City Council Study Session Agenda and Packet 2012 08 28

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PAGE TWO SUBJECT: UPDATE /DISCUSSION — BUILDING CODE BOARD OF APEALS (BCBOA) DATE: AUGUST 28, 2012 townhouses. Council did adopt more restrictive sprinkler requirement for multi - family residential and commercial buildings. Once again, the BCBOA and City Council will need to decide, or not, to amend the 2012 IBC and eliminate the sprinkler requirement for single family homes and townhouses. Above Code Energy Conservation - When the City of Louisville moved from the 2003 IBC to the 2009 IBC, there was a 30% increase in energy efficiency. To move from the 2009 IBC to the 2012 IBC, staff estimates another 12 to 15% increase in efficiency. There is a requirement in the International Energy Conservation Code that would not only require the 15% increase; but the code would mandate the builder choose an additional item that would increase the efficiency an additional 15 %, for a total of 30 %. The International Green Construction Code — The Green Construction Code is a new code from the ICC available for adoption this year. There are many enforcement questions raised with this new code. The BCBOA invited the chairman of Louisville Sustainability Committee - Andy Johnson; Louisville Planning Commission Member - Steve Brauneis; and the Historic Preservation Commission Chair - Peter Stewart to the July meeting to discuss Green Building Codes. Mr. Johnson attended with communications from the other two. Staff also invited the State's leading regional energy and code expert, Shaunna Mozingo, to present contents of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code and the International Green Construction Code. After the discussion, the BCBOA voted to withhold a recommendation on a Green Building Code until the City of Louisville 2012 Comprehensive Plan is complete and City Council can provide clear policy direction to the BCBOA regarding green building practice within Louisville. Staff anticipates there will be an energy component to the 2012 Comprehensive Plan. Advantages and disadvantages of adopting a green building code are presented below. Advantages of adopting the 2012 IBC: • Positive impact on ISO rating (homeowner's insurance rating); • Continue to stay current with code cycle; • Be a leader in code adoption in the state and front range; and, • Staying current with national trends. Disadvantages: • Financial impact; cost of books and training for staff and board $10,000 - $15,000; • Possible increase cost of construction; • Falling behind national trend. The Building Code Board of Appeals is seeking discussion from the City Council concerning these issues. 6