Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Barry Walthall, Building Codes Administrator
CC:	Scott McCullough, Planning & Development Services Director Mark Bradford, Fire Chief
Date:	August 6, 2009
RE:	Review of 2009 International Model Building Codes

Staff has obtained code books and is beginning to work with the relevant advisory boards to review the 2009 International Code Council (ICC) model building codes for possible adoption by the City.  A listing of advisory boards involved with reviewing these codes and the codes they are responsible for is included at the end of this memo.  We anticipate that the advisory boards will complete their reviews by May of 2010, and that a draft ordinance amending and adopting these model codes will be completed for City Commission direction by July 2010.

Lawrence has as currently adopted the 2006 set of ICC model building codes, which became effective on January 1, 2008.  ICC updates these codes on a three-year cycle.  Timely adoption of the most current building codes is a recommendation of the Matrix Consultants report for improvement of the City’s development process.  Adopting revised codes on this timeline provides for periodic incremental changes compared to more major changes on a less periodic basis.

Possibly the most significant code change included in the 2009 codes is the requirement for sprinkler systems in all dwellings.  The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC), which regulates the construction of one- and two-family dwellings and some townhouses, includes mandatory requirements for fire sprinkler systems.  In past editions of the IRC, requirements for fire sprinkler systems have been included in an appendix which was only applicable if specifically adopted.  The ramification is if the City chooses to not require sprinklers in dwellings constructed under the IRC, it must take specific action to opt out of the requirements.

The inclusion of residential fire sprinkler systems in the IRC has been somewhat controversial.  Proponents cite the obvious benefits of installing residential fire sprinkler systems - they provide effective life-safety protection for occupants and fire fighters and reduce property loss.

Opponents of the provisions cite concerns of proper maintenance, freezing pipes in colder climates, accidental discharge of systems causing property damage, and added expense to the cost of construction of housing.

Other significant code changes for the 2009 code cycle include:

• Energy conservation improvements
• Programmable thermostats in new homes and buildings with forced air furnaces
• High-efficiency light bulbs in at least 50% of permanent lighting fixtures in new homes
• Minimum u-factor (fenestration) rating for windows improved from .40 to .35
• Leakage tests for duct systems outside the building thermal envelope (in attics and crawl spaces, garages, and below slab)
• Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed dwellings and in existing homes where interior alteration include fuel-fired appliance replacements

Advisory Boards Reviewing 2009 International Codes

• Building Code Board of Appeals
• 2009 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) – chapters 1-11
• 2009 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

• Electrical Code Board of Appeals
• 2009 IRC – chapters 34-43

• Fire Code Board of Appeals
• 2009 International Fire Code (IFC)

• Plumbing Code Board of Appeals
• 2009 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
• 2009 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• 2009 IRC – chapters 24-33

• Mechanical Code Board of Appeals
• 2009 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• 2009 IFGC
• 2009 IRC – chapters 12-24

• Community Development Advisory Committee
• 2009 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)