Discussion, consideration and possible adoption of Energy Codes.

Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2013-20 and Ordinance No. 2013-19:  A Resolution declaring as a Public Record that certain document filed with the City Clerk entitled the "(Version A-2009 / Version B-2012) Energy  Conservation Code and the 2013 Amendments to City Code / (Version A-2009 / Version B-2012) Energy Conservation Code, Title 4, Building Regulations"; and an Ordinance adopting said document by reference.

This item has been placed on the agenda in a manner to allow for discussion and consideration of staying with the 2006 Energy Conservation Code and amendments thereto, adopting the 2009 Energy Conservation Code and amendments thereto (as directed at the July 2, 2013 Council meeting), or adopting the 2012 Energy Conservation Code and amendments thereto. If Council decides to remain with the 2006 Energy Conservation Code and amendments no further action is required. Adoption of the 2009 or 2012 Energy Conservation Code would first require Council to vote on which Code they want to move forward with, and then Steps 2 through 8 above would be followed.

Step 6 above outlines the steps needed for Council to hold first and final reading at the July 16, 2013 meeting, should that be the unanimous vote of those present. This would allow the matter to be finalized prior to the Council summer break. Should there not be a unanimous vote for first and final read, the first read of Ordinance No. 2013-19 would be held on July 16, 2013 and final read and adoption could take place at the Council meeting of August 26, 2013.

There will be a cost of approximately $3,500 for new code books and $2,000 for training of the plans examiners and inspectors. (See Page 2 under Expanded Financial Impact for further information)

11. Effective governance - By adopting the 2009 or 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, there will be approximately a 15% or 30% reduction in energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings.

Yes. The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code was brought before the Council for adoption on July 2, 2013. In July of 2011, Council voted to bypass the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. The 2006 International Energy Conservation Code was adopted July 2011. An extensive public hearing was held on the subject of the Energy Conservation Code on July 2, 2013.

1) Take no action, thereby continuing with the 2006 Energy Conservation Code and amendments thereto
2) Adopt Version A of Resolution No. 2013-20 - the 2009 Energy Conservation Code and amendments thereto
3) Adopt Version B of Resolution No. 2013-20 - the 2012 Energy Conservation Code and amendments thereto

The Building Safety Program is responsible for reviewing and adopting building codes in consideration of current life safety issues and building industry standards. Since April 13, 1937, the City of Flagstaff has been reviewing and adopting various building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas and fire code to better serve the community.  The last code review and adoption was the 2012 Edition of the International Codes, by Ordinance 2012-13, on July 2, 2013. In 2011, the Council approved going to a 6-year code cycle instead of a 3-year cycle.

In the Energy Conservation Code, Chapter 4 is the residential requirements and Chapter 5 is the commercial requirements. Most of the sections are prescriptive requirements but there are some mandatory requirements also. There is also Section R405 which allows for a performance-based compliance developed on simulated energy performance which shows that the proposed design will have an annual energy cost that is less than or equal to the annual energy cost of the standard reference design. In both sections, there are certain “mandatory” requirements that are required for the prescriptive and performance methods of compliance. This will allow a builder to be innovative to find other methods to meet the energy saving goals.

2009 Edition: There will be some increased costs due to some of the changes in the building codes. For the energy conservation code, a 15% increase in energy efficiency over the 2006 energy conservation code will incorporate numerous changes. According to a Department of Energy Report and a National Association of Home Builders energy report (see attached), there is an average additional cost between $1,219.00 to $3,245.00 over the 2006 Energy Conservation Code for a 2,000-2,580 square foot home. (See Table 1)

If the 2009 Energy Conservation Code is adopted, the following amendments are recommended:

1) Sections C101.2 & R101.2 by adding an exception for Group R-2 occupancies to be able to comply with either the residential or commercial requirements of the Energy Conservation Code.

2012 Edition: There will be some increased costs due to some of the changes in the building codes. For the energy conservation code, a 30% increase in energy efficiency over the 2006 energy conservation code will incorporate numerous changes. According to a Department of Energy Report and a National Association of Home Builders energy report (see attached), Coconino County study and the Salt Lake City Study, there is an average additional adjusted cost of between $1,585 to $5,242 over the 2006 Energy Conservation Code for a 2,000-2,580 square foot home. (See Table 2)

If the 2012 Energy Conservation Code is adopted, the following amendments are recommended:

1) Section R402.2.1 - Require R-49 in attic and R30 above the exterior walls.
2) Section R402.4.1.2 - Delete the requirement for the Blower Door test.
3) Section R403.5.1 - Delete entire section for a whole house ventilation system and fan efficacy.
4) Sections C101.2 & R101.2 by adding an exception for Group R-2 occupancies to be able to comply with either the residential or commercial requirements of the Energy Code.

By adopting the 2009 or 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, the community is expecting that new structures and additions and modifications on existing structures will save on energy, thus enhancing a viable sustainable future.

Involve - Public code forums were held from February 2012 to January 2013 with a suspension from May 2012 to October 2012 due to work load. Information and invites were sent to NABA, F3, local architects and engineers, NAGBC, local contractors and designers plus individuals who asked to be placed on the email list, the Sustainability Commission and on May 8, staff will be meeting with the Chamber of Commerce. Coconino County will be conidering adopting the 2012 Codes later this year.