill for 4-inch (102 mm) foundation walls shall not exceed 24 inches
(610 mm) for solid masonry or 12 inches (305 mm) for hollow masonry."
(45) New section, "R404.5, Retaining walls. ", is hereby added in numerical sequence to read
as follows:
31
"R404.5 Retaining walls. Retaining walls that are not laterally supported at the top and that
retain in excess of 24 inches (610mm) of unbalanced fill shall be designed to ensure stability
against overturning, sliding, excessive foundation pressure and water uplift. Retaining walls
shall be designed for a safety factor of 1.5 against lateral sliding and overturning."
(46) Section R405.1, "Concrete or masonry foundations. ", is hereby amended to read as
follows:
DR405.1 Concrete or masonry foundations. Drains consisting of piping conforming with
ASTM Designation D2729-89 shall be provided adjacent to the lowest concrete or masonry
foundations that retain earth and enclose spaces that are partially or entirely located below grade.
Unless perimeter drains are designed to daylight, they shall terminate in sump pits with an
electrical power source permanently installed within 36 inches (914 mm) of the sump opening.
Piping for sump pumps shall discharge at least 60 inches (1524 mm) away from foundations or
as otherwise approved by the building official. Drains shall be installed in bedding materials
that are of such size and installed in such manner to allow ground water to seep into the
perimeter drain. Filter fabric or other measures to restrict the passage of fines shall be used to
further protect the perimeter drain from blockage.
Exception: A drainage system is not required when the foundation is installed on well-
drained ground or sand gravel mixture soils according to the Unified Soil Classification
System, Group I Soils, as detailed in Table R405.L"
R405.1.1 Landscape irrigation. Landscape irrigation systems shall be installed such that
the ground surface within 60 inches (1524 mm) , measured perpendicular from the
foundation, is not irrigated."
(47) Section R406.1, "Concrete and masonry foundation dampproofing. ", is hereby amended
to read as follows:
"R406.1 Concrete and masonry foundation dampproofing. Except where required to be
waterproofed by Section R406.1, foundation walls that retain earth and enclose interior
spaces and floor located partially or entirely below grade shall be dampproofed from the top
of the footing to the finished grade. Masonry walls shall have not less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
portland cement parging applied to the exterior of the wall. The parging shall be
dampproofed in accordance with one of the following:
(a) Bituminous coating.
(b) 3 pounds per square yard (1.63 kg/m2) of acrylic modified cement.
(c) 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) coat of surface-bonding cement complying with ASTM C 887.
(d) Any material permitted for waterproofing in Section R406.2.
(e) Other approved methods or materials.
32
Concrete walls shall be dampproofed by applying any one of the above listed
dampproofing materials or any one of the waterproofing materials listed in Section R406.2 to
the exterior of the wall.
Exception: Parging of unit masonry walls is not required where a material is approved
for direct application to the masonry.
(48) Section R406.2, "Concrete and masonry foundation waterproofing.", is hereby amended
to read as follows
"R406.2 Concrete and masonry foundation waterproofing. In areas where a high water table
or other severe soil-water conditions are known to exist, exterior foundation walls that retain
earth and enclose interior spaces or floors located partially or entirely below grade shall be
waterproofed extending from the top of the footing to the finished grade. Such walls shall be
waterproofed with one of the following:
(a) Two-ply hot-mopped felts.
(b) 55 pound (25 kg) roll roofing.
(c) 6-mil (0.15 mm) polyvinyl chloride.
(d) 6-mil (0.15 mm) polyethylene.
(e) 40-mil (l mm)polymer-modified asphalt.
(f) 60-mil (1.5 mm) flexible polymer cement.
(g) 1/8 inch cement-based, fiber-reinforced, waterproof coating.
All joints in membrane waterproofing shall be lapped and sealed with an adhesive
compatible with the membrane used.
(49) Section R408, "UNDER-FLOOR SPACE. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"SECTION R408- UNDER-FLOOR SPACE
R408.1 General. The under-floor space between the bottom of the structural floor sheathing and
the earth under any portion of a building with living or conditioned space above shall be
provided with ventilation using the methods and materials as prescribed hereunder.
R408.2 Mechanical ventilation. Where such spaces are ventilated by a dedicated, continuously
operated electrically-powered ventilation system, the fans in such system shall be of the type
specified in Section AF103.11 for radon-resistant construction methods. Sufficient make-up air
shall be provided from the conditioned spaces in the building by outside-air inlets in the HVAC
return-air system, heat recovery ventilators or by approved methods considering the impact of
negative pressures created by exhaust fans, clothes dryers and similar appliances.
R408.3 Spaces under above-grade floors. Spaces directly under floors that are located entirely
above grade shall be ventilated by one of the methods as set forth hereunder. Exposed ground
surface in such spaces shall be covered with an approved vapor and soil-gas retarder material.
33
All joints in the retarder shall be overlapped by 6 inches (153 mm) and sealed or taped, with the
retarder edges extending a minimum of 6 inches (153 mm) up the foundation wall and attached
and sealed thereto in an approved manner._
R408.3.1. Non-conditioned under-floor spaces. Where thermally-isolated above-grade
floor systems are insulated and sealed to reduce heat loss and air infiltration from non-
conditioned spaces below, as prescribed by N 1111.7.4, exterior ventilation openings may be
used provided that such under-floor spaces do not contain HVAC appliances and the
ventilation can be provided directly through openings in an exterior wall. The minimum
total net free area of exterior ventilation openings shall not be less than 1/1,500 of the floor
area of the under-floor space. Openings shall be placed so as to provide cross-ventilation of
the space and shall be covered for their height and width with any of the following materials
provided that the least dimension of the covering shall not exceed 1/4 inch (6.4 mm).
1. Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
2. Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
3. Cast iron grills or grating.
4. Extruded load-bearing brick vents.
5. Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
6. Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).
R408.3.2. Conditioned under-floor spaces. Where the perimeter walls enclosing
conditioned under-floor spaces are thermally insulated and sealed to reduce air infiltration as
prescribed by Table N1111.1, ventilation of the under-floor space shall be accomplished by
approved methods including a continuously operated mechanical ventilation at the rate of 1.0
cfin (1.02 Us) for each 50 square feet (4.65 m2) of under floor space floor area, or by
conditioned air supplied from the building HVAC system either indirectly through air-
transfer openings or directly through supply-air ducts.
R408.4 Spaces under below-grade floors. Spaces under floors which are located partially or
entirely below the adjacent exterior ground level and under-floor spaces located such that
ventilation cannot be provided directly through exterior wall openings shall comply with the
following conditions:
The ground surface of the under floor space shall be covered with a vapor retarder
material. The vapor retarder membrane shall be equivalent to minimum 10-mil (0.25 mm) non-
reinforced or 6-mil (0.15 mm) "cross-linked" or reinforced polyethylene membrane when tested
in accordance with ASTM E154-99. The sheet shall be continuously sealed in an approved
manner to the foundation walls, to the interior caissons or footing pads, plumbing lines and at all
laps of multiple sheets. See Figure 408.2.2(2).
Such spaces shall be provided with ventilation and space conditioning by a continuously
operated electrically-powered system that provides ventilation at a rate of 7.5 cfrn (3.5 L/s) per
person plus 0.01 cfm per square foot (0.11 L/s/m') of total conditioned floor area in the home,
34
computed on the basis of two occupants for the first bedroom and one occupant for each
additional bedroom.
The vent pipe served by the ventilation fan shall be constructed in accordance with
Section AF103.4.3 for radon-resistant construction methods except that the intake inlet for such
vent riser pipe shall be located above the gas-retarder membrane in accordance with R408.7.3
and be at least 60 inches (1525 mm) from the nearest transfer floor opening. The intake inlet
shall be covered with corrosion-resistant wire mesh having openings with the least dimension
being 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).
Fuel-burning environmental or service-water heating equipment installed in the conditioned
space on the floor directly above such spaces shall be power-vented or direct-vent appliances.
Exception: Open-combustion, naturally-vented appliances may be installed in such
locations that are tested and verified to be compliance with M1501.2 and in accordance
with the protocols established by the building official.
A minimum of one transfer floor opening shall be provided above the ventilated space
for every 250 square feet (23.25 mZ) of under-floor space or portion thereof The openings shall
be sized by dividing the fan ventilation rate by the total number of openings and determining the
opening size based on Table R408.2.2. See Figure R408.2.2(1) for transfer floor detail.
Exceptions:
I. Engineered systems that maintain the relative humidity so that all surfaces in such
under-floor spaces have a surface humidity level no greater than 70%.
2. Engineered non-cellulose and other approved inorganic floor systems designed to
be a sealed system shall not require ventilation when corrosion of the system
components has been considered and mitigated, assuming that the minimum
required structural integrity of such components is to be maintained for the life of
the building."
Table R408.2.2
Exhaust
Rate/Transfer Opening Size, net free area
O enin cfin
0-10 1.5 to 2.4 sq. in. (1-3/8" to 1-3/4" dia. hole)
11-15 2.4 to 3.6 sq. in. (1-3/4" to 2-1/8" dia, hole)
16-20 3.6 to 4.4 sq. in. (2-1/8" to 2-3/8" dia. hole)
35
Figure R408.2.2 (1) Floor Transfer Detail
BASEMENT (CONDITIONED SPACE)I
L------------J
DECK/ I TRANSFER
FACE
f6 MIN. CLEARANCE iv
OPENING
BOOR
d. .
1BOX/4
ED a
EMOVE OAVPER R2 3 MIN I•• PROVIDE ROUGH OPENING
IN FLOOR DECK TO dCLEAR FORCE-F NOT PENETRATE FLOOR STRUCTURAL MEMBERSD HOLE. DIAMETER PER TPBLE&
CONCRETE 6 e A
MIN. 1" UP FOUNDATION
WALL
BELOW-GRADE a d
UDER-
NFLOOR SPACE
NOTES
tO FLOOR AIR TRANSFER ASSEMBLY:
STANDARD FLOOR REGISTER OR GRILLE- MODIFY AS FOLLOWS.
$2
DAMPER LEVER REMOVE DAMPER ACTUATION LEVER (IF PRESENT)
3 DAMPER: REMOVE DAMPER IF PRESENT.
O PROVIDE SHEET METAL -BOX", SANE SIZE AS GRILLE OR REGISTER FLANGE.
OS PROVIDE CUT OR DRILLEO SHARP EDGE HOLE IN SIDE OF BOX CLOSEST TO FOUNDATION WALL AS FOLLOWS:
® NET OPENING THROUGH TRANSFER. IN ACCORDANCE WITH TABLE N.J.
® 'BOX" SHALL PROVIDE CODE INTENT FOR NON-COMBUSTIBLE RECEPTACLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH UMC 602 & IRC
M1601.4.3. RECEPTACLE SHALL HAVE MINIMUM 1' VERTICAL LIP.
ALL TRANSFER OPENINGS SHALL BE THE SAME CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA +/- 10%.
DETAIL SHOWN IS SUGGESTED MEANS OF ACHIEVING SPECIFIED NET TRANSFER OPENING AREA AND
RECEPTACLE. ALTERNATE MEANS OF ACHIEVING THESE GOALS MAY BE USED AT DESIGNER'S OPTION.
TABLE IV.J: FREE AREA OF OPENING IN FLOOR BOX
EXHA U EST RAT PERT
TRANSFER OPENING NET FREE AREA/HOLE DIAMETER
0-9 CFM NOT APPLICABLE - TRANSFER AT LEAST
10 CFM THROUGH EACH OPENING
10-15 CFM 1.7 TO 2 6 SOAN. FREE AREA /
(1-5/6' 0 drilled bole)
16-20 CFM 2.6 TO 3.7 SO IN FREE AREA /
_-.---__-_- - (2` 0 drilled hole)
21-25 CFM 3.7 TO 4.7 SO IN FREE AREA /
12.114_ 0 tlrlllea hole)
26-30 CFM 9 ] TO 5. Sri FREE AREA /
I (2-11 0 d2" 0 drilled
36
Figure 408.2.2(2)
PROVIDE FLASHING
SYSTEMS TO DRAIN WATER
AWAY FROM BUILDING
OPENINGS.
FIRST FLOOR PROVIDE POSITIVE GRADE
AWAY FROM BUILDING PER
GEOTECHNICAL
RECOMMENDATIONS
n CONSIDER THE USE OF
TERMINATE DRAINS EXTERNAL INSULATION TO
DIRECTLY ABOVE RAISE THE INSIDE SURFACE
FLOOR FIXTURES. - TEMPERATURE OF THE
FOUNDATION WALL (TO
REDUCE CONDENSATION),
ESPECIALLY IN GARDEN
LEVEL OR WALKOUT
ALLOW WETTED DECKING BASEMENTS.
TO DRY BEFORE
FINISHING FLOOR.
INTERIOR INSULATION WITHIN
L J BASEMENT STRUCTURAL FLOOR - BELOW— GRADE UNDER—FLO
TT SPACE NOT RECOMMENDED.
PROVIDE MINIMUM
CLEARANCE BETWEEN 6" SEAL RETARDER TO WALL.
BOTTOM OF PIPE AND ALTERNATE: EXTEND RETARD[
EARTH (WHERE PIPE +VOIDBE TOW TO TOP OF FLOOR FULLY
CROSSES BELOW BOTTOM BEAM BEHIND LEDGER OR RIM JOI'
OF STRUCTURE).
VAPOR RETARDER. FOUNDATION/ BASEMENT WAL
_ GEOTECH AND STRUCTURAL I
d I a RECOMMENDATIONS
CONTROL MOISTURE OF SOILS DURING
a;• .�;o- COVER VOID FORM WITH VAR
CONSTRUCTION. (SECTION VI.N.): RE—GRADE 'n?[j' •,= RETARDER
AND CLEAN SURFACE OF SOIL PRIOR TO
INSTALLATION OF VAPOR RETARDER
INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR PERIN
EXTEND VAPOR BARRIER UP INTERIOR CONCRETE CAISSONS DRAIN SYSTEM PER GEOTECH
OR FOOTINGS. SEAL TO CONCRETE. DO NOT COVER RECOMMENDATIONS
STEEL OR STRUCTURAL WOOD MATERIAL. ATTACH AWAY
FROM COLUMN TO ALLOW THE CONCRETE TO BREATH.
37
(50) Section R408.3, "Access. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R408.3 Access. Access shall be provided to all under-floor spaces. Access openings through
the floor shall be a minimum of 18 inches by 24 inches (457 mm by 610 mm). Openings
through a perimeter wall shall be 16 inches by 24 inches (407 mm by 610 mm). When any
portion of the through-wall access is below grade, an areaway of not less than 16 inches by 24
inches (407 mm by 610 mm) shall be provided. The bottom of the areaway shall be below the
threshold of the access opening. Through-wall access openings shall not be located under a door
to the building. See Section M1305.1.4 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is
located under floors.
Exception: Engineered non-cellulose and other approved inorganic floor systems designed
to be a sealed system shall not require ventilation when corrosion of the system components
has been considered and adequately mitigated, assuming that the minimum required
structural integrity of such components is to be maintained for the life of the building."
(51) A new section, "R 408.7 Under floor clearances. ", is hereby added, to read as follows:
"R408.7 Under-floor clearances. In areas where expansive or collapsible soils are known to
exist, under floor clearances shall be provided in accordance with Sections R408.7.1 through
R408.7.3 unless specified otherwise by the soils report.
R408.7.1 Steel Framed Floors. A minimum clearance equal to the height of the void form
plus four inches (102 mm) below the foundation shall be provided below steel beams and
floor joists.
R408.7.2 Wood Framed Floors. A minimum clearance equal to the height of the void form
plus four inches (102 mm) below the foundation shall be provided in addition to the
requirements set forth in Section R323, item 1.
R408.7.3 Pipes, Conduits, and Ducts. A minimum clearance equal to the height of the void
form plus four inches (102 mm) shall be provided below pipes, conduits and ducts installed
in under-floor spaces, including those located below the foundation wall.
Exception: Where the building drain and water service pass under or through the foundation the
clearance shall be as set forth in the engineering documents."
(52) New subsection, "R506.2.4, "Reinforcement.", is hereby added, reading as follows:
506.2.4 Reinforcement. Slabs on ground must be reinforced with a minimum of welded wire
mesh set on approved supports located in the center to upper one third of the slab, or equivalent
reinforcement prior to inspection set forth in Section R109.1.
38
(53) Section R602.6, "Drilling and notching-studs. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
11R602.6 Drilling and notching - studs. Drilling and notching of studs shall be in accordance
with the following:
(h) 1. Notching. Any stud in an exterior wall or bearing partition may be cut or notched
to a depth not exceeding 25 percent of its width. Studs in nonbearing partitions
may be notched to a depth not to exceed 40 percent of a single stud width.
2. Drilling. Any stud may be bored or drilled, provided that the diameter of the resulting hole is
no greater than 60 percent of the stud width, the edge of the hole is no greater than 5/8 inch
to the edge of the stud, and the hole is not located in the same section as a cut or notch. Studs
located in exterior walls or bearing partitions drilled over 40 percent and up to 60 percent
shall also be doubled with no more than two successive studs bored. See Figures R602.6(1)
and R602.6(2).
Exception:
Approved stud shoes may be used when installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendation."
(54) Section R613.1, "General. ", is hereby revised to read as follows:
"R613.1 General. This section prescribes performance and construction requirements for
exterior window systems installed in wall systems. Windows shall be installed and flashed in
accordance with the manufacturer's written installation instructions. Each window shall be
provided with written installation instructions provided by the manufacturer detailing proper
installation and flashing of their product."
(55) New Section R613.2, "Window sill placement. "is hereby added,reading as follows:
"R613.2 Window location and sill height. In dwelling units, where the rough opening for the
sill portion of an operable window is located more than 72 inches above the ground or other
surface below, the rough opening for the sill portion of the window shall be a minimum of 24
inches above the finished floor of the room in which the window is located.
Exception:
Windows whose openings will not allow a 4 inch diameter sphere to pass through the
opening when the opening is in its largest opened position.
(56) New Section R702.3.7, "Horizontal gypsum board diaphragm ceilings. ", is added,
reading as follows:
" R702.3.7 Horizontal Gypsum Board Diaphragm Ceilings. Gypsum board shall be permitted
to be used on wood joists to create a horizontal diaphragm in accordance with Table R702.3.7.
Gypsum board shall be installed perpendicular to ceiling framing members. End joints of
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adjacent courses of board shall not occur on the same joist. The maximum allowable diaphragm
proportions shall be 1 ''/z:l between shear resisting elements. Rotation or cantilever conditions
shall not be permitted. Gypsum board shall not be used in diaphragm ceilings to resist lateral
forces imposed by masonry or concrete construction. All perimeter edges shall be blocked using
wood members not less than 2- inch (51 mm) by 6-inch (159 mm) nominal dimension. Blocking
material shall be installed flat over the top plate of the wall to provide a nailing surface not less
than 2 inches (51 mm) in width for the attachment of the gypsum board."
(57) New Section, "R702.4.4, Cement, fiber-cement, composite backers. '; is hereby added,
reading as follows:
"R702.4.4 Cement, fiber-cement, and composite backers. Cement, fiber-cement, or composite
backers in compliance with ASTM C 1288, C 1325 and installed in accordance with
manufacturer recommendations shall be used as backers for wall tile in tub and shower areas and
wall panels in shower areas."
(58) Section R703.1, "General. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R703.1 General. Exterior walls shall provide the building with a weather—resistant exterior
wall envelope. The exterior wall envelope shall be designed and constructed in such a manner as
to prevent the accumulation of water within the wall assembly by providing a water—resistive
barrier behind the exterior veneer as required by Section R703.2 and a means of draining water
that enters the assembly to the exterior of the veneer. Protection against condensation in the
exterior wall assembly shall be provided in accordance with the International Energy
Conservation Code.
Exceptions:
1. A weather-resistant exterior wall envelope shall not be required over concrete or masonry
walls designed in accordance with Chapter 6 and flashed according to Section R703.7 or
R703.8.
2. Compliance with the requirements for a means of drainage, and the requirements of
Section 703.2 and Section 703.8, shall not be required for an exterior wall envelope that
has been demonstrated to resist wind-driven rain through testing of the exterior wall
envelope, including joints, penetrations and intersections with dissimilar materials, in
accordance with ASTM E331 under the following conditions:'
2.1 Exterior wall envelope test assemblies shall include at least one opening, one control
joint, one wall/eave interface and one wall sill. All tested openings and penetrations
shall be representative of the intended end use configuration.
2.2 Exterior wall envelope test assemblies shall be at least 4 feet by 8 feet in size.
2.3 Exterior wall assemblies shall be tested at a minimum differential pressure of 6.24
pounds per square foot.
2.4 Exterior wall envelope assemblies shall be subjected to a minimum test exposure
duration of 2 hours.
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The exterior wall envelope design shall be considered to resist wind-driven rain where the
results of testing indicate that water did not penetrate control joints in the exterior wall envelope,
joints at the perimeter of openings penetration, or intersections of terminations with dissimilar
materials.
(59) Section R703.2, "Weather-resistant membrane. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
18703.2 Weather-resistant membrane. One layer of No. 15 asphalt-saturated felt free from
holes and breaks, complying with ASTM D 226 for Type 1 felt, or other approved weather-
resistant material shall be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls. Such felt or
material shall be applied horizontally, with the upper layer lapped over the lower layer not less
than 2 inches (51 mm). Where joints occur, felt shall be lapped not less than 6 inches (152 mm).
All such materials shall be continuous to the top of walls and terminated at penetrations and
building appendages in such a manner that meets the requirements of the exterior wall envelope
as described in Section R703.1.
Exception: Such felt or material is permitted to be omitted in the following situations:
1. In detached accessory buildings.
2. Under exterior wall finish materials as permitted in Table R703.4.
3. Under paperbacked stucco lath when the paper backing is an approved weather-
resistant membrane."
CHAPTER 8- ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION
(60) Section R801.3, "Roof drainage. "Is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R801.3 Roof drainage. All dwellings shall have a controlled method of water disposal from
roofs that will collect and discharge all roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5 feet (1.524
m) from foundation walls or to an approved drainage system. Devices shall not be installed that
restrain in any way or that otherwise interfere with downspout extensions being fully extended.
Landscape edging shall not interfere with the discharge of the roof drainage system. Downspout
extensions shall terminate above ground or at an approved location."
(61) Section R802.11, "Roof Tie-down.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R802.11 Roof tie-down. Roof assemblies shall be connected to supporting walls with rafter or
truss ties installed at bearing locations to provide a continuous load path for transmitting the
uplift forces from the rafter or truss ties to the foundation in accordance with Table R802.11.
Alternatively, wind uplift pressures on roof assemblies and roof tie-down requirements may be
designed in accordance with Section R301.1.2"
CHAPTER 9 - ROOF ASSEMBLIES
(62) Section R902.1, "Roofing covering materials.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"R902.1 Roofing covering materials. Except as otherwise allowed, roofs shall be covered with
Class A assemblies and with materials as set forth in SectionsR904 and R905. Classes A, B and
C roofing required to be listed by this section shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or
ASTM E 108. Roof assemblies with coverings of brick, masonry, slate, clay or concrete roof tile,
exposed concrete roof deck, ferrous or copper shingles or sheets, and metal sheets and shingles,
shall be considered Class A roof coverings.
Exception:
Any Class B or Class C roof covering may be applied on any new construction that is added
to an existing building, provided the roof extremities of such existing building and new
construction are located a minimum distance of five (5) feet (1.524 m) from the nearest
adjacent property line and are a minimum distance of ten (10) feet (3.048 m) from another
building."
(63) Section R905.1, "Roof covering application. ". is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R905.1 Roof covering application. Roof coverings shall be applied in accordance with the
applicable provisions of this section and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Unless
otherwise specified in this section, roof coverings shall be installed to resist the component and
cladding loads specified in Table R301.2(2), adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with
Table R301.2(3)."
(64) Section R905.2.6, "Attachment", is hereby amended to read as follows:
1111905.2.6 Attachment. Asphalt shingles shall have the minimum number of fasteners required
by the manufacturer. Where the roof slope exceeds 20 units vertical in 12 units horizontal
(20:12) and where roof assemblies are subject to wind uplift pressures of 20 pounds per square
foot (0.958 kN/m') or greater, as established in Table R301.2(2), adjusted for height and
exposure per TableR301.2(3), special methods of fastening are required. Special fastening
methods shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 3161, modified to use a wind speed of 110
mph (177 km/h). Where asphalt shingles are used in the forgoing applications, such shingle
packaging shall bear a label indicating compliance with ASTM D 3161 at a wind speed of 110
mph (177 km/h)."
(65) Section R907.1, "General.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"R907.1 General. Materials and methods of application used for recovering or replacing an
existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 9. No portion of an
existing nonrated roof covering may be permanently replaced or covered with more than one
square of nonrated roof covering.
Exceptions:
1. Reroofing shall not be required to meet the minimum design slope requirement of one-
fourth vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent slope) in Section R905 for roofs that
provide positive roof drainage.
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2. Any existing roof covering system may be replaced with a roof covering of the same
materials and classification, provided the replacement roof covering has a minimum
rating of Class C."
(66) Section R907.3, "Recovering versus replacement. ", is hereby amended by adding a
third exception, reading as follows:
"3. The application of new protective coating over existing spray polyurethane foam
roofing systems shall be permitted without tear-off of existing roof coverings when
applied in accordance with ASTM D-6705."
CHAPTER 10 - CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES
(67) Section R1001.6.1, "Spark arrestors.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
1IR1001.6.1 Spark arrestors. Chimneys attached to any appliance or fireplace that burns
solid fuel shall be equipped with an approved spark arrester meeting all of the following
requirements:
1. The net free area of the arrestor shall not be less than four times the net
free area of the outlet of the chimney flue it serves.
2. The arrestor screen shall have heat and corrosion resistance equivalent to
19-gage galvanized steel or 24-gage stainless steel.
3. Openings shall not permit the passage of spheres having a diameter
greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) nor block the passage of spheres having a
diameter less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
The spark arrestor shall be accessible for cleaning and the screen or chimney cap shall be
removable to allow for cleaning of the chimney flue."
(68) Section R1004, "FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACES", is hereby amended by adding new
subsection, "R1004.1.1 Solid fuel fireplaces and appliances.", and deleting subsection, "1004.4,
"Unvented gas log heaters.", resulting in the entire section amended to read as follows:
"SECTION R1004 - FACTORY-BUILT FIREPLACES
R1004.1 General. Factory-built fireplaces shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed in
accordance with the conditions of the listing. Factory-built fireplaces shall be tested in
accordance with UL 127.
R1004.1.1 Solid fuel fireplaces and appliances. Solid fuel fireplaces, fireplace stoves and
solid-fuel-type room heaters shall also comply with Section 5-110 of the Code of the City.
R1004.2 Hearth extensions. Hearth extensions of approved factory-built fireplaces shall be
installed in accordance with the listing of the fireplace. The hearth extension shall be readily
distinguishable from the surrounding floor area.
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R1004.3 Decorative shrouds. Decorative shrouds shall not be installed at the termination of
chimneys for factory-built fireplaces except where such shrouds are listed and labeled for use
with the specific factory-built fireplace system and installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's installation instructions."
CHAPTER 11 - Enerev Efficiency
(69) Part IV Energy Conservation, "Chapter 11, Energy Efficiency" is deleted in its entirety
and replaced with the following:
"CHAPTER 11 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY
SECTION N1101 - SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
NI101.1 Title. This Chapter shall be also known as "Chapter 11, The 2005 Fort Collins
Residential Energy Conservation Code".
N1101.2 Intent. This chapter regulates the design and construction of buildings including
building envelopes for adequate thermal resistance and low infiltration and the design and
selection of mechanical, electrical, service water-heating, systems and equipment which will
enable the effective use of energy in buildings regulated by this code. The provisions in this
chapter are intended to provide flexibility to permit the use of innovative approaches and
techniques to achieve effective utilization of energy. This chapter is not intended to abridge
safety, health or environmental requirements under other applicable codes or ordinances.
N1101.3 Scope. This chapter establishes minimum prescriptive and performance-related
regulations for the design of energy-efficient buildings and structures or portions thereof
regulated by this code and their associated accessory uses. This chapter thereby addresses the
design of energy-efficient building envelopes and the selection and installation of energy-
efficient mechanical, service water-heating, electrical distribution and illumination systems and
equipment for the effective use of energy in such buildings and structures.
N1101.3.1 Exempt buildings. The following buildings, or portions thereof separated by
building envelope assemblies from the remainder of the building, shall be exempt from this
chapter.
1. Buildings that have a peak design rate of energy usage less than 3.4 Btu/h-ftz
(10.7 W/m') or 1.0 watt/ft2 (10.7 W/mz) of floor area for space conditioning
purposes.
2. Buildings that are neither mechanically heated nor mechanically cooled.
N1101.4 Applicability. This chapter shall apply to buildings as set forth in Section N1101.
Where, in a specific case, different provisions of this chapter specify different requirements, the
most restrictive requirements shall govern.
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N1101.4.1 Existing installations. Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter,
provisions of this chapter shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor
prevent the continued use and maintenance of, an existing building envelope, mechanical,
service water-heating, electrical distribution, or illumination system lawfully in existence at
the time of the adoption of this chapter.
Exception: Any portion of a non-insulated basement foundation wall enclosing
conditioned space shall be insulated as prescribed in Table NI I I LI of this chapter prior
to the foundation wall being authorized to contain living space or to being covered with
permanent framing, wallboard, and similar finish materials, regardless of whether such
wall was not originally insulated using the "Alternative Minimum Insulation R-values" in
Table N1 111.1 or the "Simulated Performance Alternative' pursuant to Section N1113 of
this chapter.
N1101.4.2 Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs. Additions, alterations,
renovations or repairs to a building envelope, mechanical, service water-heating, electrical
distribution, or illumination system or portion thereof shall conform to the provisions of this
chapter as they relate to new construction without requiring the unaltered portion(s) of the
existing system to comply with this chapter. Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause
any one of the aforementioned and existing systems to become unsafe, hazardous or
overloaded. In no case shall the energy efficiency of the building be decreased.
Exceptions: The following need not comply provided the energy use of the building is not
increased.
I. Storm windows installed over existing fenestration.
2. Glass only replacements in an existing sash and frame.
3. Existing ceiling, wall or floor cavities exposed during construction provided that these
cavities are filled with insulation.
4. Construction where the existing roof, wall or floor cavity is not exposed.
N1101.4.3 Change in occupancy. A change in building occupancy that would result in the
new building occupancy being regulated by this chapter and an increase in demand for either
fossil fuel or electrical energy shall require that the building be made to comply with this
chapter unless otherwise approved by the building official.
Exception: The building official may in individual cases waive specific requirements
when any such requirement is determined to be highly impractical in existing buildings,
including buildings classified as historically significant by the state or local jurisdiction,
listed in The National Register of Historic Places or determined to be eligible for such
listing, when such waivers do not cause the energy efficiency of the building to be
decreased.
N1101.4.4 Mixed occupancy. Where a building houses more than one occupancy
classification as identified in the building code, each portion of the building shall conform to
the requirements for the occupancy housed therein. Where an occupancy is less than 10
45
percent of the area of any floor of a building, the major occupancy shall be considered the
building occupancy. Buildings, other than detached one- and two-family dwellings and
townhouses and their accessory uses shall not be regulated under this chapter.
SECTION N1102 - ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF
CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN OR INSULATING SYSTEMS
N1102.1 General. This chapter is not intended to prevent the use of any material, method of
construction, design or insulating system not specifically prescribed herein, provided that such
construction, design or insulating system has been approved by the building official as meeting
the intent of the code. Compliance with specific provisions of this chapter may be determined
through the use of computer software, worksheets, compliance manuals and other similar
materials when the building official has approved these materials as meeting the intent of this
chapter.
SECTION N1103 - CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
N1103.1 General. Construction documents and other supporting data shall be submitted with
each application for a permit. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized
to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.
Exception: The building official is authorized to waive the requirements for construction
documents or other supporting data if the building official determines such is not necessary
to confirm compliance with this chapter.
N1103.2 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be drawn to
scale upon suitable material and submitted in a format approved by the building official.
Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of
the work proposed, and show in sufficient detail pertinent data and features of the building,
systems and equipment as herein governed or as determined by the building official. Details
shall include, but are not limited to, insulation materials and their R-values; fenestration U-
factors and SHGCs; the number of systems and equipment efficiencies, types, sizes and controls;
duct sealing, insulation and location; and air sealing details.
SECTION N1104 - INSPECTIONS
N1104.1 General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to
inspection as deemed necessary by the building official to determine compliance with this
chapter.
N1104.2 Required approvals. No work shall be done on any part of the building or structure
beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written
approval of the building official. No construction shall be concealed without inspection
approval.
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N1104.3 Final inspection. The building shall have a final inspection and approval when
completed and ready for occupancy.
N1104.4 Re-inspection. A building shall be re-inspected when determined necessary by the
building official.
SECTION NI105 - VALIDITY
N1105.1 General. If a portion of this chapter is held to be illegal or void, such a decision shall
not affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter.
SECTION N1106 - REFERENCED STANDARDS
N1106.1 General. The standards and provisions and portions thereof, referred to in this chapter
and contained in the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODES (2003
IECC@), the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODED (2003 IRCO), and the 2003
INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODED (2003 IMCID) published by the International Code
Council, Inc. shall be considered part of the requirements of this chapter to the extent of such
reference.
N1106.2 Conflicting requirements. When a provision of this chapter and a provisions of a
referenced standard or provision from the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE&
(2003 IRC) or the 2003 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE& (2003 IMCD) published by
the International Code Council, Inc. specify different materials, methods of construction or other
requirements, the provisions of this chapter shall apply.
SECTION N1107 - DEFINITIONS
N1107.1 Scope. Unless stated otherwise, the following words and terms in this chapter shall
have the meanings indicated in this chapter.
N1107.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the
masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes the plural and
the plural includes the singular.
N1107.3 Terms defined in other codes. Terms that are not defined in this chapter but are
defined in the International Building Code, ICC Electrical Code, International Fire Code,
International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code or
the International Residential Code shall have the meanings ascribed to them in those codes.
N1107.4 Terms not defined. Terms not defined by this chapter shall have ordinarily accepted
meanings such as the context implies.
N1107.5 Specific definitions. The following words and terms in this chapter shall have the
meanings indicated in this chapter:
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ABOVE GRADE WALL. A wall more than 50% above grade and enclosing conditioned space.
This includes between-floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, roof and basement knee walls,
dormer walls, gable end walls, walls enclosing a mansard roof, and skylight shafts.
ACCESSIBLE. Admitting close approach because not guarded by locked doors, elevation or
other effective means (see 'Readily accessible").
ADDITION. An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
AIR TRANSPORT FACTOR. The ratio of the rate of useful sensible heat removal from the
conditioned space to the energy input to the supply and return fan motor(s), expressed in
consistent units and under the designated operating conditions.
ALTERATION. Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or
addition that requires a permit. Also, a change in a mechanical system that involves an
extension, addition or change to the arrangement, type or purpose of the original installation that
requires a permit.
ANNUAL FUEL UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY (AFUE). The ratio of annual output energy
to annual input energy which includes any non-heating season pilot input loss, and for gas or oil-
fired furnaces or boilers, does not include electrical energy.
APPROVED. Acceptable to the building official.
AUTOMATIC. Self-acting, operating by its own mechanism when actuated by some
impersonal influence, as, for example, a change in current strength, pressure, temperature or
mechanical configuration (see "Manual').
BASEMENT. That portion of a building located partly or completely below grade, wherein the
underside of the floor system immediately above is 72 inches (1829 mm) or more above the
surface of an approved permanent basement floor system.
BASEMENT WALL. A wall 50% or more of which is below grade and encloses conditioned
space.
BTU (British thermal unit). The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of I pound
(0.454 kg) of water IOF (0.560C), (I Btu= 1,055 J).
BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE. The elements of a building which enclose conditioned
spaces and through which thermal energy is capable of being transferred: to or from the exterior;
or to or from spaces exempted by the provisions of Section N1101.4.1
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COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP) - COOLING. The ratio of the rate of heat
removal to the rate of energy input in consistent units, for a complete cooling system or factory-
assembled equipment, as tested under a nationally recognized standard or designated operating
conditions.
COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP) - HEAT PUMP-HEATING. The ratio of the
rate of heat delivered to the rate of energy input, in consistent units, for a complete heat pump
system under designated operating conditions. Supplemental heat shall not be considered when
checking compliance with the heat pump equipment (COPS listed in the tables in Sections 503
and 803 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE&).
COMMERCIAL BUILDING. All buildings that are not included in the definition of
Residential Buildings.
CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA. The horizontal projection of the floors associated with the
conditioned space.
CONDITIONED SPACE. An area or room within a building being heated or cooled,
containing non-insulated ducts, or with a fixed opening directly into an adjacent conditioned
space.
CRAWLSPACE. That portion of a building that is conditioned or non-conditioned space
located partly or completely below grade (excluding the under-floor space beneath below-grade
structural floor systems), wherein the underside of the adjacent finished floor above is less than
72 inches (1829 mm) above the bottom surface of such crawlspace.
CRAWLSPACE WALL. The opaque portion of a wall that encloses a crawl space and is
partially or totally below grade.
DEADBAND. The temperature range in which no heating or cooling is used.
DEGREE DAY, COOLING. A unit, based on temperature difference and time, used in
estimating cooling energy consumption and specifying nominal cooling load of a building in
summer. For any one day, when the mean temperature is more than 657 (18°C), there are as
many degree days as there are degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) difference in temperature between
the mean temperature for the day and 65°F (18°C). Annual cooling degree days (CDD) are the
sum of the degree days over a calendar year.
DEGREE DAY, HEATING. A unit, based on temperature difference and time, used in
estimating heating energy consumption and specifying nominal heating load of a building in
winter. For any one day, when the mean temperature is less than 65°F (18°C), there are as many
degree days as there are degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) difference in temperature between the
mean temperature for the day and 65°F (18°C). Annual heating degree days (HDD) are the sum
of the degree days over a calendar year.
49
DUCT. A tube or conduit utilized for conveying air. The air passages of self-contained systems
are not to be construed as air ducts.
DUCT SYSTEM. A continuous passageway for the transmission of air that, in addition to ducts,
includes duct fittings, dampers, plenums, fans and accessory air-handling equipment and
appliances.
DWELLING UNIT. A single housekeeping unit comprised of one or more rooms providing
complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions
for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
ECONOMIZER, AIR. A duct and damper arrangement and automatic control system that
allows a cooling system to supply outside air to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical
cooling during mild or cold weather.
ECONOMIZER, WATER. A system where the supply air of a cooling system is cooled
indirectly with water that is itself cooled by heat or mass transfer to the environment without the
use of mechanical cooling.
ENERGY. The capacity for doing work (taking a number of forms) which is capable of being
transformed from one into another, such as thermal (heat), mechanical (work), electrical and
chemical in customary units, measured in joules (J), kilowatt-hours (kWh) or British thermal
units (Btu).
ENERGY ANALYSIS. A method for determining the annual (8,760 hours) energy use of the
proposed design and standard reference design based on estimates of energy use.
ENERGY COST. The total estimated annual cost for purchased energy for the building
functions regulated by this chapter, including any demand charges, fuel adjustment factors and
delivery charges applicable to the building.
ENERGY SIMULATION TOOL. An approved software program or calculation-based
methodology that projects the annual energy use of a building.
EXTERIOR WALL Any wall, including both above grade walls and foundation walls,
enclosing conditioned space that is vertical or sloped at an angle of sixty (60) degrees or greater
from the horizontal.
FENESTRATION. Skylights, roof windows, vertical windows (whether fixed or moveable),
opaque doors, glazed doors, glass block, and combination opaque/glazed doors. Fenestration
includes products with glass and non-glass glazing materials.
FURNACE, DUCT. A furnace normally installed in distribution ducts of air-conditioning
systems to supply warm air for heating and which depends on a blower not furnished as part of
the duct furnace for air circulation.
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FURNACE, WARM AIR. A self-contained, indirect-fired or electrically heated furnace that
supplies heated air through ducts to spaces that require it.
GLAZING AREA. Total area of the glazed fenestration measured using the rough opening and
including sash, curbing or other framing elements that enclose conditioned space. Glazing area
includes the area of glazed fenestration assemblies in walls bounding conditioned basements. For
doors where the daylight opening area is less than 50 percent of the door area, the glazing area is
the daylight opening area. For all other doors, the glazing area is the rough opening area for the
door including the door and the frame.
GROSS AREA OF EXTERIOR WALLS. The normal projection of all exterior walls,
including the area of all windows and doors installed therein (see "Exterior wall").
GROSS FLOOR AREA. The sum of the areas of several floors of the building, including
basements, cellars, mezzanine and intermediate floored tiers and penthouses of headroom height,
measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating
buildings, but excluding:
1. Covered walkways, open roofed-over areas, porches and similar spaces.
2. Pipe trenches, exterior terraces or steps, chimneys, roof overhangs and similar
features.
HEAT. The form of energy that is transferred by virtue of a temperature difference or a change
in state of a material.
HEAT CAPACITY (HQ. The amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of a given
mass by one degree. The heat capacity of a building element is the sum of the heat capacities of
each of its components.
HEAT PUMP. A refrigeration system that extracts heat from one substance and transfers it to
another portion of the same substance or to a second substance at a higher temperature for a
beneficial purpose.
HEAT TRAP. An arrangement of piping and fittings, such as elbows, or a commercially
available heat trap that prevents thermosyphoning of hot water during standby periods.
HEATED SLAB. Slab-on-grade construction in which the heating elements, hydronic piping or
hot air distribution system is in contact with or placed within the slab or the subgrade.
HEATED SPACE. Space within a building which is provided with a positive heat supply (see
"Positive heat supply"). Space within a basement with registers or heating devices designed to
supply heat to a basement space shall automatically define that space as heated space and
conditioned floor area.
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HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR (HSPF). The total heating output of a
heat pump during its normal annual usage period for heating, in Btu, divided by the total electric
energy input during the same period, in watt hours, as determined by DOE 10 CFR Part 430,
Subpart B, Test Procedures and based on Region 4.
HUMIDISTAT. A regulatory device, actuated by changes in humidity, used for automatic
control of relative humidity.
HVAC. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning.
HVAC SYSTEM. The equipment, distribution network, and terminals that provide either
collectively or individually the processes of heating, ventilating, or air conditioning to a
building.
HVAC SYSTEM COMPONENTS. HVAC system components provide, in one or more
factory-assembled packages, means for chilling or heating water, or both, with controlled
temperature for delivery to terminal units serving the conditioned spaces of the building. Types
of HVAC system components include, but are not limited to, water chiller packages,
reciprocating condensing units and water source (hydronic) heat pumps (see "HVAC system
equipment').
HVAC SYSTEM EQUIPMENT. HVAC system equipment provides, in one (single package)
or more (split system) factory-assembled packages, means for air circulation, air cleaning, air
cooling with controlled temperature and dehumidification and, optionally, either alone or in
combination with a heating plant, the functions of heating and humidifying. The cooling
function is either electrically or heat operated and the refrigerant condenser is air, water or
evaporative cooled. Where the equipment is provided in more than one package, the separate
packages shall be designed by the manufacturer to be used together. The equipment shall be
permitted to provide the heating function as a heat pump or by the use of electric or fossil-fuel-
fired elements. (The word "equipment' used without a modifying adjective, in accordance with
common industry usage, applies either to HVAC system equipment or HVAC system
components.)
INFILTRATION. The uncontrolled inward air leakage into a building caused by the pressure
effects of wind and pressure imbalances induced by mechanical systems; or the effect of
differences in the indoor and outdoor air density or any combination of such effects.
INSULATED SHEATHING. An insulating board with a core material having a minimum R-
value of R-2.
LABELED. Devices, equipment, appliances, assemblies or materials to which have been affixed
a label, seal, symbol or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory,
inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains
periodic inspection of the production of the above-labeled items and by whose label the
manufacturer attests to compliance with applicable nationally recognized standards.
52
LISTED. Equipment, appliances, assemblies or materials included in a list published by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with
product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment,
appliances, assemblies or material, and whose listing states either that the equipment, appliances,
assemblies, or material meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found
suitable for use in a specified manner.
LIVING SPACE. Space within a dwelling unit utilized for living, sleeping, eating, cooking,
bathing, washing and sanitation purposes.
LOW-VOLTAGE LIGHTING. Lighting equipment powered through a transformer such as a
cable conductor, a rail conductor and track lighting.
MANUAL. Capable of being operated by personal intervention(see "Automatic").
OCCUPANCY. The purpose for which a building, or portion thereof, is utilized or occupied.
OPAQUE AREAS. All exposed areas of a building envelope which enclose conditioned space,
except openings for windows, skylights, doors and building service systems.
OUTDOOR AIR. Air taken from the outdoors and, therefore, not previously circulated through
the system.
OZONE DEPLETION FACTOR. A relative measure of the potency of chemicals in depleting
stratospheric ozone. The ozone depletion factor potential depends on the chlorine and bromine
content and the atmospheric lifetime of the chemical. The depletion factor potential is
normalized such that the factor for CFC-11 is set equal to unity and the factors for the other
chemicals indicate their potential relative to CFC-11.
PACKAGED TERMINAL AIR CONDITIONER (PTAC). A factory-selected wall sleeve and
separate un-encased combination of heating and cooling components, assemblies or components
(intended for mounting through the wall to serve a single room or zone). It includes heating
capability by hot water, steam or electricity. (For the complete technical definition, see ARI
310/380.)
PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMP. A PTAC capable of using the refrigeration system
in a reverse cycle or heat pump mode to provide heat. (For the complete technical definition, see
ARI 310/380.)
POSITIVE COOLING SUPPLY. Mechanical cooling deliberately supplied to a space, such as
through a supply register. Also, mechanical cooling indirectly supplied to a space through un-
insulated surfaces of space-cooling components, such as evaporator coil cases and cooling
distribution systems which continually maintain air temperatures within the space of 85°F
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(29°C) or lower during normal operation. To be considered exempt from inclusion in this
definition, such surfaces shall comply with the insulation requirements of this chapter.
POSITIVE HEAT SUPPLY. Heat deliberately supplied to a space by design, such as a supply
register, radiator or heating element. Also, heat indirectly supplied to a space through un-
insulated surfaces of service water heaters and space-heating components, such as furnaces,
boilers and heating and cooling distribution systems which continually maintain air temperature
within the space of 50°F (10°C) or higher during normal operation. To be considered exempt
from inclusion in this definition, such surfaces shall comply with the insulation requirements of
this chapter.
PROPOSED DESIGN. A description of the proposed building used to estimate annual energy
use for determining compliance based on total building performance.
READILY ACCESSIBLE. Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or
inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite, to climb over or remove
obstacles or to use portable ladders or access equipment (see "Accessible').
REPAIR.The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING. One- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, R-2 residential
buildings three stories or less in height above grade and R-4 residential buildings three stories or
less in height above grade.
ROOF ASSEMBLY. A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design
loads. The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as
both the roof covering and the roof deck. A roof assembly includes, the roof covering,
underlayment, roof deck, vapor retarder, substrate or thermal barrier, insulation, and interior
finish. For purposes of the building thermal envelope, a roof assembly shall be considered as all
roof/ceiling components of the building envelope through which heat flows, thus creating a
building transmission heat loss or gain, where such assembly is exposed to outdoor air and
encloses conditioned space. The gross area of a roof assembly consists of the total interior
surface of all roof/ceiling components, including opaque surfaces, dormer and bay window
roofs, trey ceilings, overhead portions of an interior stairway to an unconditioned attic, doors and
hatches, glazing and skylights exposed to conditioned space, that are horizontal or sloped at an
angle less than 60 degrees (1.1 rad) from the horizontal (see "Exterior wall"). A roof assembly,
or portions thereof, having a slope of 60 degrees (I.Irad) or greater from horizontal shall be
considered in the gross area of exterior walls and thereby excluded from consideration in the
roof assembly. Skylight shaft walls 12 inches (305 mm) in depth or greater (as measured from
the ceiling plane to the roof deck) shall be considered in the gross area of exterior walls and are
thereby excluded from consideration in the roof assembly.
ROOM AIR CONDITIONER. An encased assembly designed as a unit for mounting in a
window or through a wall, or as a console. It is designed primarily to provide free delivery of
conditioned air to an enclosed space, room or zone. It includes a prime source of refrigeration for
54
cooling and dehumidification and means for circulating and cleaning air, and shall be permitted
to also include means for ventilating and heating.
R-VALUE (THERMAL RESISTANCE). The inverse of the time rate of heat flow through a
body from one of its bounding surfaces to the other surface for a unit temperature difference
between the two surfaces, under steady state conditions, per unit area (hxftzx°F/Btu)
[(m'xK)/Wl.
SASH CRACK. The sum of all perimeters of all window sashes, based on overall dimensions of
such parts, expressed in feet. If a portion of one sash perimeter overlaps a portion of another sash
perimeter, the overlapping portions are only counted once.
SCREW LAMP HOLDERS. A lamp base that requires a screw-in-type lamp such as an
incandescent, compact florescent, or tungsten-halogen bulb.
SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (SEER). The total cooling output of an air
conditioner during its normal annual usage period for cooling, in Btu/h (W), divided by the total
electric energy input during the same period, in watt-hours, as determined by DOE 10 CFR Part
430, Subpart B, Test Procedures.
SERVICE SYSTEMS. All energy-using systems in a building that are operated to provide
services for the occupants or processes housed therein, including HVAC, service water heating,
illumination, transportation, cooking or food preparation, laundering and similar functions.
SERVICE WATER HEATING. Supply of hot water for purposes other than comfort heating.
SIMULATION TOOL. An approved software program or calculation-based methodology that
projects the annual hour-by-hour loads and energy use of a building.
SKYLIGHT. Glazing that is sloped more than fifteen degrees (0.26 rad) from the vertical.
SLAB-ON-GROUND FLOOR INSULATION. Insulation around the perimeter of the floor
slab or its supporting foundation when the top edge of the floor perimeter slab is above the
finished grade or 12 inches (305 mm) or less below the finished grade.
SOLAR ENERGY SOURCE. Source of natural day-lighting and of thermal, chemical or
electrical energy derived directly from conversion of incident solar radiation.
SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICENT (SHGC). The ratio of the solar heat gain through a
fenestration or glazing assembly to the incident solar radiation expressed as a number between
0.00 and 1.00 representing the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted , both directly
transmitted and absorbed, then subsequently released inward and identified as such on the NFRC
product label.
55
STANDARD REFERENCE DESIGN. A version of the Proposed design that meets the
minimum requirements of this chapter and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use
requirement for compliance based on total building performance.
STANDARD TRUSS. Any construction that does not permit the roof/ceiling insulation to
achieve the required R-value over the exterior walls.
SUNROOM ADDITION. A one-story structure added to a dwelling, with a glazing area in
excess of 40 percent of the gross area of the structure's exterior walls and roof.
SYSTEM. A combination of central or terminal equipment or components or controls,
accessories, interconnecting means, and terminal devices by which energy is transformed so as
to perform a specific function, such as HVAC, service water heating or illumination.
THERMAL CONDUCTANCE. Time rate of heat flow through a body (frequently per unit
area) from one of its bounding surfaces to the other for a unit temperature difference between the
two surfaces, under steady conditions (Btu/h • fl2 • °F) [W/( m2 • K)].
THERMAL ISOLATION. A separation of conditioned spaces, between a sunroom addition
and a dwelling unit, consisting of existing or new wall(s), doors and/or windows. New wall(s),
doors and/or windows shall meet the prescriptive envelope component criteria in Table N 1111.1.
The conditioned space(s) shall be controlled as a separate zone(s) for heating and cooling or
conditioned by separate equipment.
THERMOSTAT. An automatic control device used to maintain temperature at a fixed or
adjustable set point.
TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of two or more attached
individual units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is
located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property
lines that is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling.
U-FACTOR (THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE). The coefficient of heat transmission (air to
air) through a building component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area
and unit temperature difference between the warm side and cold side air films (Btu/hxft'x°F)
[W/(mzxK)].The U-factor for fenestration products shall be as established by the NFRC.
UNITARY COOLING AND HEATING EQUIPMENT. One or more factory-made
assemblies which include an evaporator or cooling coil, a compressor and condenser
combination, and which shall be permitted to include a heating function as well. When heating
and cooling equipment is provided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies shall be
designed to be used together.
UNITARY HEAT PUMP. One or more factory-made assemblies which include an indoor
conditioning coil, compressor(s) and outdoor coil or refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger,
56
including means to provide both heating and cooling functions. When heat pump equipment is
provided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies shall be designed to be used
together.
VAPOR RETARDER. A vapor resistant material, membrane or covering such as foil, plastic
sheeting, or insulation facing having a permeance rating of 1 perm or less, when tested in
accordance with the desiccant method using Procedure A of ASTME96. Vapor retarders limit
the amount of moisture vapor that passes through a material or wall assembly.
VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned
air to, or removing such air from, any space.
VENTILATION AIR. That portion of supply air that comes from outside (outdoors) plus any
recirculated air that has been treated to maintain the desired quality of air within a designated
space.
WATER HEATER, INSTANTANEOUS. A water heater with an input rating of at least 4,000
Btu/h per gallon (310 W/L) stored water and a storage capacity of less than 10 gallons (38 L).
WATER HEATER, STORAGE. A water heater with an input rating less than 4,000 Btu/h per
gallon (310 W/L) of stored water or storage capacity of at least 10 gallons (38 L).
WINDOW PROJECTION FACTOR. A measure of the portion of glazing that is shaded by an
eave or overhang. It is calculated as the ratio of an overhang's length (horizontal distance out
from the glazing) to the vertical distance from the bottom of the glazing to the bottom of the
overhang.
ZONE. A space or group of spaces within a building with heating or cooling requirements, or
both, sufficiently similar so that comfort conditions can be maintained throughout by a single
controlling device.
SECTION N1108 - DESIGN CONDITIONS
N1108.1 Design criteria. The criteria of this chapter establish the design conditions for use with
Chapter 4.
SECTION N1109 - THERMAL DESIGN PARAMETERS
N1109.1 Thermal design parameters. The following thermal design parameters in Table N1109.1
shall be used for calculations required under this chapter.
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TABLE N1109.1
THERMAL DESIGN PARAMETERS
"CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
Winter Outdoor, Design Dry-bulb ff) = I
Winter Indoor, Design Dry-bulb ff) = 72
Summer, Outdoor Design Dry-bulb ff) = 91
Summer, Indoor Design Dry-bulb ff) = 78
Summer, Design Wet-bulb ff) =59
Degree days heating = 6368
Degree days cooling = 479
For SI: °C = [(°F)-32]/1.8.
SECTION N1110 - MATERIALS, SYSTEMS, EQUIPMENT AND ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
N1110.1 Compliance. Compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of this chapter for
residential buildings shall be demonstrated by any one of the methods provided in this chapter.
N1110.2 Identification. Materials, systems and equipment shall be identified in a manner that
will allow a determination of compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.
N1110.3 Installation. All materials, systems and equipment required by this chapter shall be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and the conditions of any
listing or required certifications.
N1110.3.1 Glass and mineral fiber insulation. Glass and mineral fiber (wool) insulation
installed on the conditioned side of basement foundation walls and in framed cavities or on
interior surfaces less than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the floor below shall be protected
from damage and releasing insulation fibers into the conditioned space by a permanent
covering material securely fastened in place such that the insulation is maintained in
substantial contact with the covering. The covering material shall be gypsum wallboard,
wall paneling, wall sheathing, or similar durable materials conforming to Section R315, that
provide equivalent physical protection as determined by the building official. See Section
R316
N1110.4 Maintenance information. Instructions shall be furnished with the building for
equipment and systems that require preventive maintenance. Required regular maintenance shall
be clearly stated and incorporated on a readily accessible label affixed to the equipment. This
label shall include the title or publication number for the operation and maintenance manual for
that particular model and type of product.
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N1110.5 Certification. A permanent certification shall be signed by the builder and be posted in
the immediate vicinity of the building electrical distribution panel. Where there is more than one
value for each component, the certification shall list the value covering the greatest area. Such
certification shall verify the following:
1. The predominant R-values of the insulation for ceiling/roof, walls, foundation
(slab, basement wall, frame floors, crawlspace wall and/or floor);
2. U-factors and the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for each fenestration type;
3. The type and efficiency of heating, cooling and service water heating equipment,
and R-values for ducts outside conditioned spaces; and
4. The insulation described thereon is installed in accordance with the applicable
installation guidelines established by the building official.
A copy of the certification shall be submitted to the building official by the builder or general
contractor of record prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
SECTION N11I I - BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE
N1111.1 Simplified Insulation and fenestration prescriptive criteria. The building envelope
shall meet the requirements of Table N 1111.1, except as stated in this Section.
N1111.2 Insulation installation and identification. Roof/ceiling, floor, wall cavity and duct
distribution systems insulation shall be installed in a manner as set forth in the Insulation
Guidelines established by the building official and such that the manufacturer's R-value
identification mark is readily observable upon inspection.
N1111.2.1 Building thermal envelope insulation. An R-value identification mark shall be
applied by the manufacturer to each piece of building envelope insulation 12 inches (305
mm) or greater in width. Alternatively, the insulation installer shall provide a certification
listing the type, manufacturer and R-value of insulation installed in each element of the
building thermal envelope. The certification shall list the type, manufacturer and R-value of
insulation installed in each element of the building envelope. For blown or sprayed
insulation, the initial installed thickness, settled thickness, settled R-value, installed density,
coverage area and number of bags installed shall be listed on the certification. The insulation
installer shall sign, date and post the certification in a conspicuous location within the
building.
N1111.2.1.1 Blown or sprayed roof/ceiling insulation. The thickness of blown in or
sprayed roof/ceiling insulation shall be observable by markers that measure thickness
in inches and which are installed no less than one for every 300 ftZ (28 in') throughout
the attic space. The markers shall be affixed to the trusses or joists and marked with
the minimum initial installed thickness with numbers a minimum of 1 inch (25.4 mm)
in height. Each marker shall face the attic access opening.
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N1111.3 R-value computation. Insulation material used in layers, such as framing cavity
insulation and insulating sheathing, shall be summed to compute the component R-value. The
manufacturer's settled R-value shall be used for blown insulation. Computed R-values shall not
include an R-value for other building materials or air films.
N1111.4 U-factor alternative. An assembly with a U-factor equal to or less than that specified
in Table NI 111.1 shall be permitted as an alternative to the R-value in Table NI 111.1.
N1111.5 Total UA alternative. If the total building thermal envelope UA (sum of U-factor
times assembly area) is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from using the U-factors in
Table NI I11.1, the building shall be considered in compliance with Table NI I11.1. The UA
calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of
Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The SHGC
requirements shall be met in addition to UA compliance.
N1111.6 Prescriptive tradeoffs. Alternative minimum insulation R-values shall be permitted as
an alternative to the standard "Insulation and Glazed Fenestration Requirements by Component"
specified in Table N1111.1 provided the HVAC performance efficiencies are increased as
indicated therein.
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Table N1111.1 Insulation and Glazed Fenestration Requirements by Componen&
Fenestrat Fenestrat Skyligh Ceilin Frame Mass Vloor� Basemen Slab") Crawl
ion ion t(e) 9(C) Wall(d) Wall t(`) R- Space(g)
U-Factor SHGC U- R- R- R- R- Wall R- Value Wall
10, 2ft
38 / 18 / 21(kl 13 / /
0.35 0.55 0.60 49 (k) 15(') 15(k) 30 10/ 13 10, 4 19/ 13
ft(k)
Equivalent Maximum U-Factors
Insulated building envelope U-factors must be obtained from measurement or calculation.
0.082
0.35 NA 0.60 0.030/ 0 0.026(k) 0.05757( / /k) �.077( 0.033 0.06 NA 0.065
Alternative Minimum Insulation R-values(')When one or more of the following increased HVAC
efficiencies is used:
Minimum SEER 12 with minimum AFUE 90, or
Minimum SEER 12 with minimum HSPF8.2, or
Ground-source heat pump with minimum HSPF 16
0.35 0.55 0.60 38 15 8 19 10/13/06) 10, 2 ft 19/13
Footnotes for Table N1111.1. Insulation and Glazed Fenestration Requirements:
(a) R-values are minimums. U-factors and SHGC are maximums. Fenestration U-factor and
SHGC refer to the whole fenestration unit. R-values in this table are uncompressed R-values,
except that R-19 insulation may be compressed into 2x6 framing cavities. Steel-frame wall R-
values are given in Table N1111.2. Fenestration includes doors. All heating, ventilating, and
cooling equipment shall meet NAECA minimum efficiency standards except when specified
otherwise.
(b)The fenestration U-factor column excludes skylights; this column applies only to skylights.
The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration, including skylights, which are considered
glazed fenestrations less than 60 degrees from horizontal.
(c) Insulation may be applied to the underside of the roof if the attic is air sealed and un-vented.
(d) Frame walls include between-floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, roof and basement
knee walls, dormer walls, gable end walls, shaft walls enclosing conditioned spaces that adjoin
unconditioned spaces, and walls enclosing a mansard roof. R-values are for the insulation
materials only. When structural sheathing covers 25% or less of the exterior frame walls, the
61
combined insulation R-value where the structural sheathing is used may be R-15. Where
structural sheathing covers more than 25% of the exterior walls in which R-15 cavity insulation
is installed, and insulated sheathing of at least R-2 is applied to the structural sheathing, the
exterior walls comply with Table N1111.1 .
(e) A basement wall is any individual exterior wall that is more than 50%below grade. The first
R-value applies to continuous insulation and the second R-value applies to insulation in a
framing cavity. Either R-value meets the basement requirement.
(f) R-5 shall be added to the required slab edge R-values for heated slabs.
(g) The first R-value applies to continuous insulation, the second to insulation that fills a framing
cavity; either one meets the crawl space wall insulation requirement.
(h) Insulation must be sufficient to completely fill the framing cavity and no less than R-19.
(i) Bold type indicates requirements that differ from the standard requirements. Buildings with
electric resistance as the primary heat source are not eligible to use alternative minimum
insulation offset by increased HVAC efficiencies. All footnotes of Table N1111.1 apply. Air-
handlers, furnaces and ducts shall be in conditioned space. Factory-sealed air handlers tested,
certified and labeled by the manufacturer to have achieved a 2 percent or less leakage rate at 1.0
inch (25.4 mm) water gauge shall meet the requirement for the air handler being in conditioned
space. After the year 2006 change: SEER increased from 12 to 14 and HSPF from 8.2 to 8.8.
Evaporative cooling meets SEER requirement. Either the alternative minimum insulation for
frame walls reduced to R-15, or the omission of basement wall insulation may be used by
substituting a furnace with an AFUE z 90. Such substitution is not permitted for both conditions
together within the same dwelling unit.
0) When not already specified in order to utilize the alternative minimum insulation offset by
increased HVAC efficiencies as noted under footnote (i), heating equipment meeting the one of
the performance and efficiency standards may be substituted in lieu of installing the continuous
insulation specified for exterior basement walls that do not contain or enclose living space at the
time of their construction and approval for occupancy, provided that not more than 12 inches
(305 mm) of the basement wall is above grade.
(k) The value indicating the greatest thermal efficiency applies to buildings with electric-
powered equipment as the primary building heat source when such equipment is NOT supplied
primarily by renewable energy sources or is NOT a ground-source heat pump.
(1) Frame walls noted in footnote (d) above of individual buildings that do not exceed 1,600
square feet (149 in') in floor area above the foundation maybe insulated to a minimum of R-15.
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N1111.7 Insulation and thermal requirements for specific conditions.
N1111.7.1 Roof/Ceiling Assemblies and Attics. Where Section N1111.1 prescribes
insulation levels above R-30 and the design of the roof/ceiling assembly does not allow
sufficient space for the specified insulation, the minimum required insulation for such
roof/ceiling assemblies shall be not less than R-30. Such reduction of insulation from the
requirements of Section NI 111.1 shall be limited to 500 square feet (46.5 in') of ceiling
area. The required ceiling insulation R-value above the exterior wall top plate shall not be
less than the required R-value of the wall insulation.
N1111.7.2 Mass walls. Mass walls include concrete block, concrete, insulated concrete
form (ICF), masonry cavity, brick (not brick veneer) and log walls. To use the mass wall
provisions, greater than 50% of the insulation R-value shall be on the exterior of, or
integral to, the mass wall. Mass walls that do not meet this criterion for insulation
placement shall meet the frame wall insulation requirements.
N1111.7.3 Opaque doors. A door with a foam core shall be deemed to meet the required
fenestration U-factor. One opaque door assembly is exempted from the U-factor
requirement.
N1111.7.4 Floors. Cantilevered floors, floors over outside air (including floors over any
garage when such garage does not meet the provisions of this chapter, and floors over
crawl spaces that are vented to the outside), and dormer ceilings shall require a minimum
of R-30 insulation installed to maintain pennanent contact with the floor above and be
sufficient to fill the framing cavity completely.
N1111.7.5 Basement walls. Walls containing conditioned basement spaces shall be
insulated from the top of the basement wall downward to a point 120 inches (3.05 m)
below grade or to the basement floor, whichever is less. Walls containing unconditioned
basement spaces shall meet the preceding requirement unless the floor overhead is
insulated in accordance with Sections NI 111.1 and NI 111.7.4, except when utilizing the
alternative minimum insulation offset by increased HVAC efficiencies as permitted in
Table N111 I.1. Glass and mineral fiber(wool) insulation installed on the interior side of
basement foundation walls shall be protected from damage as specified in Section
N1110.3.1.
Exceptions:
1. Insulation applied to the exterior side of foundation walls enclosing
conditioned space shall extend downward from the top of foundation walls
and terminate a minimum of 48 inches (1219 mm) below the adjoining
ground level.
2. Insulation may be eliminated when heating equipment is installed that
meets efficiency criteria and conditions specified in Table NII11.1,
Footnotes (i) and 0).
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N1111.7. 6 Slab-on-ground floors. The perimeters of slab-on-ground floors and below-
grade structural floor systems with a floor surface less than 12 inches (305 mm)below
grade shall be insulated in accordance with Table NI I11.1. The insulation shall extend
downward from the top of the slab on the outside or inside of the foundation wall.
Insulation located below grade shall be extended the distance provided in Table N1111.1
by any combination of vertical insulation, insulation extending under the slab or
insulation extending out from the building. Insulation extending away from the building
shall be protected by pavement or by a minimum of 10 inches (254 mm) of soil. The top
edge of the insulation installed between the exterior wall and the edge of the interior slab
shall be permitted to be cut at a 45-degree angle away from the exterior wall. Approved
frost-protected-shallow-foundations constructed in accordance with Section R403.3 shall
be considered in compliance with this section.
N1111.7.7 Crawl space walls. Floors above crawl spaces that are vented to the outside
(excluding such spaces with openings and ducts solely for the purpose of providing
combustion air in accordance with M1703) shall be insulated in accordance with Sections
N1 111.1 and N1111.7.4. Crawl space walls shall be permitted to be insulated when the
crawl space is not vented to the outside. Such insulation shall be permanently fastened to
the crawl space wall and extend downward from the sill plate to the interior bottom
surface. Where the interior bottom surface is less than 12 inches (305 mm) below the
outside finish ground level, insulation shall extend from the top of the crawl space wall to
the top of the footing. The exposed earth in crawl spaces shall be covered with a
continuous vapor retarder. All joints in the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (152
mm) and be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend at least 6
inches (152 mm) up the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the foundation wall
in an approved manner.
N1111.7.8 Masonry veneer. Insulation shall not be required on the horizontal portion of
the foundation that supports a masonry veneer.
N1111.7.9 Below-grade structural floors. Below-grade structural floors supporting
conditioned spaces above shall be constructed in accordance with Section R408.2.2.
N1111.7.10 Protection of exposed foundation insulation. Insulation applied to the
exterior of foundation walls and the perimeter of slab-on-grade floors shall have a rigid,
opaque and weather-resistant protective covering to prevent the degradation of the
insulation's thermal performance. The protective covering shall cover the exposed
exterior insulation and extend a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm)below grade.
N1111.7.11 Thermally isolated sunroom insulation. The minimum ceiling insulation
R-value shall be R-24 and the minimum wall R-value shall be R-13 in such rooms. New
wall(s) separating the sunroom from conditioned space shall meet the building thermal
envelope requirements. Thermally isolated sunrooms shall not be used as kitchens or
sleeping rooms, and shall be served by a separate heating or cooling system.
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N1111.7.12 Accessory buildings. Fully enclosed accessory buildings and attached
garages not containing habitable space may be conditioned subject to the following
thermal and envelope criteria:
1. Such spaces meet the criteria for thermal isolation and any HVAC equipment
installed therein is sized for a peak design load assuming a maximum Winter
Indoor Design Dry—bulb Temperature of 60°F(16 °C) and a minimum Summer
Indoor Design Dry—bulb Temperature of 80°F (27 °C).
2. The walls are insulated with insulation having a minimum R-value of R-13.
3. The roof/ceiling is insulated in accordance with Section N1111.1.
4. Windows have a maximum U-factor of 0.45 and in total do not exceed 10% of the
floor area.
5. Doors have a minimum R-value of 3 and are sealed to prevent infiltration to the
extent practical as determined by the building official.
6. Slab-edges are insulated to R-5.
N1111.7.14 Steel-frame ceilings, walls and floors. Steel-frame ceilings, walls and
floors shall meet the insulation requirements of Table N 1111.2 or shall meet the U-factor
requirements in Table N1111.1. The calculation of the U-factor for a steel-frame
envelope assembly shall use a series-parallel path calculation method.
65
Table N1111.2 Steel-Frame Ceiling, Wall and Floor Insulation (R-Value)
Wood Frame
R-Value Cold-Formed Steel Equivalent R -Value'
Requirement
Steel Truss Ceilings2
R-30 R-38 or R-30+3 or R-26+5
R-38 R-49 or R-38+3
R-49 R-38+5
Steel Joist Ceilings2
R-30 R-38 in 2x4 or 2x6 or 2x8
R-49 in any framing
R-38 R-49 in 2x4 or 2x6 or 2x8 or 2x10
Steel Framed WallSteel Framed Wall
R-13 R-13+5 or R-15+4 or R-21+3
R-19 R-13+9 or R-19+8 or R-25+7
R-21 R-13+10 or R-19+9 or R-25+8
Steel Joist FloorSteel Joist Floor
R-13 R-19 in 2x6
R-19+R6 in 2x8 or 2x10
R-19 R-19+R-6 in 2x6
R-19+R-12 in 2x8 or 2x10
Notes:
1. Cavity insulation R-value is listed first, followed by continuous
insulation R-value.
2. Insulation exceeding the height of the framing shall cover the
framing.
N1111.8 Fenestration.
N1111.8.1 Fenestration product rating. U-factors of fenestration products (windows, doors
and skylights) shall be determined in accordance with NFRC 100 by an accredited,
independent laboratory, and labeled and certified by the manufacturer. The solar heat gain
coefficient (SHGC) of glazed fenestration products (windows, glazed doors and skylights)
shall be determined in accordance with NFRC 200 by an accredited, independent laboratory,
and labeled and certified by the manufacturer. Products lacking such a labeled U-factor shall
be assigned a default U-factor from Tables N1111.3. and N1111.4. The solar heat gain
coefficient (SHGC) of glazed fenestration products (windows, glazed doors and skylights)
shall be determined in accordance with NFRC 200 by an accredited, independent laboratory,
and labeled and certified by the manufacturer. Products lacking such a labeled SHGC shall
be assigned a default SHGC from Table NJ 111.5.
66
Table N1111.3 Default Glazed Fenestration U-Factors
SingleFDoubleFSkylightFrame Type Panenele Double]
Metal 1.20 0.80 2.00 1.30
Metal with Thermal 1.90
Break 1.10 0.65 1.10
Non-Metal or Metal 1.75
Clad 0.95 0.55 1.05
Glazed Block 0.60
Table N1111.4 - Default Door U-Factors
Door Type U-factor
Uninsulated Metal 1.20
Insulated Metal 0.60
Wood 0.50
Insulated, non-metal edge,
max 45%glazing, any glazing
double pane 0.35
Table N1111.5 - Default Glazed Fenestration SHGC
Single Glazed Double Glazed Glazed
Clear I Tinted Clear I Tinted Block
0.7 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.6
N1111.8.2 U-factor An area-weighted average of fenestration products shall be
permitted to satisfy the U-factor requirements.
N1111.8.3 Glazed fenestration SHGC. An area-weighted average of fenestration
products more than 50% glazed shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements.
N1111.8.4 SHGC exemptions. Any fenestration facing within 45 degrees of true south
with an overhang having a window projection factor of 0.3 or more is exempt from the
SHGC requirements. N1111.8.5 Fenestration exemption. Up to 15 ftZ (1.4 mZ) of
67
glazed fenestration per dwelling unit is exempt from U-factor and SHGC requirements in
Section N 1111.
N1111.8.6 Thermally isolated sunrooms U-factor. Glazed fenestration in thermally
isolated sunrooms and new windows separating sunrooms from conditioned space shall
have a maximum U-factor of 0.50. Sunroom skylights shall have a maximum U-factor of
0.75. Sunrooms shall otherwise meet the requirements of this chapter.
Exception: Thermally isolated sunrooms that are neither heated nor cooled with non-
renewable energy sources.
N1111.8.7 Replacement fenestration. Where some or all of an existing fenestration unit
is replaced with a new replacement fenestration product, including frame, sash, and
glazing, the replacement fenestration unit shall meet the requirements for U-factor and
SHGC in Table N I I l 1.1.
N1111.8.8 Impact resistant fenestration. Required impact resistant fenestration shall
meet ASTM E-1886 or ASTM E-1996, and shall be so labeled by the manufacturer.
N1111.9 Air infiltration.
N1111.9.1 Building envelope. Exterior joints, seams or penetrations in the building
envelope, that are sources of uncontrolled air infiltration, shall be sealed with durable
caulking materials, closed with gasketing systems, taped or covered with moisture vapor-
permeable house wrap as described in further detail in the air-sealing guidelines
established by the building official. Such sealing methods shall be performed at locations
such as around tubs and showers; at the attic and crawl space panels; at recessed lights
and around all plumbing and electrical penetrations; at dropped ceilings or chases
adjacent to the thermal envelope; at knee walls and shaft walls adjoining unconditioned
space; and at similar openings located in the building envelope between conditioned
space and unconditioned space or between the conditioned space and the outside.
Sealing materials spanning joints between dissimilar construction materials shall allow
for differential expansion and contraction of the construction materials.
An approved air-infiltration test performed by a qualified agency resulting in achieving
the equivalent maximum air-infiltration provided in the air-sealing guidelines as determined by
the building official, shall be considered an acceptable method of demonstrating compliance
with RN 1111.9.L
N1111.9.2 Fenestration infiltration. Windows, skylights and sliding-glass doors shall
have an air infiltration rate of no more than 0.3 cfim/ft' (1.52 L/s/mz) and swinging
doors shall have an air infiltration rate of no more than 0.5 cfin/ftz (2.54 L/s/mZ) when
tested according to NFRC 400, 101/I.S.2, or 101/I.S.2 NAFS by an accredited,
independent laboratory. All such fenestration products shall be certified according to
the conditions of their listings and so labeled by the manufacturer.
68
Exemptions: Site-built windows, skylights and doors.
N1111.9.3 Recessed lighting. Where installed in the building thermal envelope, recessed
lighting fixtures shall be sealed to limit infiltration between conditioned and
unconditioned space. Such fixtures shall be one of the following types:
1. IC-rated and labeled with enclosures that are sealed or gasketed to prevent air
leakage to the ceiling cavity or unconditioned space; or
2. IC-rated and labeled as meeting ASTM E 283 when tested at 1.57 psi (75 Pa)
pressure differential with no more than 2.0 cfm (0.944 L/s) of air movement from
the conditioned space to the ceiling cavity; or
3. located inside an airtight sealed box with clearances of at least 0.5 inches (12.7
mm) from combustible material and 3 inches (76 mm) from insulation.
N1111.10 Moisture control. The building design shall not create conditions hazardous to
occupants or of accelerated deterioration due to the presence of excessive water vapor and
condensation. Methods for moisture control shall be provided in accordance with the applicable
provisions of this code and as determined necessary by the building official where special
conditions or construction methods are encountered, such as steam rooms and rooms containing
spas or pools, or below grade sub-floor spaces, or other interior locations subject to excessive
moisture.
SECTION N1112 - SYSTEMS
N1112.1 General. This section covers mechanical systems and equipment used to provide
heating, ventilating and air-conditioning functions. This section assumes that residential
buildings and dwelling units therein will be designed with individual HVAC systems. Where
equipment not shown in Table 503.2 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION
CODE (2003 IECC)o published by the International Code Council, Inc. is specified, it shall meet
the provisions of Sections 803.2.2 and 803.3.2.of such code.
N1112.2 HVAC equipment efficiency. Equipment shall meet the following minimum
performance standards:
I. ANNUAL FUEL UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY (AFUE) of gas-fired or oil-fired furnace
(< 225,000 Btu/h) >_ 80% and Et >_80%.
2. AFUE of Gas-fired or oil-fired steam and hot-water boilers (< 300,000 Btu/h) z 80%.
3. HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR (HSPF) of air-cooled heat pumps
in heating mode (<65,000 Btu/h cooling capacity) >_ 7.9.
69
4. SEASONAL ENERGY-EFFICIENCY RATIO (SEER) of air-cooled air conditioners and
heat pumps in cooling mode(<65,000 Btu/h cooling capacity) z 12.
Data furnished by the equipment supplier, or certified under a nationally recognized certification
procedure, shall be used to satisfy these requirements. All such equipment shall be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Heating, cooling and service water heating
equipment with equipment efficiency regulated as an AFUE, HSPF, SEER or EF shall have the
efficiency specified on a label permanently attached to the equipment by the manufacturer; or
such specified efficiencies shall be verified by the manufacturer's product literature and posted
in the building as part of the certification pursuant to Section N1110.5.
N1112.3 Equipment sizing and testing. All heating and cooling equipment shall be sized-and
tested according to the provisions of Section M1401.3.
N1112.4 Controls. At least one thermostat shall be provided for each separate heating, cooling
or combination heating and cooling system. Such controls when used to control comfort heating
shall be capable of being set locally or remotely by adjustment or selection of sensors down to
55°F (13°C) or lower and when used to control comfort cooling shall be capable of being set
locally or remotely by adjustment or selection of sensors up to 85°F (29°C) or higher. Where
used to control both comfort heating and cooling, thermostatic controls shall be capable of
providing a temperature range or deadband of at least 5°F (3°C) within which the supply of
heating and cooling energy is shut off or reduced to a minimum.
Exceptions:
1. Special occupancy or special usage conditions approved by the code official.
2. Thermostats that require manual changeover between heating and cooling modes.
N1112.4.2 Humidistats. Humidistats used for comfort purposes shall be capable of being
set to prevent the use of fossil fuel or electricity to reduce relative humidity below 60
percent or increase relative humidity above 30 percent.
N1112.5 Air-distribution duct systems. Air duct- distribution- systems shall be constructed and
installed in accordance with this chapter, Section M1601 of the International Residential Code,
ACCA Manual D, SMACNA, or with other approved methods. Such duct systems shall be sized
for whichever results in the greater system air-flow capacity requirement: either the heating load
or the cooling load.
N1112.5.1 Insulation. The R-value identification mark shall be applied by the manufacturer in
intervals of no greater than 3 feet (0.914 m) to insulated flexible duct products showing the
thermal performance R-value for the duct insulation (excluding air films, vapor retarders or
other duct components). All supply and return-air ducts and plenums installed as part of an
HVAC air-distribution system in unconditioned spaces, such as unconditioned attics, vented
crawl spaces, unconditioned basements, garages, spaces outside the building or spaces within a
building envelope assembly, shall be thermally insulated. Supply ducts shall be insulated to a
minimum of R-8. Ducts in floor trusses shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6. Return air
70
ducts outside the building, in unconditioned spaces, and where used as plenums in exterior wall
cavities shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6.
Exception: Portions of the air distribution system within appliances or equipment.
N1112.5.2 Sealing. All duct systems, air handlers, filter boxes, building cavities used to convey
conditioned air, including all joints, longitudinal and transverse seams, and connections in
ductwork thereof, shall be securely fastened and sealed in compliance with Section M1601.3.1.
N1112.5.3 Building cavities. Building framing cavities, such as the spaces between
framing members in walls or floors, may be used as return air ducts provided all heating,
ventilation, and cooling equipment and all related air-distribution systems and ductwork
are pressure tested in accordance with approved procedures and which do not leak more
than 25% of total system flow; and further provided that where framing cavities are used
as air-distribution ducts, they are adequately sealed with approved sealants.
Exception: Building framing cavities used for passive air distribution and balancing
that are not directly connected to heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and
such associated air-distribution ductwork.
N1112.6 Mechanical ventilation. Every mechanical ventilation system (supply or exhaust, or
both) shall be equipped with a readily accessible switch or other means for shutoff, or volume
reduction and shutoff, when ventilation is not required. Automatic or gravity dampers that close
when the system is not in operation shall be provided for outdoor air intakes and exhausts.
N1112.7 Mechanical system piping insulation. Mechanical system piping capable of carrying
fluids above 105 4F (41°C) or below 55 °F (13 °F) shall be insulated to a minimum of R-2 for
pipes 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) and less, and to a minimum of R-4 for pipes greater than 1/2-inch (12.7
mm).
N1112.8 Service water heating systems.
N1112.8.1 Water heaters, storage tanks and boilers. Water heaters and hot water storage
tanks shall meet the minimum performance of water-heating equipment specified in Table
504.2.1 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CODE (IECQ . Where multiple criteria
are listed, all criteria shall be met.
Exception: Storage water heaters and hot water storage tanks having more than 140
gallons (530 L) of storage capacity need not meet the standby loss (SL) or heat loss (HL)
requirements of Table 504.2.1 of the IECC7if the tank surface area is thermally insulated
to R-12.5 and if a standing pilot light is not used.
N1112.8.2 Pipe insulation. Automatic circulating service hot water piping shall be insulated
to a minimum of R-2 in conditioned spaces and to a minimum of R-3 in unconditioned
spaces. In automatic-circulating hot water systems, piping heat loss shall be limited to a
71
maximum of 17.5 Btu/h per linear foot (16.8 W/m) of pipe based on design external
temperature no lower than 652F (18°C). For external design temperatures lower than 652F
(189C), all hot water piping shall be insulated to a minimum of R-3. Such circulating hot
water systems shall include an automatic or readily accessible manual switch that can turn
off the hot water circulating pump when the system is not in use.
Exception: Piping insulation is not required when the heat loss of the piping, without
insulation, does not increase the annual energy requirements of the building.
N1112.8.3 Heat traps. Water heaters with vertical pipe risers shall have a heat trap on both
the inlet and outlet of the water heater unless the water heater has an integral heat trap or is
part of a circulating system.
N1112.8.4 Hot water system controls. Automatic-circulating hot water system pumps or
heat trace shall be arranged to be conveniently turned off, automatically or manually, when
the hot water system is not in operation.
N1112.8.5 Showers. Shower heads shall not exceed the flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute
(gpm) (9.5 I/m) at a pressure of 80 (psi) ( 551 kPa) when tested in accordance with ASME
A 112.18.1. Where multiple shower heads are installed in an individual shower compartment,
the total combined flow of all heads shall not exceed 3 gpm ( 11.4 L/m).
N1112.9 Balancing. All comfort heating and cooling systems shall be provided with means for
balancing air and water systems. Balancing mechanisms shall include, but not be limited to,
dampers, temperature and pressure test connections, and balancing valves.
N1112.10 Transport energy. The air transport factor for each all-air system shall be not less
than 5.5 when calculated in accordance with Equation 4-10. Energy for transfer of air through
heat-recovery devices shall not be included in determining the air transport factor.
(Equation 4-10)
Air Transport Factor = Space Sensible Heat Removal '
Supply+ Return Fans(s) Power Input'
a. Expressed in consistent units, either Btu/h or Watts.
For purposes of these calculations, space sensible heat removal is equivalent to the maximum
coincident design sensible cooling load of all spaces served for which the system provides
cooling. Fan power input is the rate of energy delivered to the fan prime mover.
Air and water, all-water and unitary systems employing chilled, hot, dual-temperature or
condenser water-transport systems to space terminals shall not require greater transport energy
(including central and terminal fan power and pump power) than an equivalent all-air system
providing the same space sensible heat removal and having an air transport factor of not less
than 5.5.
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N1112.11 Combination service water-heating/space-heating boilers. Service water-heating
equipment shall not be dependent on year-round operation of space-heating boilers; that is,
boilers that have as another function winter space heating.
Exceptions:
1. Systems with service/space-heating boilers having a standby loss (Btu/h) (W) less than
that calculated in equation 4-11 as determined by the fixture count method where:
(Equation 4-11)
SL < 0 3.3 . pmd) +400
n
pmd =Probable maximum demand in gallons/hour as determined in accordance
with the ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook.
n= Fraction of year when outdoor daily mean temperature exceeds 64.9°F (18°C).
The standby loss is to be determined for a test period of 24-hour duration while
maintaining a boiler water temperature of 90°F (32°C) above an ambient of 60 to
90°F (16 to 32°C) and a 5-foot (1524 min) stack on appliance.
2. For systems where the use of a single heating unit will lead to energy savings, such unit
shall be utilized.
N1112.12 Swimming pools. Swimming pools shall be provided with energy-conserving
measures in accordance with Sections 504.3.1 through 504.3.3. of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL
ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE.
N1112.12.1 On-off switch. All pool heaters shall be equipped with an ON-OFF switch
mounted for easy access to allow shutting off the operation of the heater without adjusting
the thermostat setting and to allow restarting without relighting the pilot light.
N1112.12.2 Pool covers. Heated swimming pools shall be equipped with a pool cover.
Exception: Outdoor pools deriving more than 20 percent of the energy for heating from
renewable sources (computed over an operating season) are exempt from this
requirement.
N1112.12.3 Time clocks. Swimming pool heater time clocks shall be installed so that the
pump can be set to run in the off-peak electric demand period and can be set for the
minimum time necessary to maintain the water in a clear and sanitary condition in keeping
with applicable health standards.
SECTION N1113 - SIMULATED PERFORMANCE ALTERNATIVE
N1113.1 Scope. This Section establishes design criteria in terms of the overall energy
performance analysis of a residential building. Such analysis shall include heating, cooling, and
service water heating energy only.
73
N1113.2 Equivalent energy performance.
N1113.2.1 Mandatory requirements. Compliance with this Section requires that the criteria
of Section NI 110, N1111.9, NI 111.10, and N1112. be met. Verification of such compliance
with Section N1111.9 shall be demonstrated by testing in accordance with the standards
contained in Table N1113.5.2 (1).
N1113.2.2 Performance-based compliance. Compliance based on simulated energy
performance requires that a proposed residence (proposed design) be shown to have an
annual energy cost that is less than or equal to the annual energy cost of the standard
reference design. Energy prices shall be taken from a source approved by the code
official, such as the Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration's State
Energy Price and Expenditure Report. The building official may require time-of-use
pricing in energy cost calculations.
Exception: When site energy (]kWh = 3,413 Btu) is used rather than
energy cost as the basis of comparison.
N1113.3 Documentation
N1113.3.1 Compliance software tools. Documentation verifying that the methods and
accuracy of the compliance software tool conform to the provisions of this Section shall be
provided to the code official.
N1113.3.2 Compliance report. Compliance software tools shall generate a report that
documents that the proposed design has annual energy costs less than or equal to the annual
energy costs of the standard reference design. The compliance documentation shall include
the following information:
a. Address of the residence;
b. An inspection checklist documenting the building component characteristics of the
proposed design as listed in Table NH13.5.2(1). The inspection checklist shall show
the estimated annual energy cost for both the standard reference design and the
proposed design;
c. Name of individual completing the compliance report;
d. Name and version of the compliance software tool.
N1113.3.3 Additional documentation. The building official is further authorized to require
the following documents:
Documentation of the building component characteristics of the standard reference design. A
certification signed by the builder providing the building component characteristics of the
proposed design as given in Table N1113.5.2(1).
74
N1113.4 Calculation procedure.
N1113.4.1 General. Except as specified by this Section, the standard reference design and
proposed design shall be configured and analyzed using identical methods and techniques.
N1113.4.2 Residence specifications. The standard reference design and proposed design
shall be configured and analyzed as specified by Table N1113.5.2(1). Table N1113.5.2(1)
shall include by reference all notes contained in Table NJ 111.1.
N1113.5 Calculation and software tools.
N1113.5.1 Minimum capabilities. Calculation procedures used to comply with this section
shall be software tools capable of calculating the annual energy consumption of all building
elements that differ between the standard reference design and the proposed design and shall
include the following capabilities:
a. Computer generation of the standard reference design using only the input for the
proposed design. The calculation procedure shall not allow the user to directly
modify the building component characteristics of standard reference design.
b. Calculation of whole-building (as a single zone) sizing for the heating and cooling
equipment in the standard reference design residence in accordance with Section
M1401.3 of the 2003 International Residential Code.
C. Calculations that account for the effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures and
part-load ratios on the performance of heating, ventilating and air conditioning
equipment based on climate and equipment sizing.
d. Printed approved inspection checklist listing each of the proposed design
component characteristics from Table NJ 113.5.2(1) determined by the analysis to
provide compliance along with their respective performance ratings (e.g. R-
Value, U-Factor, SHGC, HSPF, AFUE, SEER, EF, etc.).
NI113.5.2 Approved tools. Performance analysis tools must be approved by the building
official. Tools may be approved based on meeting a specified threshold such as a home-
energy-rating tool (HERS) requiring a specified score. The building official is also
authorized to approve tools for a specified application or limited scope; such as a tool
approved only for building envelop tradeoffs or a tool that was not approved for SHGC
tradeoffs.
N1113.5.3 Input values. When calculations require input values for building elements,
other than those specified by Sections N1111, N1112, and N1113, those input values shall be
taken from another approved source.
75
Table N1113.5.2(1) Specifications for the Standard Reference and Proposed Designs
Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design
Component Standard Reference Design
Above grade walls: Type: wood frame As proposed
Gross area: same as proposed As proposed
U- Factor: from Table N 1111.1 As proposed
Solar absorptance= 0.75 As proposed
Emittance= 0.90 As proposed
Basement and Type: same as proposed As proposed
crawlspace walls: Gross area: same as proposed As proposed
U-Factor: from Table N1111.1 with As proposed
insulation layer on interior side of walls
Above grade Type: wood frame As proposedAs proposed
floors: Gross area: same as proposed As proposed
U- Factor: from Table N 1111.1
Ceilings: Type: wood frame As proposed
Gross area: same as proposed As proposed
U-Factor: from Table N 1111.1 As proposed
Roofs: ype: composition shingle on wood sheathing As proposed
Gross area: same as proposed
Solar absorptance= 0.75 As proposed
Emittance= 0.90 As proposed
As proposed
Attics: (Type: vented with aperture= 1 ftZ per 300 ftZ As proposed
ceiling area
Foundations: Type: same as proposed As proposed
Doors: Area: 40 ftZ As proposed
Orientation: North As proposed
U-factor: same as fenestration from Table As proposed
N1111.1
76
Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design
Component Standard Reference Design
Glazing: 0) Total area (b)=proposed glazing area As proposed
Orientation: equally distributed to four
cardinal compass orientations (N, E, S, &W) As proposed
U-factor: from Table NI 111.]
SHGC: from Table NI l 11.1 except that for
climates with no requirement (NR) As proposed
SHGC = 0.55 shall be used As proposed
Interior shade fraction: ( 0 Same as standard reference design
Summer(all hours when cooling is required)
= 0.70
Winter(all hours when heating is required)_
0.85
External shading: none
Skylights None As proposed
Thermally isolated None As proposed
sunrooms
Air exchange rate I Specific Leakage Area (SLA) a = 0.00048 For residences without mechanical
assuming no energy recovery ventilation that are tested in
accordance with ASHRAE Standard
1]9, Section 5.1, the measured air
exchange rate(`)but not less than 0.35
ach.
For residences with mechanical
ventilation that are tested in
accordance with ASHRAE Standard
119, Section 5.1, the measured air
exchange rate(`)combined with the
mechanical ventilation rate,() which
shall not be less than 0.01 x CFA +
7.5 x (Nb,+1).
where:
CFA= conditioned floor area
Nb,=number of bedrooms
Mechanical I None, except where mechanical ventilation is
ventilation: specified by the proposed design, in which
case:
Annual vent fan energy use: As proposed
kWh/yr= 0.03942*CFA + 29.565*(Nb,+1)
where:
77
Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design
Component Standard Reference Design
CFA = conditioned floor area
Nb,-number of bedrooms
Internal gains: ]Gain = 17,900+ 23.8*CFA + 4104*Nb, Same as standard reference design
(Btu/day per dwelling unit)
Internal mass: An internal mass for furniture and contents Same as standard reference design,
of 8 pounds per square foot of floor area. plus any additional mass specifically
designed as a thermal storage element
19)but not integral to the building
envelope or structure.
Structural mass: For masonry floor slabs, 80% of floor area As proposed
covered by R-2 carpet and pad, and 20% of
floor directly exposed to room air;
For masonry basement walls, as proposed, but
with insulation required by Table N 1111.1 As proposed
located on the interior side of the walls;
or other walls, for ceilings, floors, and interior
walls, wood frame construction.
As proposed
M,�ting systems Fuel type: same as proposed design As proposed '
Efficiencies:
Electric: air-source heat pump with As proposed
prevailing federal minimum efficiency
Non electric furnaces: natural gas furnace
with prevailing federal minimum efficiency As proposed
Non electric boilers: natural gas boiler with
prevailing federal minimum efficiency
Capacity: sized in accordance with Section As proposed
M1401.3 of the International Residential As proposed
Code.
filing systems uel type: Electric Efficiency: in accordance As proposed k
with prevailing federal minimum standards As proposed
Capacity: sized in accordance with Section
M1401.3 of the International Residential As proposed
Code.
Service Water Fuel type: same as proposed design As proposed
Heating Efficiency: in accordance with prevailing
Federal minimum standards As proposed
78
Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design
Component Standard Reference Design
Use(gal/day): 30 + 10*Nb, Same as standard reference
Tank temperature: 120 F Same as standard reference
Thermal A thermal distribution system efficiency Same as standard reference design,
distribution (E)SE) of 0.80 shall be applied to both the except as specified by Table
systems: heating and cooling system efficiencies. N 1113.5.2(2).
Thermostat I Type: manual, cooling temperature set Same as standard reference design
point= 78 F; heating temperature set
point = 68 F
Notes:
(a) Glazing shall be defined as sunlight-transmitting fenestration, including the area of sash,
curbing or other framing elements, that enclose conditioned space. Glazing includes the
area of sunlight-transmitting fenestration assemblies in walls bounding conditioned
basements. For doors where the sunlight-transmitting opening is less than 50% of the
door area, the glazing area is the sunlight transmitting opening area. For all other doors,
the glazing area is the rough frame opening area for the door including the door and the
frame.
(b) For residences with conditioned basements, R-2 and R-4 residences, and townhouses, the
following formula shall be used to determine glazing area:
AF= 0.18 x AFL x FA xF
where:
AF=Total glazing area.
AFL= Total floor area of directly conditioned space.
FA = (Above grade thermal boundary gross wall area)/(above grade boundary wall
area + 0.5 x below grade boundary wall area).
F = (Above grade thermal boundary wall area)/(above grade thermal boundary wall
area+ common wall area) or 0.56, whichever is greater.
And where:
Thermal boundary wall is any wall that separates conditioned space from
unconditioned space or ambient conditions.
Above grade thermal boundary wall is any thermal boundary wall component not in
contact with soil.
Below grade boundary wall is any thermal boundary wall in soil contact.
Common wall area is the area of walls shared with an adjoining dwelling unit.
(c) For fenestrations facing within 15 degrees of true south that are directly coupled to
thermal storage mass, the winter interior shade fraction shall be permitted to be increased
to 0.95 in the proposed design.
(d) Where Leakage Area(L) is defined in accordance with Section 5.1 of ASHRAE Standard
119 and where: SLA= L/CFA where Land CFA are in the same units.
(e) Tested envelope leakage shall be determined and documented by an independent party
approved by the code official. Hourly calculations as specified in the 2001 ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals, Chapter 26, page 26.21, equation 40 (Sherman-Grimsrud
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model) or the equivalent shall be used to determine the energy loads resulting from
infiltration.
(f) The combined air exchange rate for infiltration and mechanical ventilation shall be
determined in accordance with equation 43 of 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of
Fundamentals page 26.24 and the" Whole-house Ventilation' provisions of 2001
ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, page 26.19 for intermittent mechanical
ventilation.
(g) Thermal Storage Element shall mean a component not part of the floors, walls or ceilings
that is part of a passive solar system, and that provides thermal storage such as enclosed
water columns, rock beds, or phase change containers. A thermal storage element must
be in the same room as fenestration that faces within 15 degrees of true south, or must be
connected to such a room with pipes or ducts that allow the element to be actively
charged.
(h) For a proposed design with multiple heating, cooling or water heating systems using
different fuel types, then the applicable standard reference design system capacities and
fuel types shall be weighted in accordance with their respective loads as calculated by
accepted engineering practice for each equipment and fuel type present.
(i) For a proposed design without a proposed heating system, a heating system with the
prevailing federal minimum efficiency shall be assumed for both the standard reference
design and proposed design. For electric heating systems the prevailing federal
minimum efficiency air-source heat pump shall be used for the standard reference design.
(j) For a proposed design home without a proposed cooling system, an electric air
conditioner with the prevailing federal minimum efficiency shall be assumed for both the
standard reference design and the proposed design.
(k) For a proposed design with a non-storage type water heater, a 40-gallon storage-type
water heater with the prevailing Federal minimum Energy Factor for the same fuel as the
predominant heating fuel type shall be assumed. For the case of a proposed design
without a proposed water heater, a 40-gallon storage-type water heater with the
prevailing federal minimum efficiency for the same fuel as the predominant heating fuel
type shall be assumed for both the proposed design and standard reference design.
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able N1113.5.2(2) Default Distribution System Efficiencies for Proposed Designs
Distribution System Configuration and Forced
Condition: Air Systems (e)
Systems
Distribution system components located in 0.80 0.95
unconditioned space
Distribution systems entirely located in 0.88 1.00
conditioned space(c)
Proposed "reduced leakage" with entire air
distribution system located in the conditioned 0.96
space(d)
Proposed"reduced leakage" air distribution
system with components located in the 0.88
unconditionsed space
"Ductless" stems (e) 1.00
Notes:
(a) Default values given by this table are for untested distribution systems, which must still
meet minimum requirements for duct system insulation.
(b) Hydronic Systems shall mean those systems that distribute heating and cooling energy
directly to individual spaces using liquids pumped through closed loop piping and that
do not depend on ducted, forced air flows to maintain space temperatures.
(c) Entire system in conditioned space shall mean that no component of the distribution
system, including the air handler unit, is located outside of the conditioned space.
(d) Proposed "reduced leakage" shall mean leakage to outdoors not greater than 3 cfm per
100 ftZ of conditioned floor area and total leakage not greater than 9 cfin per 100 ftZ of
conditioned floor area at a pressure differential of 25 Pascal across the entire system,
including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure. Total leakage of not greater than 3
cfm per 100 ft2 of conditioned floor area at a pressure difference of 25 Pascal across the
entire system, including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure, shall be deemed to
meet this requirement without measurement of leakage to outdoors. This performance
shall be specified as required in the construction documents and confirmed through
field-testing of installed systems as documented by an approved independent party.
(c) Ductless systems may have forced airflow across a coil but shall not have any ducted
airflows external to the manufacturer's air handler enclosure.
(70) Section M1301.1.1, Flood-resistant installation.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"M1301.1.1 Flood-resistant installation. All references to "areas prone to flooding" in this
chapter shall be as established and regulated thereby in accordance with the Code of the City,
Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection."
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(71) Section M1305.1, "Appliance access. ", is hereby revised to read as follows:
"M1305.1 Appliance access. Appliances shall be accessible for inspection, service, repair and
replacement without removing permanent construction. A level working space no less than 30
inches (762 mm) deep and 30 inches wide shall be provided in front of the control side to service
an appliance. Room heaters shall be permitted to be installed with at least an 18-inch (457 mm)
working space. A platform shall not be required for room heaters."
(72) Section, M1305.1.4.1 "Ground clearance.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"M1305.1.4.1 Ground clearance. Appliances supported from the ground shall be level and
firmly supported on a concrete slab or other approved material extending above the adjoining
ground a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm). Appliances suspended from the floor shall have a
clearance of not less than 6 inches (152 mm) from the ground."
(73) Section, M1401.3, "Sizing.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"M1401.3 Sizing and testing. Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized based on building
loads calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling
calculation methodologies. The total sensible capacity of the cooling equipment shall not exceed
the total sensible load by more than 15% for cooling-only applications; or by more than 25% for
cold-climate applications in accordance with the procedures in ACCA Manual J, 8" Edition,
using thermal design parameters in Table 302.1. All ducted air-distribution heating and cooling
systems shall be sized using cooling loads. All heating and cooling equipment shall be tested to
ensure such equipment is operating within the manufacturer's recommended operating
parameters and standards, including within such parameters and standards for sufficient
combustion, according to the applicable protocols established by the building official and in
accordance with the mechanical code adopted by the City."
(74) Section, "M1414.1 General. "is hereby amended to read as follows:
"M1414.1General. Fireplace stoves shall be listed, labeled and installed in accordance with the
terms of the listing. Fireplace stoves shall be tested in accordance with UL 737. Wood burning
appliances shall meet the latest emission standards as stated by the State of Colorado and Federal
Regulation 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart AAA."
(75) "Chapter 15, "EXHAUST SYSTEMS", is hereby amended in the following respects:
(a) Section M1501, "CLOTHES DRYER EXHAUST", is hereby revised to read as
follows:
"SECTION M1501 - GENERAL
M1501.1 Outdoor discharge. The air removed by every ducted mechanical exhaust system
shall be discharged to the outdoors such that the exhausted air is not returned indoors by
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mechanical ventilating systems. Indoor air shall not be exhausted into an attic, soffit, ridge vent
or crawl space.
Exception: Whole-house ventilation-type attic fans that discharge into the attic space of
dwelling units having private attics shall be permitted.
M1501.2 Indoor depressurization. Ducted exhaust systems shall not induce or create a
negative pressure sufficient to cause backdrafting of naturally vented, open combustion-
chamber, fuel-burning appliances, or create negative pressure in excess of negative 3 Pa. in the
immediate proximity of combustion chambers of such appliances."
(b) Existing "Section M1501 CLOTHES DRYERS EXHAUST", is hereby amended by
renumbering the section and deleting the exception thereto, indicated in strikeout text,
and adding new language to read as follows:
"SECTION M1502 - CLOTHES DRYERS EXHAUST
M1502.1 General. Clothes dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other systems,
shall convey the moisture to the outdoors and shall terminate on the outside of the building.
Exhaust duct terminations shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer's installation
instructions. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination. Exhaust ducts shall not be
connected with sheet-metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct. Exhaust ducts
shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of minimum
0.016-inch-thick (0.406 mm) rigid metal ducts, having smooth interior surfaces with joints
running in the direction of air flow. Flexible transition ducts used to connect the dryer to the
exhaust duct system shall be limited to single lengths, not to exceed 8 feet (2.438 m) in length
and shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2158A. Transition ducts shall not be
concealed within construction.
M1502.2 Exhaust duct size. The diameter of the exhaust duct shall be as required by the clothes
dryer's listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
M1502.3 Length limitation. The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not
exceed 25 feet (7.62 m) from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum
length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet (0.762 m) for each 45-degree (0.79 rad) bend and 5
feet (1.524 m) for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does
not include the transition duct. Dryer exhaust duct terminations shall not be located within 36
inches (914 mm) of exterior openings into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces, and attic spaces.
(c) Subsequent sections "M1502" through "M1505" are retained intact except as
necessary for sequential numerical consistency by renumbering them as follows:
1. "SECTION M1503 (et seq.) RANGE HOODS"
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2. "SECTION M1504 (et seq.) INSTALLATION OF MICROWAVE
OVENS"
3. "SECTION M1505 (et seq.) OVERHEAD EXHAUST HOODS"
4. "SECTION M1506 (et seq.) EXHAUST DUCTS"
5. "SECTION M1507 (et seq.) MECHANICAL VENTILATION"
(d) Section M1506.2, "Recirculation of air.", is revised to read as follows:
"M1507.2 Recirculation of air. Exhaust air from bathrooms and toilet rooms shall not be
recirculated within a residence or to another dwelling unit. Such exhaust air shall be conveyed
directly to the outdoors and shall not discharge into an attic, crawl space, or other interior
spaces."
(76) Section M1601.1, "Duct design. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"M1601.1 Duct design. Duct systems serving heating, cooling and ventilation equipment shall
be fabricated and sized in accordance with the provisions of this section and ACCA Manual D or
other approved methods.
M1601.1.1 Above-ground duct systems. Above-ground duct systems shall conform to the
following:
1. Equipment connected to duct systems shall be designed to limit discharge air temperature
to a maximum of 250F (121Q.
2. Factory-made air ducts shall be constructed of Class 0 or Class I materials as designated
in Table M1601.1.1(1).
3. Fibrous duct construction shall conform to the SMACNA "Fibrous Glass Duct
Construction Standards" or NAIMA "Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards."
4. Minimum thicknesses of metal duct material shall be as listed in Table M1601.1.1(2).
Galvanized steel shall conform to ASTM A 525.
5. Gypsum products are permitted to be used to construct return air ducts or plenums,
provided that the air temperature does not exceed 125F(52C) and exposed surfaces are
not subject to condensation.
6. Duct systems shall be constructed of materials having a flame-spread index not greater
than 200.
7. Stud wall cavities and the spaces between solid floor joists to be utilized as air plenums
shall comply with the following conditions:
7.1. Such cavities or spaces shall not be utilized as a plenum for supply air.
7.2. Such cavities or spaces shall not be part of a required fire-resistance-rated assembly.
7.3. Stud wall cavities shall not convey air from more than one floor level.
7.4. Stud wall cavities and joist space plenums shall be isolated from adjacent concealed
spaces by tight-fitting fire blocking in accordance with Section R602.8.
7.5 Stud wall cavities utilized as air plenums shall be tested for air-tightness and installed
in accordance with Section N 1 112.5.3."
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(77) Section M1601.3.1, "Joints and seams. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"M1601.3.1 Joints, scams and connections. All longitudinal and transverse joints, seams and
connections in metallic and nonmetallic ducts shall be constructed as specified in SMACNA
HVAC Duct Construction Standards—Metal and Flexible and NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct
Construction Standards. All joints, longitudinal and transverse seams and connections shall be
securely fastened and sealed with welds, gaskets, mastics (adhesives), mastic-plus-embedded-
fabric systems or tapes. Tapes and mastics used to seal ductwork shall be listed and labeled in
accordance with UL 181A and shall be marked "181A-P" for pressure-activated tape, "181A-
M" for mastic, or "181A-H" for heat-activated tape. Tapes and mastics used to seal flexible air
ducts shall comply with UL 181B and shall be marked "181B-FX" for pressure-activated tape,
"181 B-M" for mastic. Duct connections to flanges of air distribution system equipment shall be
sealed and mechanically fastened. Crimp joints for round ducts shall have a contact lap of at
least 1.5 inches (38 mm) and shall be mechanically fastened by means of at least three sheet
metal screws or rivets equally spaced around the joint. Tapes shall not be permitted as a sealant
on any metal ducts unless such tapes are specifically listed for such purpose."
(78) Section M1601.3.8, "Flood hazard areas.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
°`M1601.3.8 Flood hazard areas. "In areas prone to flooding" as established in accordance with
the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection, duct systems shall be located
or installed in accordance with Section R323.1.5."
(79) A new section, "M1601.3.9, System contamination.", is hereby added to read as
follows:
"M1601.3.9 Construction debris and contamination. Mechanical air-handling systems and
their related ducts shall be protected from the entrance of dirt, debris, and dust during the
construction and installation process. Prior to passing final inspection or issuance of a Certificate
of Occupancy, such systems shall be substantially free of construction-related contaminants."
(80) Section M1602.2, "Prohibited sources. ", location number "5. ", is hereby amended to
read as follows:
"5. A room or space containing a fuel-burning appliance where such room or space serves as
the sole source of return air.
Exceptions:
1. The fuel-burning appliance is a direct-vent appliance
2. The room or space complies with the following requirements:
2.1. The return air shall be taken from a room or space having a volume
exceeding 1 cubic foot for each 10 Btu/h (9.6 L/W) of combined input rating of
all fuel-burning appliances therein.
2.2 The volume of supply air discharged back into the same space shall be
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approximately equal to the volume of return air taken from the space.
2.3. Return-air inlets shall not be located within 10 feet (3.048 m) of any
appliance firebox or draft hood in the same room or space.
3. Rooms or spaces containing solid-fuel burning appliances, provided that return-
air inlets are located not less than 10 feet (3.048 m) from the firebox of such
appliances."
(81) Section G2401.1 (101.2,), "Application.", is hereby amended by deleting the exception
to the first paragraph thereto, indicated by strikeout text, as follows:
(82) Section G2403, "GENERAL DEFINITIONS", is amended in the following respects:
(a) The term, "CONNECTOR. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"CONNECTOR, APPLIANCE (fuel). Rigid metallic pipe and fittings, semi-
rigid metallic tubing and fittings or a listed and labeled device that connects an
appliance to the gas-piping system."
(b) A new term, "CONNECTOR, CHIMNEY OR VENT. ", is hereby added and
inserted in alphabetical order, to read as follows:
"CONNECTOR, CHIMNEY OR VENT. The pipe that connects an appliance to
a chimney or vent."
(83) Section G2404.7(301.11), "Flood Hazard.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"G2404.7 (301.11) Flood Hazard. For structures and buildings regulated by this code that are
located in areas prone to flooding in accordance with the Code of the City, Chapter 10, Flood
Prevention and Protection, equipment and system installations regulated by this code shall be
located at or above the design flood elevation and shall comply with the flood-resistant
construction requirements of Section R323.
Exception: The appliance, equipment and system installations regulated by this code are
permitted to be located below the design flood elevation provided that they are designed
and installed to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components and
to resist hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and stresses, including the effects of
buoyancy, during the occurrence of flooding to the design flood elevation and shall
comply with the flood-resistant construction requirements of Section R323."
(84) Section G2406.2 (303.3), 'Prohibited locations.", is hereby amended by deleting
exceptions "3." and "4." thereto (indicated by the strikeout text below) with the remaining
exceptions "L", "2.", and "5." renumbered in numerical sequence.
(85) Section G2407.5 (304.5), 'Indoor combustion air.", is hereby amended to read as
follows:
86
"G2407.5 (304.5) Indoor combustion air. The required volume of indoor air shall be
determined in accordance with Section G2407.5.1 or G2407.5.2, when the air infiltration rate is
demonstrated to be 0.40 air changes per hour (ACH) or greater. Where the air infiltration rate is
demonstrated to be less than 0.40 ACH, Section G2407.5.2 shall be used. The total required
volume shall be the sum of the required volume calculated for all appliances located within the
space. Rooms communicating directly with the space in which the appliances are installed
through openings not furnished with doors, and through combustion air openings sized and
located in accordance with Section G2407.5.3, are considered to be part of the required volume."
(86) Section G2407.11 (304.11), "Combustion air ducts.", is hereby amended in the following
respects:
(a) The exception to Item, "I. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"Exception: Where the installation of galvanized steel ducts is not practical due to
existing finish materials within dwelling units that are undergoing alteration or
reconstruction, unobstructed stud and joist spaces shall not be prohibited from conveying
combustion air, provided that not more than one required fireblock is removed."
(b) This section is hereby further amended by adding a new item, "9.", thereto, to read as
follows:
"9. All combustion air openings or ducts shall be readily identifiable with an
approved label or by other means warning persons that obstruction of such openings
or ducts may cause fuel-burning equipment to release combustion products and
dangerous levels of carbon monoxide into the building."
(87) Section G2408.2 (305.3), "Elevation of ignition source.", is hereby amended by
deleting the exception thereto as indicated by the strikeout text below, to read as follows:
"G2408.2 (305.3) Elevation of ignition source. Equipment and appliances having an ignition
source shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches (457 mm)
above the floor in hazardous locations and private garages. For the purpose of this section, rooms
or spaces that are not part of the living space of a dwelling unit and that communicate directly
with a private garage through openings shall be considered to be part of the private garage.
Rooms or spaces that communicate directly with a parking garage though openings, and that
contain fuel-gas-fired appliances, shall comply with this section.
(88) Section G2408.4 (305.7), "Clearances from grade.", is hereby amended to read as
follows:
"G2408.4 (305.7) Clearances from grade. Equipment and appliances installed at grade level
shall be supported on a level concrete slab a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) thick or other
approved material extending above adjoining grade a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) or shall be
suspended a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) above adjoining grade."
87
(89) Section G2409.4.5 (308.4.6), "Clearance from supply ducts.", is hereby amended to read
as follows:
"G2409.4.5 (308.4.6) Clearance from supply ducts. Central-heating furnaces where the bonnet
temperature exceeds 150 °F (68 °C), shall have the clearance from supply ducts within 3 feet
(0.914 m) of the furnace plenum be not less than that specified from the furnace plenum. No
clearance is necessary beyond this distance."
(90) Section G2415 (404), "PIPING SYSTEM INSTALLATION", is hereby amended in the
following respects:
(a) Section G2415.7 (404.7), "Above-ground piping outdoors. ", is hereby amended to read
as follows:
"G2415.7 (404.7) Above-ground piping outdoors. All piping installed outdoors shall be
elevated not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above ground and where installed across roof
surfaces, shall be elevated not less than 3 1/2 inches (89 mm) above the roof surface. Piping
installed above ground, outdoors, and installed across the surface of roofs shall be securely
supported and located where it will be protected from physical damage. Where passing
through an outside wall, the piping shall also be protected against corrosion by coating or
wrapping with an inert material. Where piping is encased in a protective pipe sleeve, the
annular space between the piping and the sleeve shall be sealed."
(b) Section G2415.9 (404.9), "Minimum burial depth. ", is hereby amended to read as
follows:
"G2415.9 (404.9) Minimum burial depth. Underground piping systems shall be installed a
minimum depth of 18 inches (457 mm) below grade, except as provided for in Section
G2415.9.1.
G2415.9.1 (404.9.1) Individual outside appliances. Individual lines to outside lights, grills
or other appliances shall be installed a minimum of 18 inches (457 mm) below finished
grade.
Exception: Approved materials installed a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) below finished
grade when covered with a concrete slab 4 inches (102 mm) in minimum thickness."
(c) Section G2415.12 (404.12), `Outlet closures. " is hereby amended to read as follows:
"G2415.12 (404.12) Outlet closures. Gas outlets and fittings which allow for future gas line
expansion that do not connect to appliances shall be provided with an approved gas shutoff
valve with the end capped gas tight.
Exception: Drip/Dirt legs installed at the floor level at appliances."
88
(91) Section G2416 (405), "Piping Bends and Changes in Direction" , is hereby amended in
the following respects:
(d) Section G2416.1 (405.1), "General. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"G2416.1 (405.1) General. Changes in direction of rigid metallic pipe specified in
G2414.4 shall be made only by the use of fittings and factory bends."
(e) Section G2416.2 (405.2), "Metallic pipe. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
AG2416.2 (405.2) Metallic pipe. Only factory bends in rigid metallic pipe specified in G2414.4
shall be permitted."
(92) Section G2417.4.1 (406.4.1) "Test pressure.", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"G2417.4.1 (406.4.1) Test pressure. The test pressure to be used shall be not less than one and
one-half times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 10 psig (67 kPa
guage) irrespective of design pressure. Where the test pressure exceeds 125 psig (862 kPa
gauge), the test pressure shall not exceed a value that produces a hoop stress in the piping greater
than 50 percent of the specified minimum yield strength of the pipe."
(93) The exception to Section G2420.5 (409.5), "Equipment shutoff valve.", is hereby
amended to read as follows:
"Exception: Shutoff valves for vented decorative appliances and decorative appliances for
installation in vented fireplaces shall not be prohibited from being installed in an area remote
from the appliance where such valves are provided with ready access. Such valves shall be
permanently identified and shall serve no other equipment. Remote valves shall be operable on
the same floor as the appliance served and within 12 feet (3.658 m) of the appliance as measured
along the floor line. Piping from the shutoff valve to within 3 feet (0.914 m) of the appliance
connection shall be sized in accordance with Section G2413."
(94) The first paragraph of Section G2421.3 (410.3), "Venting of regulators. ", is hereby
amended to read as follows:
"G2421.3 (410.3) Venting of regulators. Pressure regulators that require a vent shall have an
independent vent to the outside of the building. The vent shall be designed to prevent the entry
of water or foreign objects. Vents shall not terminate within 3 feet (0.916 m) of openings into the
building."
(95) Section G2425.8 (501.8), "Equipment not required to be vented.", is hereby amended by
deleting item "T" from the list of appliances therein (indicated in strikeout text) as follows:
(96) Section G2427.5.5.1 (503.5.6.1), "Chimney lining. ", is hereby amended by deleting the
exception thereto indicated in strikeout text, and reads as follows:
89
"G2427.5.5.1 (503.5.6.1) Chimney lining. Chimneys shall be lined in accordance with Chapter
10.
(97) Section G2439 (614), "CLOTHES DRYER EXHAUST", is hereby amended in the
following respects:
(f) Section G2439.1 (614.1), "Installation. ", is hereby amended to read as follows:
"G2439.1 (614.1) Installation. Clothes dryers shall be exhausted in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions. Dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other
systems and shall convey the moisture and any products of combustion to the outside of
the building. Dryer exhaust duct terminations shall not be located within 36 inches (914
mm) of exterior openings into conditioned spaces, crawl spaces, and attic spaces."
(g) Section G2439.5.1 (614.6.1), "Maximum length. ", is hereby amended by deleting the
exception thereto, indicated in strikeout text, as follows:
"G2439.5.1 (614.6.1) Maximum length. The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust
duct shall not exceed 25 feet (7.620 m) from the dryer location to the outlet terminal. The
maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet (0.762 m) for each 45-degree (0.79
rad)bend and 5 feet (1.524 m) for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend.,,.,,
(98) Section G2445 (621), "UNVENTED ROOM HEATERS", is hereby deleted in its entirety.
(99) Section G2447 (623), "COOKING APPLIANCES", is hereby amended with revised
language and by adding a new subsection, to read as follows:
"SECTION G2447 (623) COOKING APPLIANCES
G2447.1 (623.1) Cooking appliances. Cooking appliances that are designed for permanent
installation, including ranges, ovens, stoves, broilers, grills, fryers, griddles, hot plates and
barbecues, shall be tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.1 or ANSI Z21.58 and shall be installed
in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
G2447.2 (623.2) Prohibited location. Cooking appliances designed, tested, listed and labeled
for use in commercial occupancies may be installed within dwelling units or within any area
where domestic cooking operations occur, when installed in accordance with manufacturer's
listing regarding clearance to combustibles. Overhead cabinets shall not be located above such
appliances."
G2447.3 (623.3) Domestic appliances. Cooking appliances installed within dwelling units and
within areas where domestic cooking operations occur shall be listed, labeled and installed in
accordance with manufacturer's listing for clearance to combustibles.
G2447.4 (623.4) Range installation. Ranges installed on combustible floors shall be set on their
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own bases or legs and shall be installed with clearances of not less than that shown on the label.
G2447.5 Kitchens with gas ovens shall be supplied with an exhaust system vented to the outside.
Ducts serving kitchen exhaust systems shall not terminate in an attic or crawl space or areas
inside the building and shall not induce or create a negative pressure in excess of negative 3 Pa
or adversely affect gravity-vented appliances."
(700) Section G2451 630, "INFRARED RADIANT HEATERS", is hereby amended by adding
a new subsection, G2451.3, "Outdoor locations.", to read as follows:
"G2451.3 Outdoor locations. Infrared radiant heaters supplied by the premises fuel-gas piping
systems shall not be used for heating spaces outside of a building thermal envelope as defined in
Section NJ 107.5."
(101) "APPENDIX E, MANUFACTURED HOUSING USED AS DWELLINGS", is hereby
adopted in its entirety.
(102) Appendix F, "RADON CONTROL METHODS", is hereby adopted and amended in its
entirety to read as follows:
"PASSIVE" "Appendix F- RADON CONTROL METHODS
SECTION AF101 - TITLE, SCOPE AND PURPOSE
AF101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as "Appendix Chapter F, the "FORT COLLINS
RADON RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE FOR ONE-AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS
and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this appendix".
F101.2 Scope. The provisions of this appendix shall apply to new one- and two-family dwellings
completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space ('detached") and
multiple, attached single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height and
with each townhouse having its own separate means of egress.
AF01.3 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide minimum requirements to enhance
the public safety, health and general welfare, through construction methods designed and
installed to resist entry of radon gas into the occupied spaces of buildings regulated by this
appendix.
SECTION AF102 - DEFINITIONS
AF102.1 General. For the purpose of these requirements, the terms used shall be defined as
follows:
DWELLING UNIT, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED. An independent, nonattached building
completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space, exclusively
91
containing one dwelling unit located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land
(site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family
dwelling.
DWELLING UNIT, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED. An independent, nonattached building
completely separated from adjacent dwellings by unobstructed physical space, exclusively
containing two dwelling units located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land
(site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such two-family
dwelling.
FOUNDATION DRAIN SYSTEM. A continuous length of drain tile, perforated pipe, or filter
mat extending around all or part of the internal or external perimeter of a basement or crawl
space footing designed to collect and drain away excess subsurface water.
RADON. A naturally-occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas that is not detectable by
human senses. As a gas, it can move readily through particles of soil and rock and can
accumulate under the slabs and foundations of homes where it can easily enter the living space
through construction cracks and openings.
SOIL-GAS-RETARDER. A continuous membrane of 3-mil (0.075 mm) cross-linked
polyethylene or other equivalent material used to retard the flow of soil gases into a building.
SUBFLOOR. A concrete slab and other approved permanent floor system that directly contacts
the ground and is within the walls of the living spaces of the building.
SUB-MEMBRANE DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM. A system designed to achieve lower
sub-membrane air pressure relative to crawl space air pressure by use of a vent drawing air from
beneath the soil-gas-retarder membrane.
SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Passive). A system designed to achieve lower
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).
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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 Tare 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 mZ) 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 mz), consisting of a continuous loop of minimum 3-inch
(76 mm.) diameter perforated pipe shall be laid in the sub-grade with the top of
pipe located 1 inch (25.4 mm) below the concrete slab. The pipe may be rigid or
flexible but shall have perforations fully around the circumference with a free air
space equal to 1.83 square inches per square foot (127 cmz/ mZ) 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 mZ)
but less than 4,000 square feet (372 m'), the preceding configuration may be used
provided a minimum of 4-inch diameter (102 mm) pipe is installed. Slabs in
excess of 4,000 square feet (372 m2) shall have under them separate loops for
every additional 2,000 square feet (186 m2) of slab area when 3-inch (76 mm)
diameter pipe is used; or, slabs may have separate loops provided for each
additional increment in area between 2,000 square feet (186 m2) and 4,000 square
feet (372 mZ) 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 mz) 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 mz) 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
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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 mz) but less than 4,000 square feet (372
m2) shall have under them an additional strip of mat that bisects the loop forming
two areas approximately equally divided by the two halves of the rectilinear loop.
Slabs larger than 4,000 square feet (372 m) shall have separate loops for each
2,000 (186 m2) square feet; or, increased to 4,000 square feet (372 mZ) when a
loop is bisected as specified in the preceding configuration.
4. A uniform layer of sand (native or fill), a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) thick,
overlain by a layer or strips of geo-textile drainage matting designed to allow the
lateral flow of soil gases.
5. Other materials, systems or floor designs with demonstrated capability to permit
depressurization across the entire sub-floor area.
AF103.3 Entry routes. Potential radon entry routes shall be closed in accordance with Sections
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.
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AF103.3.5 Foundation walls. Hollow block masonry foundation walls shall be constructed
with either a continuous course of solid masonry, one course of masonry grouted solid, or a
solid concrete beam at or above finished ground surface to prevent passage of air from the
interior of the wall into the living space. Where a brick veneer or other masonry ledge is
installed, the course immediately below that ledge shall be sealed. Joints, cracks or other
openings around all penetrations of both exterior and interior surfaces of masonry block or
wood foundation walls below the ground surface shall be filled with polyurethane caulk or
equivalent sealant. Penetrations of concrete walls shall be filled.
AF103.3.6 Dampproofing. The exterior surfaces of portions of concrete and masonry block
walls below the ground surface shall be damp-proofed in accordance with Section R406 of
this appendix.
AF103.3.7 Air-handling units. Air-handling units in crawl spaces shall be sealed to prevent
air from being drawn into the unit.
Exception: Units with gasketed seams or units that are otherwise sealed by the
manufacturer to prevent leakage.
AF103.3.8 Ducts. Ductwork passing through or beneath a slab shall be of seamless material
unless the air-handling system is designed to maintain continuous positive pressure within
such ducting. Joints in such ductwork shall be sealed to prevent air leakage. Ductwork
located in crawl spaces shall have all seams and joints sealed by closure systems in
accordance with Section M1601.3.I.
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.
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AF103.4.2 Soil-gas-retarder. The exposed soil in under-floor spaces shall be covered with a
continuous layer of soil-gas-retarder. Such ground cover joints shall overlap 6 inches (152
mm) and be sealed or taped. The edges of the ground cover shall extend a minimum of 6
inches (152 mm) up onto all foundation walls enclosing the under-floor space and shall be
attached and sealed to foundation walls in an approved manner.
AF103.4.3 Vent pipe riser. A plumbing tee or other approved connection shall be inserted
horizontally beneath the sheeting and connected to a 3- or 4-inch-diameter (76 mm or 102
mm) fitting with a vertical vent pipe installed through the sheeting. The vent pipe shall be
extended up through the building floors, terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the
roof in a location at least 10 feet (3.048 m) away from any window or other opening into the
conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (0.610 m) below the exhaust point,
and 10 feet (3.048 m) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings.
AF103.5 Sub-slab depressurization system. The following components of a sub-slab
depressurization system shall be installed during construction under basement or slab-on-grade
floors.
AF103.5.1 Vent pipe riser. A minimum 3-inch-diameter (76 mm) ABS, PVC or equivalent
gas-tight pipe shall be embedded vertically into the sub-slab aggregate or other permeable
material before the slab is cast. A "T" fitting or equivalent method shall be used to ensure
that the pipe opening remains within the sub-slab permeable material. Alternatively, the 3-
inch (76 mm) pipe shall be inserted directly into an interior perimeter drain tile loop or
through a sealed sump cover where the sump is exposed to the sub-slab aggregate or
connected to it through a drainage system.
All vent pipes shall be extended up through the building floors, terminate at least 12 inches
(305 mm) above the surface of the roof in a location at least 10 feet (3.048 m) away from any
window, air intake, or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less
than 2 feet (0.610 m) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet (3.048 m) from any window or
other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings. The discharge end of vent pipe terminations
shall be unobstructed and protected from small animal entry with a corrosion-resistant screen
having openings between '/4 inch (6.4 mm) and 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.
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Exception: The radon vent pipe need not be accessible in an attic space where an approved
roof-top electrical supply is provided.
AF103.8 Vent pipe identification and notification. All exposed and visible interior radon vent
pipes shall be conspicuously identified with at least one label on each floor and in attics provided
with access openings. The label shall read substantially as follows: "Radon Reduction System."
In addition to the preceding label, a notice shall be placed in a conspicuous area near the vent
pipe that states the following:
"THIS RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE TESTED AND IS A
'PASSIVE' SYSTEM, RELYING ENTIRELY ON NATURAL VENTILATION.
OCCUPANTS ARE ADVISED TO TEST FOR RADON AND TAKE REMEDIAL
ACTION AS NECESSARY BY INSTALLING A CONTINUOUSLY-OPERATING FAN
LOCATED IN THE VENT PIPE (ACCESS TYPICALLY PROVIDED IN THE ATTIC)
AND CONNECTED TO THE NEARBY PROVIDED ELECTRICAL OUTLET. Call
1-800-767-RADON FOR MORE INFORMATION."
AF103.9 Combination foundations. Combination basement/crawl space or slab-on-grade/crawl
space foundations shall have separate radon vent pipes installed in each type of foundation area.
Each radon vent pipe shall terminate above the roof or shall be connected to a single vent that
terminates above the roof.
AF103.10 Building depressurization. Joints in air ducts and plenums in unconditioned spaces
shall be substantially air tight and permanently sealed with an approved sealant, mastic, or other
approved methods. Thermal envelope air infiltration requirements shall comply with the energy
conservation provisions in the energy conservation code currently enacted by the City.
Firestopping shall be in conformance with the most recent general building code enacted by the
City or meet the requirements contained in Section R602.8.
AF103.11 Provisions for future depressurization fan installation.
AF103.11.1 Sub-membrane depressurization systems. Permanent provisions shall be
made for the future installation of an in-line fan to be connected to every radon vent pipe.
Such designated fan locations shall be outside of the conditioned envelope of the building,
such as in the attic, garage and similar locations, excluding crawl spaces and other interior
under-floor spaces. Designated locations shall accommodate an unobstructed permanent
cylindrical space with the following minimum dimensions: 12 inches (305 mm) measured
radially around the radon vent pipe along a vertical distance of 30 inches (760 mm).
Designated fan locations shall be permanently accessible for servicing and maintenance. An
electrical circuit shall be provided within 4 feet (1.219 m) of and within sight from
designated fan locations. Such circuit shall have a means of positive disconnection and be
terminated in an approved electrical outlet in accordance with the applicable current electric
code.
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AF103.11.1.1 Depressurization fan system activation. When a passive system as
constructed in accordance with this appendix is to be converted to an active system, an
approved in-line fan shall be installed in a designated fan location as specified in Section
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."
(103) "APPENDIX G, SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND HOT TUBS", is hereby adopted in its
entirety.
(104) `APPENDIXH, PATIO COVERS", is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(105) `APPENDIX J, EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES", is hereby adopted in its
entirety.
Section 4. That all of the foregoing changes enacted by this Ordinance shall become
effective for implementation commencing January 1, 2005.
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Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published in summary
form this 20th day of July A.D. 2004, and to be presented for final passage on the 17th day of
August A.D. 2004.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk u
Passed and adopted on final reading this 17th day of August, A.D. 2004.
Mayor
ATTEST:
e
City Clerk
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