City of Lawrence
Development Services Division
MEMORANDUM
TO: David L. Corliss, City Manager
Thru: Victor Q. Torres, Neighborhood Resources Director
FROM: Barry Walthall, Building Safety Manager
Rich Barr, Fire & Medical Division Chief
DATE: September 20, 2007
RE: Adoption of International Codes
In March of 2007 the City Commission directed staff and the Trade Boards to draft required ordinances for adopting the International Family of Codes with appropriate local amendments within six months. The Trade Boards and staff have completed this task and ordinances 8055 and 8161 through 8178 are provided for consideration by the Commission. The proposed effective date is January 1, 2008.
Summary of Ordinances Recommended for Adoption
Ordinances adopting the codes with the Trade Boards’ (Board of Electrical Examiners, Board of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, Building Code Board of Appeals, Fire Code Board of Appeals, Mechanical Code Board of Appeals and Neighborhood Resources Advisory Committee) recommendations for amendments are drafted for City Commission approval. Ordinance 8055 adopts the International Fire Code and ordinances 8162, 8163 and 8165 through 8170 adopt the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Existing Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code. Additionally, ordinances 8161, 8164 and 8171 through 8178 are recommended to reorganize Chapter V of the City Code to improve usability. A report detailing the reorganization and notable changes is attached.
Mechanical Code Item for Discussion
There is one item that likely will require additional discussion. The Mechanical Board proposes amendments that would require mechanical contractors provide code mandated calculations for sizing of mechanical systems to the Development Services Division. The 2006 International Residential Code (IRC) requires that heating and air conditioning equipment are sized based on loads calculated in accordance with Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J, and that duct sizes be calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual D. The IRC does not specify the calculations be provided for review by staff. The purpose of these amendments are twofold; to assure systems are constructed in accordance with the requirements of the IRC provisions for energy conservation and mechanical systems, and to reduce or eliminate issues for homeowners with the performance of mechanical systems.
Staff has received input from interested stakeholders opposing these amendments. The concerns expressed are there is no documented evidence a major problem exists with the past performance of mechanical systems in Lawrence; the ACCA calculations may require smaller systems than are often installed in new homes in Lawrence, which may actually create more complaints that systems are not heating and cooling homes effectively; the calculations are complex and computer software to perform the calculations are expensive; and that the proposed amendments apply only to new projects and should be applied to all equipment replacement projects as well.
Current Inspection Practices
The current practice is to inspect heating and air conditioning systems for the minimum safety standards required by the currently adopted 2000 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC). Inspections are performed to insure the proper location of equipment with appropriate access for maintenance and clearances from combustible materials, and that adequate combustion air, return air and supply air is provided. The contractor is responsible for the sizing of the equipment and associated ductwork. The UMC does require ducts be sized in accordance with appropriate referenced standards, such as ACCA Manual D (calculations for the sizing of ducts), however staff does not currently collect this data. The 2000 UMC does not specifically reference ACCA Manual J (load calculations for the sizing of heating and air conditioning equipment).
Proposed New Inspection Practices
The adoption of the IRC as amended will require load calculations showing proper sizing of heating and air conditioning equipment be provided with building permit applications for one- and two-family dwellings. The information required to verify the accuracy of these calculations will include the orientation of the structure, locations and total area of glazed openings, building envelope insulation values, total area of conditioned space, and color of exterior walls. Additionally, this information will be required to be present on the jobsite during inspection along with duct sizing calculations for the inspector to verify the correctly sized equipment and duct systems are installed in conjunction with the criteria specified in the construction documents.
Other Jurisdictions’ Inspection Practices
In researching other area jurisdictions that have adopted the IRC none are requiring mechanical equipment sizing or duct sizing calculations be submitted for review. These jurisdictions inspect mechanical installations in a similar fashion to our current practices. Jurisdictions surveyed were Gardner, Johnson County, Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park and Shawnee.
Sign Code Amendments
In addition to adoption of the I-Codes and reorganization of City Code Chapter V, staff recommends the sign code be amended to address constitutional concerns and relevancy of sign permit fees that have not been changed since 1993. Additional information is provided in the attached report summarizing significant changes and reorganization of Chapter V.
Impact on Development Services Division Operations
There will be some impact on Development Services Division operations as a result of the new codes, most notably at least one additional inspection trip on all building projects to inspect for conformance with energy conservation requirements. These inspections will largely consist of inspecting for the insulation and sealing of the building envelope and piping and duct systems, and the rating and installation method of doors and windows. Certificates of Occupancy (CO’s) will be required for all residential projects in addition to multi-family and commercial projects as is the current requirement. This will significantly increase the number of CO’s issued; the vast majority of projects currently do not require CO’s. There will also be a large initial investment in time and resources required for training of staff and education of contractors and construction personnel on the requirements of the new code.
Requested Action: