| To: |
Rachel Harlow-Schalk, City Manager |
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| From: |
Sharon Haugen, Community Development Director
Kimberley Mack, Chief Building Official
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| Subject: |
Consider final passage of an ordinance adopting by reference the State adopted 2018 editions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by amending and adopting a revised Chapter 2 of Title 3, Helena City Code. |
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Present Situation:
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Currently, the Building Division for the City of Helena is enforcing the 2018 editions of the IBC, IRC, IEBC, IMC, IFGC, UPC and the 2017 NEC by the adoption of Ordinance 3280. Effective December 7, 2019 the state of Montana Building Codes Program adopted new Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) implementing the use of the above codes and mandated their adoption.
At the time of the State’s previous adoption, the 2018 Codes, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) was not adopted to allow for additional public listening sessions and input. The State of Montana Building Codes Program notice of final adoption of the 2018 IECC was received by the City Building Division on February 13, 2021.
As required by ARM 24.301.202, the codes by certified local jurisdictions must be the same as those adopted by the State and they have 90 days from February 13, 2021 to adopt this version of the codes. The codes as adopted by the State may not be altered and must be adopted by certified jurisdictions in the same editions with the same amendments as adopted by the State. Once the City has adopted the above codes, notification must be sent to the state informing them of the adoption and copies of the ordinances are to be sent to them.
MCA 7-5-108 requires when an ordinance is proposed for adoption that incorporates by reference the provisions of any code or amendments, the codes and amendments shall be available for public inspection and examination a minimum of 30 days prior to final adoption in the City Clerk’s office.
Much of the language in State amendment, ARM 24.301.161, corrects code section numbers that have changed between editions of the codes. Air sealing and structure air leakage rate requirement was clarified to require testing that in the previous code adoption allowed for a phase-in period. |
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Background Information:
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The purpose of the proposal is to present the above code, as amended through the State of Montana and adopt by reference the amendments, to the City Commission for final passage and to hear public comment on the proposed code.
The State adopted Appendix Chapter RA – Solar Ready Provisions. In unity with other cities in Montana, the Building Division is not recommending this chapter for adoption. Because the State does not review or issue permits for one- and two-family dwellings, they will not enforce this provision but has allowed certified jurisdictions the option of adopting this appendix chapter. Adopting this appendix would require all new one- and two-family dwelling and townhouses with roof areas of greater than 600 square feet and oriented between 110 degrees and 270 degrees of true north to have solar ready zones designated and electrical service space reserved for future installation. The provision is not inclusive of all one- and two-family, and townhouses thereby requiring it on some and not others. With the advancements in PV equipment technology, the systems would provide satisfactory performance in various orientations. Where individuals choose to install or plan for future installation of solar systems, this document could be used to provide guidance for designer or builder. |
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Proposal/Objective:
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The purpose of the proposal is to present the above code, as amended through the State of Montana and adopt by reference the amendments, to the City Commission for final passage and to hear public comment on the proposed code.
The State adopted Appendix Chapter RA – Solar Ready Provisions. In unity with other cities in Montana, the Building Division is not recommending this chapter for adoption. Because the State does not review or issue permits for one- and two-family dwellings, they will not enforce this provision but has allowed certified jurisdictions the option of adopting this appendix chapter. Adopting this appendix would require all new one- and two-family dwelling and townhouses with roof areas of greater than 600 square feet and oriented between 110 degrees and 270 degrees of true north to have solar ready zones designated and electrical service space reserved for future installation. The provision is not inclusive of all one- and two-family, and townhouses thereby requiring it on some and not others. With the advancements in PV equipment technology, the systems would provide satisfactory performance in various orientations. Where individuals choose to install or plan for future installation of solar systems, this document could be used to provide guidance for designer or builder. |
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Advantage:
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Final passage and adoption by the Commission sets the course for the City Building Division to comply with the State’s directive to adopt the new edition of the International Energy Conservation Code. This keeps the City’s certified enforcement program in good standing. |
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Notable Energy Impact:
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Updating to the new edition of the energy code provides builders and the public with the opportunity to provide for high-quality energy efficient buildings. |
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Notice of Public Hearing:
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Attached
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