HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8364 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8364
R December 4, 2001
� ``;moo To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 1 of 2
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SUBJECT: Adoption of the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code
(IECC)
Staff has been working with the North Central Texas Council of Governments (COG) over the
past year in preparation of adoption of the most current codes related to building construction.
Construction codes are constantly changing with the development of new products, materials
and methods and research performed in the building construction industry. Updates to existing
codes are reviewed and voted on at the national level annually. Every three years, new sets of
codes are published with the cumulative annual changes incorporated. The 2000 set of codes
is the latest published set that has been reviewed at COG and by the Development and Fire
Departments.
Adoption of this Energy Conservation Code is one of the provisions of the agreement between
COG, the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and the Department of
Energy for air quality attainment in this area. The recommended adoption date from COG is to
be effective January 1, 2002. This will be the first time that an Energy Conservation Code has
been implemented in the City of Fort Worth. As each new cycle of codes are produced, this
may, code will be re-evaluated along with the other construction codes.
Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) of the State of Texas, effective September 1, 2001, requires all building
designers to include energy conservation provisions in their designs. The law also requires
energy provisions for residential construction in accordance with the 2000 International
Residential Code (IRC). Compliance with this code is a state requirement. The energy
provisions of the IRC have already been adoptive to be effective January 1, 2002. The adoption
of the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code will apply similar provisions to all other
structures.
It should be noted that implementation of this ordinance will require the following efforts:
1. The Development Department, Plans Exams Division will review these items and this effort
could extend the time period for first review comments. Energy data will need to be collected
and confirmed during the plan review process.
2. While shortcut forms are being implemented for home builders, and larger building designers
already perform an energy check as normal routine, those projects in-between will require
some effort on the part of staff to provide guidance and direction on compliance.
3. Extra effort in field inspections will be required.
4. Senate Bill 5 requires all inspectors enforcing the Energy Code be certified by September 1,
2002. Compliance with this State mandate will require expenditures for training and certification
expenses.
r ►. Third party inspectors will be required to become versed with this code and comply with the
State mandate of becoming certified.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8364
December 4, 2001
All, To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: Adoption of the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code
(IECC)
It is noted that the building industry will need to adapt construction methods and materials to
comply with the new requirements. The Development Department will conduct an outreach
effort to educate the building industry on these requirements. The out reach program includes
website posting, an article(s) in the City Page, letters to all registered home remodelers and an
information sheet attached to every residential building permit.
On November 13, 2001, the Safety and Community Development Committee reviewed this
program and recommended a proposed ordinance be forwarded to the full Council for approval.
In summary, adoption of the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code will bring the City of
Fort Worth in compliance with the Regional Air Quality Plan adopted by COG and accepted by
the TNRCC. Additionally the Code will meet the requirements of State Law. Building owners
and occupants should realize less energy consumption in structures built in accordance with the
Energy Codes.
The adoption of the Code will be presented for City Council consideration on December 11,
2001. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, contact Al Godwin, Building Official
or Bob Riley, Development Director.
a Jackson
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
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