Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2013-19: An ordinance adopting the "2009 Energy Code and the 2013 Amendments to City Code/2009 Energy Code, Title 4, Building Regulations," by reference and fixing the effective date thereof; repealing all sections of said code in conflict with this ordinance; preserving rights and duties that have already matured and proceedings that have already begun thereunder and providing penalties for the violation thereof.  *THIS ITEM MOVED FROM THE 4 PM ROUTINE SECTION OF THE AGENDA

At the July 16, 2013, Council Meeting discussion was held on 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. A majority of the Council ultimately adopted the 2009 Energy Conservation Code through Resolution No. 2013-20 and held first read of Ordinance No. 2013-19. Section read and adoption of the ordinance has been scheduled for the August 26, 2013, Council meeting.

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 Energy 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, and on July 16, 2013, and a majority of Council voted to move forward with the 2009 Energy Conservation Code.
 

1) Adopt Ordinance No. 2013-19
2) Not adopt Ordinance No. 2013-19

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 contains the residential requirements and Chapter 5 contains the commercial requirements. Most of the sections are prescriptive requirements but there are some mandatory requirements also. Section R405 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.

By adopting the 2009 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.