City of Lawrence

Development Services Department

MEMORANDUM

TO:              David L. Corliss, City Manager

Thru:              Victor Q. Torres, Assistant Director, Development Services

FROM:         Barry Walthall, Building Safety Manager

DATE:           October 1, 2007

RE:              International Codes adoption

This memo intends to clarify the process for plan submittals, review and inspection for residential mechanical systems.  As drafted and approved on first reading, the International Residential Code was amended to require that calculations be provided to the Development Services Division that show the capacity of heating and cooling equipment and also the size, length and air flow of duct systems.

There was some discussion of the scope and timing of these required submittals during the September 25^th Commission meeting.  To clarify, these calculations will be required for all new one- and two-family dwellings and additions to dwellings that will change the heating and cooling load of a dwelling.  The calculations showing the required capacity of heating and cooling equipment will be required with permit applications.  The plans and calculations for duct system sizing will be required prior to rough-in inspection of the system and dwelling.

This process of plan review and inspection appears to meet the desire of the Mechanical Board’s recommendation to require such calculations for the benefit of the consumer and the Lawrence Home Builders Association’s issue of requiring calculations prematurely during the building process.