SUBJECT: An ordinance adopting the City of Houston Residential Energy Conservation Code based on the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code, along with local amendments.
RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) Approve an ordinance to adopt and modify the updated City of Houston Residential Energy Conservation Code to include local administrative provisions, coordinate with local ordinances and construction practices, conform with Texas state law, and comply with the minimum provisions and adopted regulations associated with the Texas State Energy Conservation Office.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: The City of Houston Residential Energy Conservation Code is updated periodically to adopt newer versions of nationally promulgated codes which are then amended to meet local standards. The 84th Texas Legislature (2015) adopted revisions to Chapter 388 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, pursuant to which the State of Texas has adopted the energy efficiency chapter of the International Residential Code as it existed on May 1, 2015, as the energy code in this state for single-family residential construction not more than three stories above grade effective September 1, 2016. Accordingly, all local jurisdictions must comply with the new energy code by September 1, 2016. A 30 day period will be allowed for the codes to take effect after adoption by City Council in order to provide ample time for industry to prepare. State law requires at least a minimum of 30 days prior to enactment. Timely adoption of this code is further recommended because the City is under review from the Insurance Services Office which will provide a grade pursuant to the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule based on current codes, among other items. This grade affects the City’s insurance rates with regard to how well the City can mitigate against natural hazards. The Houston Fire Department and the City’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program are also affected by this grade.
The proposed adoption of the residential provisions of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), along with the local amendments thereto, will continue to set the minimum energy standards for residential buildings located on private property. These standards protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
The IECC is published by the International Code Council. The IECC regulates energy efficiency for residential construction, along with the administrative provisions for enforcement. The IECC is the nationally recognized energy code adopted in most U.S. jurisdictions. As noted above, as of September 1, 2016, the minimum adopted standard for energy efficiency for single-family residential construction in the State of Texas is the energy efficiency chapter of the 2015 International Residential Code. The City of Houston Residential Energy Conservation Code is in compliance with the 2015 International Residential Code minimum standards. The local amendments to these codes would set up certain administrative policies and procedures as well as modify other base code principles to be more applicable to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Houston.
The proposed amendments were reviewed and recommended by the Energy Committee of the Construction Industry Council during a series of meetings, and the amendments were posted on the City of Houston website for public comment. The amendments include clearly specifying local design conditions, adding an air barrier requirement, and expanding solar ready requirements for new construction.