Codes update, Vol. 13, no. 1 (Spring 2011)

Georgia Department of Community Affairs Construction Codes & Industrialized Buildings 60 Executive Park South, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329-2231 404-679-3118 www.dca.ga.gov Volume 13, Number 1 Spring 2011

2011 Energy Code Training Workshops
Statewide training for the new Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code is now available. The 3 types of workshops offered include Residential, Commercial and Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier Training (e.g. Blower Door and Duct Blaster Testing). These workshops are made possible with funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in partnership with Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), Southface Energy Institute and Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Southface Energy Institute is providing the training for these workshops which are being coordinated through DCA. This training is intended to teach building inspectors, architects, engineers, general contractors, homebuilders, HVAC tradesmen, insulation contractors and others about the new 2009 International Energy Conservation Code with 2011 GA State Supplements and Amendments which became mandatory and effective statewide on January 1, 2011.
For a current schedule of workshops and how to register, visit DCA's webpage at http://www.dca.state.ga.us/development/ConstructionCodes/ programs/EnergyCodeTrainingWorkshops.asp. Additional information about the training offered is also available at Southface's webpage at http://www. southface.org. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact Traci Turgeon, DCA Workshop Coordinator, at 404-679-3118 or traci.turgeon@dca.ga.gov.

administrative practices and the plan review and onsite evaluations of 44 randomly chosen statewide new commercial buildings and additions for compliance with ASHRAE 90.1-2007.
DCA assigned a Compliance Working Group to help locate the required random sample population buildings and to make recommendations regarding the results of the study. The Compliance Working Group is comprised of various important stakeholders representing both the public and private sectors, e.g. state and federal energy agencies, architects and engineers, general contractors and building officials, as well as, various construction industry and trade associations.
The Compliance Working Group has met 3 times so far and has been very instrumental in helping the DCA and the third party independent evaluators (B & F Technical Code Services) locate and complete the 44 required plan reviews and on-site random building evaluations. Due to this cooperative effort, DCA is pleased to announce the results of the data collected for the pilot study currently shows the statewide compliance rate is 80%. This establishes the initial baseline that is necessary to assure an overall statewide compliance rate of 90% by 2017.
A final report with the findings of the pilot study for commercial new buildings will be sent to the DOE and SEEA in June. The Commercial Compliance Working Group will stay on and continue its work to complete another Compliance Evaluation Pilot Study for commercial building renovations which will be conducted from June through December. While simultaneously another new Residential Compliance Working Group will be established to conduct an additional but separate compliance evaluation pilot study for both residential new buildings and renovations.
The local jurisdictional survey is still currently underway through June. Participation in the survey is crucial, and it comes with key benefits: energy code training for local personnel, design professionals, contractors and tradesmen, and the chance to identify areas for code improvement and the need for additional resources to support code compliance initiatives.

If you have any questions about the compliance evaluation pilot studies,

please contact the DCA construction codes office at 404-679-3118 or

constructioncodes@dca.ga.gov.

Update on the Energy Code Compliance

Evaluation Pilot Study

Question: When do the new Georgia State

Energy Code requirements for Duct and

Envelope Tightness Testing (e.g. Blower

door and Duct Blaster Tests) become

mandatory and effective for all residential

Georgia was recently selected by the US Department of Energy (DOE)

construction in Georgia?

Building Energy Codes Program (BECP) in partnership with the Southeast

Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) to participate in a "State Energy Code Compliance Evaluation Pilot Study. This study is to assist the state and the construction industry with meeting the DOE requirement for all commercial buildings to be at least 90 percent in compliance with the new Georgia State Energy Code and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 by 2017 as required by the assurances of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

Answer: The implementations of the Duct and Envelope Tightness Testing requirements (e.g. Blower Door and Duct Blaster Tests) have been delayed until July 1, 2011. The DCA has issued a waiver to delay the enforcement of the Testing provisions required by Section 402.4.2.1 and Section 403.3.3 of the 2011 Georgia State Energy Code Supplements and Amendments and to allow the option of a visual inspection. The delay shall be for a time period not to exceed 6 months from the date that the new code and amendments

The pilot study consists of a survey of local jurisdictional energy code

became effective on January 1, 2011.

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DCA REVIEWED THE 2011 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE (NEC)
The State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) formed the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) Task Force which held three meetings on April 21, May 5 and May 11, 2011. The Task Force reviewed the 2011 NEC and four proposed amendments submitted by Task Force members and other Interested Parties. The Task Force will recommend adoption of the 2011 NEC with no amendments. The recommendations of the Task Force will be presented to the SCAC at the July 21, 2011 meeting. The 2011 NEC will become effective on January 1, 2012.
If you would like further information contact Max Rietschier, DCA Staff, at 404-679-3104 or max.rietschier@dca.ga.gov
2011 SCAC CODE AMENDMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
The 2011 SCAC Subcommittee, which was tasked with reviewing the proposed amendments to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes for construction, met on May 11, 2011. Mr. Tim Williams, Chairman of the Subcommittee, will present the final report and recommendations to the State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) at the July 21, 2011 SCAC meeting. There were a total of 7 approved amendments recommended for adoption; of these 7 amendments; 6 were to the International Residential Code and 1 to the International Fuel Gas Code. If adopted by the SCAC and approved by the DCA Board, the amendments will become effective January 1, 2012. If you have questions or would like a copy of the approved proposed amendments of the Subcommittee, please contact Max Rietschier, SCAC Subcommittee Coordinator, at 404-679-3104 or max.rietschier@dca.ga.gov.

DCA awarded HUD grant to develop new Disaster Resilient Building Codes Appendix
The Department of Community Affairs has recently been awarded a grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop a new disaster resilient building codes (DRBC) Appendix. The DRBC Appendix will be an optional appendix that local governments may adopt through local ordinance. A task force of stakeholders will be appointed to review specific construction code provisions relating to hurricane and flood resistant construction and recommend revisions to improve the disaster-resilience of houses and buildings. The expected outcome of this task force is to produce an appendix for the state minimum requirements for disaster-resilience and make this appendix available for adoption in all disaster prone areas. After the approval of the recommendations from the task force, the state will develop and conduct a comprehensive training for code enforcement officials on the importance, implementation and enforcement of disaster-resilient building codes. This training will be focused on specific counties in order to ensure the effective implementation of disaster-resilient codes in those areas impacted by the 2008 Presidentially Declared Disaster areas in Georgia. For more information or to be placed on the interested parties list, contact Max Rietschier at 404-679-3104 or max.rietschier@dca.ga.gov.
Web sites of Interest

Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Test Equipment Loan Program
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) will implement a Duct Envelope Tightness (DET) Test Equipment Loan Program very soon. GEFA will provide contract funding for one or two statewide organizations to purchase Blower Door and Duct Blaster Testing equipment which will be made available for rent by any certified DET Verifiers who wish to perform the DET Blower Door and Duct Blaster Tests. For additional information about the DET Test Equipment Loan Program and to find a rental office in your area, please visit the GEFA website at www.gefa.ga.gov, the DCA website at www.dca.ga.gov. Or, contact the DCA Construction codes office at 404-679-3118 or constructioncodes@dca.ga.us.
MARK YOUR 2011 CALENDAR

Department of Community Affairs www.dca.ga.gov EasyLiving Homecm Program www.easylivinghome.org International Code Council (ICC) www.iccsafe.org Building Officials Association of Georgia www.boagcodes.org

JUNE
12-15 NFPA Conference and Exposition Boston, MA

JULY
10-14 20-22
21 25-28

Georgia State Inspectors Association St. Simons Island, GA
Georgia International Association of Electrical Inspectors Dublin, GA
State Codes Advisory Committee Meeting @ DCA
National Workshops on State Building Energy Codes Salt Lake City, Utah

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

4-7

U. S. Green Building Council Toronto, Canada

20

Industrialized Buildings Advisory Committee @ DCA

30-6 International Code Council Annual Conference and Final Action Hearings - Phoenix, AZ

If you have any meetings that you would like to include in this newsletter, please contact the Construction Codes Program at 404-679-3118.

Georgia General Assembly www.legis.state.ga.us State Fire Marshal www.gainsurance.org Southface Energy Institute www.southface.org
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State of Georgia www.georgia.gov National Association of Home Builders www.nahb.com National Fire Protection Agency www.NFPA.com

The modular building manufacturer may not be able to test the complete duct system on some of its buildings at the rough-in stage of construction, but it is advisable that each manufacturer develop a plan or a strategy for implementation of these new testing requirements.
FEMA Safe Room Training

On Tuesday, May 31, 2011 Governor Nathan Deal signed a proclamation declaring May 2011 as Building Safety Month in Georgia. The theme of Building Safety Month is "Commemorating a 30-year Legacy of Leadership" to raise awareness of building safety and to encourage individuals to take steps to improve our structural environment. Pictured front row left to right:

As a result of the April tornado events, FEMA in conjunction with DCA will offer training opportunities on Safe Rooms or Safe Refuge during high winds events. Below you will find a synopsis of the two courses that will be available.

Windell Peters, SCAC member; Cherri Watson, Georgia Branch, AGC

Evaluating Buildings for use as Safe Rooms

Director of Safety, Education & Workforce Development; Ted Miltiades, DCA Attendance is limited to 30 people

Director of Construction Codes and Industrialized Buildings; Governor

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Nathan Deal; Morgan Wheeler, Past President Region 8 ICC and SCAC Member, Patricia Wheeler, Mayor Stone Mountain, Georgia and Ron Anderson, Director of GA Plumber's Trade Association. Back row left to right: Max Rietschier, DCA, Lead Building Code Consultant; Bill Towson, DCA, Building Codes Consultant, and Ryan Taylor, taylor28design LLC, AIA Georgia

The one-day training course focuses on the evaluation of proposed areas or buildings for use as community safe rooms or areas of last resort if they do not meet the FEMA 361 criteria. The target audience is building inspectors, code enforcement officials, building design professionals and emergency managers. The course provides background on safe room design and construction issues and reviews the use of the Extreme- Wind Refuge Area

Evaluation Checklists provided in Appendix B of the revised FEMA 361.

IB ANGLE:

Implementation of Envelope and Duct Testing Requirements for Modular Buildings
The State of Georgia adopted the 2009 Edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with supplements and amendments that became effective on January 1, 2011.

After a brief review of tornado and hurricane wind hazards, the instructors will discuss FEMA 361 design criteria, and focus on and present checklists and tools for building evaluations. Students will have the opportunity to complete a case study by evaluating a potential safe room structure while using the FEMA 361 Appendix B checklists. This workshop includes a field exercise where participants use evaluation checklists from FEMA 361 to walk through a facility to score and select refuge areas. If you have any questions, please contact Mi'Yata Johnson, Risk Reduction Specialist at GEMA 404-635-4573.
To register for the course go to:

The new envelope testing

https://training.gema.ga.gov/TRS/logon.do

requirement will affect the modular

LOCATIONS

building set-up contractor in the

University of Georgia-Monday, June 27th

same manner that it will affect

Tate Center

site-built contractors, since the test cannot be performed until construction

Athens, GA

of the building has been completed.

Dalton State College-Tuesday, June 28th

The new duct testing requirement may affect the modular set-up contractor Brown Center, Room 105

much differently than it will affect the contractor that builds on site. The big

Dalton, GA 30720

difference between the two is that the contractor that builds on site can test the complete HVAC duct system at the rough-in stage of construction. If the test reveals that the duct system needs additional work, that work can be performed prior to the installation of drywall and the cover-up of any portion of the duct system. Where-as, with modular buildings, it is the manufacturer's decision whether or not to perform duct testing on the HVAC

Gordon College- Thursday, June 30th New Nursing Building, Room 117 NAHS Barnesville, GA 30204
Extreme Wind Safe Room Guidelines Time: 1 hour

duct system during the manufacture of the building.

This presentation provides an introduction and overview of the guidance

Buildings made up of a single module can have its ducts tested at the rough-in stage of construction if the HVAC unit has also been installed. However, most factory built buildings consist of more than one module. It would be difficult for a manufacturer to perform tests on the duct system of a building with two or more modules at the rough-in stage of construction. As a preventative measure, some testing could be done on some portion of the

provided in FEMA 320 Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business and FEMA 361 Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms. The presentation focuses on design criteria, testing criteria, and flood hazard information. It also includes information on operational and human factors, and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance for safe rooms.

duct system before the system is covered by wall board.

Slide handouts will be provided. FEMA 320 is provided.

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PROFILE CORNER

(GACE), ICC Region 8, Georgia State Inspectors Association (GSIA), Northeast Georgia Inspectors Association (NEGIA), North Georgia Code Officials Association (NGCOA), Georgia Association of Floodplain Managers (GAFM), and the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM).
Ringo currently chairs the BOAG Certification Committee, serves on GACE's Certification Committee, and recently served on ICC's International Swimming Pool and Spa Code Drafting Committee.
Ringo stands behind the "Silent Defender" nomenclature for all code officials and believes all code officials should be included in Public Safety. "We are the ones working behind the scenes defending your safety, making buildings safe for all to enjoy. Safe buildings do not happen by chance." We are the invisible Public Safety Officials. We all are the "Silent Defenders" of Public Safety.

2011 Legislative Session:

HB 223 exempts farm buildings from building codes:

The bill from Rep. Rick Jasperse (R-12th) provides a clear definition of a "Farm Building or Structure" and exempts such buildings from the state minimum standard building
codes. HB 223 has passed both chambers and was signed by Governor Deal on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

As the Building Official of White County, Ringo McCollum oversees the day-to-day operations of the Building Inspections, Code Enforcement and Soil Erosion Departments. In addition to White County, Ringo also oversees the building plan reviews and fire inspections for the City of Cleveland as well as the building plan reviews, construction inspection activities and property maintenance inspection activities for the City of Helen.
Although a native of Dalton Georgia, Ringo spent most of his childhood growing up in Grand Rapids Michigan. His interest for architecture began at a very young age during a visit to Fallingwater, a masterpiece house designed by Architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Upon graduation from high school with a scholarship in Architecture, his passion for architecture began by landing him a job with Kirkman & Associates, Architects, in Dalton Georgia. Ringo enrolled into the Architectural Engineering program at Southern Technical Institute in Marietta, Georgia.
While attending Southern Technical Institute, Ringo gained employment with the Martin Organization, Architects, in Sandy Springs. At the Martin Organization, Ringo assisted in the design of residential projects, both single and multi-family; one of Ringo's major accomplishments during his employment with the Martin Organization was the design of the many apartment complexes of Atlanta's Post Properties.

THESE BILLS WILL BE SEEN AGAIN NEXT SESSION:
HB 93 provides a definition for new term "Code Enforcement Officer":
This legislation from Rep. Tom Taylor (R-79th) changes the term "Code Inspector" to "Code Enforcement Officer" and amends the definition to "any person employed by a county or municipality who has enforcement authority for health, safety or welfare requirements and is authorized to issue citations or file formal complaints regarding the same."
SB 186 Consolidation of Fire Safety Services in Georgia Act:
The bill from Sen. Jeff Mullis (R-53rd) will establish the Department of Fire Safety by consolidating the State Fire Marshal's Office, the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council and the Georgia Fire Academy. A new Fire Safety Commissioner will be appointed by the Governor. This department will also create a new 13 member board called the Fire Safety Advisory Board. Specifically, Manufactured Housing Codes will now fall under the purview of the new department.

Ringo later established his own architectural design business, Architechniques, specializing in the design of single-family dwellings in Cartersville. Ringo's designs were highly inspired by Architect Michael Graves. Ringo eventually moved his business to Dalton and in 1998 took a job with the City of Dalton's Building Inspections Department. During his employment with the City of Dalton, Ringo began his ICC certification quest. Ringo has received the highest of ICC certifications, Master Code Professional. In 2005 Ringo was offered and accepted the position of Building Official for White County.
Ringo has played a major part of the North Georgia Code Officials Association including serving as President, which inspired him to form the Northeast Georgia Inspectors Association in 2008. Ringo currently serves as President for the Northeast Georgia Inspectors Association. Some of Ringo's other involvements in code enforcement include maintaining memberships in the International Code Council (ICC), Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG), Georgia Association of Code Enforcement
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Always use the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Construction Codes and Industrialized Building webpage to find the
most current happenings with regards to the State of Georgia Building Codes. Using the link below will allow you to view current code editions in effect and also give you all contact information needed for assistance.
http://www.dca.ga.gov/ development/ConstructionCodes/ index.asp

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY PLUMBING FIXTURES AND COOLING TOWERS
(SB 370 - Effective on July 1, 2012)
1. Requirements for high efficiency plumbing fixtures. On or after July 1, 2012, in accordance with O.C.G.A. Section 8-2-3(a), the installation of high efficiency plumbing fixtures are required in all new construction. This includes both residential and commercial installations.
Note: The requirements for high efficiency plumbing fixtures resulted from Senate Bill 370 which was enacted into State law in July 2010 with a delayed effective date of July 1, 2012.
2. Definitions of High Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures:
Single flush water closet. A single flush water closet or toilet, including gravity, pressure assisted, and electro-hydraulic tank types, which the average flush volume does not exceed 1.28 gallons and is listed to the WaterSense Tank-Type High Efficiency Toilet Specification. Single flush toilets shall also comply with the flush volume testing requirements of ASME A112.192/CSA B45.1-2008 or ASME A112.19.14-2006.
Dual flush water closet. A dual flush water closet or toilet which the average flush volume of two reduced flushes and one full flush does not exceed 1.28 gallons and is listed to the WaterSense Tank-Type High Efficiency Toilet Specification. Dual-flush toilets shall comply with the flush volume testing requirements of ASME A112.19.2-2008 and ASME A112.19.14-2006.
Urinal. A urinal and associated flush valve that uses no more than 0.5 gallons of water per flush and is listed to the WaterSense Specification for Flushing Urinals. Urinals shall also comply with the flush volume testing requirements of ASME A112.19.2/CSA 45.1.
Nonwater urinal. A urinal that discharges into the sanitary drainage system but is not supplied by a water distribution system. Non-water urinals shall conform to ASME A112.19.3 CSA/ B45.4 or A112.19.19/CSA B45. Where non-water urinals are employed, they shall be cleaned and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions after installation and have a properly sized water distribution line roughed-in to the urinal location at a minimum height of 56 inches (1,422 mm) to allow for the installation of an approved backflow prevention device in the event of a retrofit. Note: Nonwater urinals are not required to be WaterSense listed.
Lavatory faucet or lavatory replacement aerator. A lavatory faucet or lavatory replacement aerator that allows a flow of no more than 1.5 gallons per minute at a pressure of 60 pounds per square inch and is listed to the WaterSense High Efficiency Lavatory Faucet Specification.

toilets or water closets shall have an average flush volume that does not exceed 1.28 gallons. Flushometer valves are not required to be WaterSense listed. However, Flushometer (pressure assist) toilets or water closet tanks must be listed to the WaterSense Tank-Type High Efficiency Toilet Specification.
4. Sale of non-high efficiency toilets or water closets. After July 1, 2011, in accordance with O.C.G.A. 8-2-3(j), the sale of a gravity tank type, flushometer valve or flushometer tank toilet or water closet that uses more than an average of 1.28 gallons of water per flush is prohibited in Georgia.
5. High Efficiency Cooling Towers. On or after July 1, 2012, high efficiency cooling towers are required in all new construction (commercial use). A cooling tower means a building heat removal device. Cooling towers shall comply with ASHRAE 90.1-2007 as adopted and amended by the Department.
6. Waiver for exemption to the requirements of high efficiency plumbing fixtures. On or after July 1, 2012, in accordance with O.C.G.A. Section 8-2-3, counties and municipalities are permitted to adopt an ordinance which shall provide procedures and requirements to apply for an exemption to the requirements of subsection (c) of this Code section, relative to new construction and to the repair or renovation of an existing building, under the following conditions:
1) When the repair or renovation of the existing building does not include the replacement of the plumbing or sewage system servicing toilets, faucets, or shower heads within such existing building;
2) When such plumbing or sewer system within such existing building, because of its capacity, design, or installation, would not function properly if the toilets, faucets, or shower heads required were installed;
3) When such system is a well or gravity flow from a spring and is owned privately by an individual for use in such individual's personal residence; or
4) When units to be installed are: a. Specifically designed for use by person with disabilities; b. Specifically designed to withstand unusual abuse or installation in a penal institution; or c. Toilets for juveniles
DCA is currently in the process of amending the State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code (2006 IPC) to include the SB 370 new requirements for high efficiency plumbing fixtures and cooling towers. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact DCA Construction Codes Office at 404-679-3118 or constructioncodes@dca.ga.gov.
For more information about the EPA WaterSense Program, visit: http://www. epa.gov/WaterSense/. A copy of SB 370 with the new state law requirements for high efficiency plumbing fixtures and cooling towers is available for downloading from the Georgia General Assembly's website located at: http://www1.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/versions/sb370_SB370_ APP_8.htm.

Kitchen faucet or kitchen faucet replacement aerator. A kitchen faucet or kitchen replacement aerator that allows a flow of no more than 2.0 gallons of water per minute. Note: Kitchen faucets or kitchen faucet replacement aerators are not required to be WaterSense listed.

Shower head. A shower head that allows a flow of no more than the average of 2.5 gallons of water per minute at 60 pounds per square inch of pressure. Note: Shower heads are not required to be WaterSense listed.

WaterSense. A program of the United States Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) designed to identify and promote water efficient products



and practices.

3. Requirements for flushometer valves and tanks. On or after July 1, 2012, flushometer valves and flushometer tanks for commercial type

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Atlanta Gas Light to begin Installing BRC FuelMaker's CNG Fueling Appliances: Information for Local Inspectors
Something your jurisdiction may see installed in the near future something your inspections department may never have seen before is the BRC FuelMaker's Home Refueling Appliance (HRA) and Vehicle Refueling Appliance (VRA) for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles.
Recently a number of alternative fueling technologies have been emerging, including CNG vehicles. BRC FuelMaker currently distributes, installs and services their HRA and VRA appliances through a network of dealers like Atlanta Gas Light. The BRC FuelMaker System is the established benchmark for HRAs and VRAs with 94 international patents and a state-of-the-art patented natural gas compressor that can be installed almost anywhere.
Phill is the first natural gas refueling appliance that lets people fuel their CNG vehicle over a period of time (Time Fill) at the rate of about 0.4 gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) per hour either indoors or outdoors from the convenience of their own home. VRAs are targeted for small to medium sized fleets of commercial vehicles, in-plant vehicles such as forklifts and ice cleaners, and other specialty vehicles. The FMQ-2-36 VRA fuels one vehicle at the rate of about 1 GGE per hour or two vehicles at the rate of about GGE per hour each. It can also be combined with storage vessels to enable fueling over approximately the same period of time (Fast Fill) as liquid fuels.
The Phill and VRA are certified as appliances by CSA and carry the CE mark. The installation and other code requirements of CNG fueling equipment is covered by NFPA 52; Chapter 10 specifically covers home

fueling installations such as the Phill. Installation is also covered by the manufacturer's installation instructions.
The first installation by Atlanta Gas Light will be in the near future with others to follow.
If you have any questions about the BRC FuelMaker Phill or VRAs, please call Andrea Lanier Papageorge at Atlanta Gas Light: 404-584-3756.

Home Refueling Appliance (HRA) or "Phill"

Vehicle Refueling Appliance (VRA) FMQ-2-36

Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed two SCAC members to serve on the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors.
Morgan D. Wheeler Sr., SCAC Chairman was appointed as Vice-Chairman to the General Contractors Licensing Board - Morgan retired after 27 years of service from DeKalb County Planning & Development as Manager of
Inspections. He currently serves as Building Official of Walton County Planning & Development. He serves as chairman of the State Codes Advisory Committee of the Department of Community Affairs and as a member of the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Morgan is certified by the International Code Council as a building official.
William "Bill" L. Duck, Jr., SCAC member was appointed to the Residential Contractors Licensing Board - Bill is the building official and Director of Inspections and Code for the Columbus consolidated government. A certified building official, plans examiner and building inspector, Bill served four years as a board member for the International Code Council. Before working with ICC, Bill served on the board of directors of the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). Bill was president of SBCCI during the consolidation of the three model code groups and has served on numerous committees for both SBCCI and ICC through the years. The Building Officials Association of Georgia selected Duck as Building Official of the Year in 1991 and presented him with the President's Award in 2003. In 1996, the National Association of Home Builders recognized Bill as Code Official of the Year. Also, he has served the Georgia Department of Community Affairs as a member on the State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) since its inception in 1991.

CODES AND INDUSTRIALIZED BUILDINGS
60 Executive Park South, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2231 www.dca.ga.gov
The main telephone and fax numbers for the Codes and Industrialized Buildings Section are: 404-679-3118 404-679-0646 (Fax) Email: constructioncodes@dca.ga.gov
Staff:
Ted Miltiades, Director, Office of Construction Codes and Industrialized Buildings, 404-679-3106 Email: ted.miltiades@dca.ga.gov
Max Rietschier, Consultant, 404-679-3104 Email: max.rietschier@dca.ga.gov
Bill Towson, Consultant, 404-379-3109 Email: bill.towson@dca.ga.gov
Traci Turgeon, Energy Code Projects Coordinator, 404-679-3118 Email: traci.turgeon@dca.ga.gov
John Watts, Consultant, 404-679-0617 Email: john.watts@dca.ga.gov
Austin Hackney, Energy Code Compliance Coordinator, 404-679-3127 Email: austin.hackney@dca.ga.gov
GEORGIA AMENDMENTS MAY BE DOWNLOADED DIRECTLY FROM THE WEBSITE!

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Mr. Max Rietschier, Consultant Office of Construction Codes and Industrialized Buildings Georgia Department of Community Affairs 60 Executive Park South, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2231 Via e-mail: max.rietschier@dca.ga.gov

February 17, 2011

RE: Section 402.4.3 of the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code

Greetings Max,

This is in reply to our telephone conversation yesterday, during which you posed a question regarding interpretation of the 2009 IECC relative to Section 402.4.3 and the phraseology, "wood-burning fireplaces" having "gasketed doors". Our answer follows:
To be clear, Section 402.4.3 addresses "wood-burning fireplaces," as derived from Code Change EC64-07/08, Part I (AM). In the supporting reason to this proposal, the conditions for adding the language were to address indoor air quality matters and concerns for energy savings derived from minimizing air leakage through fireplaces during periods of non-use.
Since certain UL-127 "factory-built" fireplaces are listed and labeled to burn wood, and the installation of gaskets would violate conditions of their listing; we interpret this reference to "wood-burning fireplaces" to mean "masonry fireplaces" constructed in accordance with the International Building CodeSection 2111 or International Residential CodeSection R1001, and NOT "factory-built" fireplaces manufactured in accordance with the International Mechanical CodeSection 903 or IRCSection R1004. Our rationale is derived from the confusion with respect to requirements for "gasketed doors" and concerns over conditions for product listing.
Worth noting here, is that there are numerous ways to minimize air leakage through fireplaces during periods of non-use without requiring gasketed doors. For example, there are several low emission units considered part of the EPA Cleaner Burning Fireplace Program which are "tightly sealed," yet do not utilize gasketed doors.
Accordingly, and solely for "factory-built fireplaces," we recommend pursuing relief from the proviso for "gasketed doors" administratively vis--vis IECC Sections 101.3 ("...this code is not intended to abridge safety...requirements contained in other applicable codes or ordinances.") and 102.1 ("...provided that such construction [or] design...has been approved by the code official as meeting the intent of this code.").
We hope this electronic-mail response answers your question in full. The above opinion is based solely on the information which you have provided. We have made no independent effort to verify the accuracy of your submitted information nor have we conducted a review beyond the scope of your question. Remember that only the code official has the authority to interpret the code, and that the opinions of ICC Staff are only advisory.
Thank you for your inquiry,

Darren B. Meyers, PE, CEM, GBE Technical Director Energy Programs

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