Codes update, Vol. 7, no. 1 (Spring 2005)

Georgia Department of Community Affairs Construction Codes & Industrialized Buildings 60 Executive Park South, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329-2231

404-679-3118 www.dca.state.ga.us

Volume 7, Number 1 Spring 2005

2005 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
TASK FORCE
The 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC) Task Force is charged with reviewing the NEC, 2005 Edition, making recommendations regarding its adoption and to consider any proposed amendments to it. The first meeting was held March 15, 2005. Ted Miltiades, DCA Construction Codes and Industrialized Buildings Manager, called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. by welcoming and introducing task force members, Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Staff and all guests. Windell Peters, State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) Chairman, charged the task force with reviewing the 2005 Edition of the National Electrical Code. The task force membership which represents various interest groups is as follows: Danny Lundstrom, Chairman, representing the SCAC
Robert Cheek, Jr., Vice Chairman, representing the SCAC
Bob Barnard, Home Builders Association of Georgia (HBAG)
Michael Bean, Atlanta Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Hal Cosper, Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG)
Dwayne Garriss, (ex-officio non-voting), Georgia State Fire Marshal's Office
Doug Hansford, Building Officials
Charles McMurtrey, International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
Larry Wolfe, Georgia Apartment Association (GAA)
William Womack, American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
For the purpose of reviewing the code, the chapters were divided and assigned to task force members. There have been three task force meetings. To date, three amendments have been proposed, two by Dwayne Garriss. The tentative effective date of the 2005 NEC with any Georgia State Amendments is January 1, 2006.
If you have any questions or would like further information concerning this task force please contact Max Rietschier, DCA Staff and NEC Task Force Coordinator at 404-679-3104 or at mrietsch@dca.state.ga.us.
FLEX DUCT TASK FORCE
The State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) has formed a task force to investigate the problem of the use of flexible ducts in residential and commercial construction. The members of the task force are:

Barry Abernathy (Chairman), representing the Conditioned Air Contractors
Gregg Johnson, representing the Mechanical Engineers
Weldon Nash, representing the Home Builders Association of Georgia
Dave Lovich, representing the Insulation Industry
Charles Logan, representing the Building Officials
Tim Derrick, representing the Building Officials
Martin Hoover, representing the Conditioned Air Contractors
Windell Peters, SCAC Chairman, charged the task force with reviewing the proposed amendments to the installation of flexible duct in residential and commercial construction.
At the first meeting of the task force on March 30th, a presentation was given by Marvin Koerber of the Air Diffusion Council (ADC) and ATCO Rubber. He stated that the problems with flex duct are due to improper installation and not the flex duct. At the second meeting on April 14th a quorum of members was not present. A panel discussion was conducted to note the positions of various interested parties. A final report will be presented to the SCAC at the July 28, 2005 meeting. Any changes to the code will become effective January 1, 2006.
If you have any questions or would like further information concerning this task force please contact Walter Koch, DCA Staff at 404-679-4845 or at wkoch@dca.state.ga.us
STATE MINIMUM STANDARD CODES
AMENDMENT PROCESS UNDERWAY
At the January 27, 2005, State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) meeting, Chairman Windell Peters appointed the following members to the 2005 SCAC Subcommittee: Morgan Wheeler (Chairman), Tamara Gofman, William C. Lusk, Jim Vaseff and Tim Williams.
The subcommittee met on March 23 and reviewed a total of 19 proposed 2006 Georgia State Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes: 6 to the International Building Code (IBC) (all of which died for lack of motion), 4 to the International Residential Code, (IRC) (1 of which died for lack of motion, 2 of which were withdrawn and 1 of which was approved as revised), 3 to the International Plumbing Code (IPC) (1 of which died for lack of motion and 2 of which were approved) and 6 to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) (all of which were approved).
In a preliminary status/progress report of the subcommittee to the SCAC at its April 4 meeting, Chairman Wheeler announced a second meeting scheduled for May 25, at which 7 of the proposed amendments (5 to the IBC, 1 to the IRC and 1 to the IPC) which died for lack of motion will be re-reviewed.
In a final report of the subcommittee to the SCAC at its July 28 meeting, Chairman Wheeler will make recommendations based on the actions taken on the proposed amendments, after and upon which the SCAC will take an official vote. For more information regarding proposed amendments and the amendment process, contact Tate Holt, DCA Staff Representative for the 2005 SCAC Subcommittee, at (404) 679-3109 or tholt@dca.state.ga.us.

If you have any meetings that you would like to include in this newsletter, please contact the Construction Codes Section at 404-679-3118 or lmassey@dca.state.ga.us.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
JUNE
4 10 National Fire Prevention Association Conference and Exposition Las Vegas, NV 27-30 National Workshop on State Building Energy Codes Austin, TX
JULY
10-13 Georgia State Inspectors Association Jekyll Island, GA 14 Industrialized Buildings Advisory Committee Meeting @ DCA 20-22 Georgia International Association of Electrical Inspectors
Young Harris (Brasstown Valley Resort) 28 State Codes Advisory Committee Meeting @ DCA
SEPTEMBER
25 Oct. 2 International Code Council Annual Conference Detroit, MI

CODY SAYS
DCA will begin the process of adopting the 2006 Editions of
the International Codes (Building, Residential, Gas, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fire)
in the fall of 2005. The anticipated effective date
is January 1, 2007.

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

Department of Community Affairs www.dca.state.ga.us
EasyLiving Homecm Program www.easylivinghome.org
International Codes Council (ICC) www.intlcode.org
Building Officials Association of GA www.boagcodes.org

State of Georgia www.georgia.gov

DCA LAUNCHES REDESIGNED
WEBSITE
The DCA launched its new website (still located at www.dca.state.ga.us), which has been redesigned for content, appearance and navigability. To access the Construction Codes and Industrialized Buildings Section webpage, click on the "Construction Codes" link under the programs headings, which is located at the top of the page.
The Georgia State Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes, the Codes Update Newsletter and all other construction code related information may be downloaded from this link. For questions regarding the Construction Codes program on the webpage call 404-679-3118.

Q AND A
QUESTION:
How can I comply with the Georgia State Energy Code for Buildings?
ANSWER:
For Residential Construction, you can comply using any one of the (5) following methods: 1) REScheck software or trade off worksheet (available on the US Department of Energy website at: www.energycodes.gov) ; or 2) Chapter 4 approach of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2000 Edition with Georgia State Amendments ; or 3) Chapter 5 approach of the IECC 2000 Edition with Georgia State Amendments ; or 4) Chapter 6 approach of the IECC 2000 Edition with Georgia State Amendments ; or 5) "Single Step" Residential Energy Code Compliance (located in the Georgia State Amendments to the IECC 2000 Edition).
For Commercial Construction, you can comply using any one of the (4) following methods: 1) COMcheck software (available on the US Department of Energy website at: www.energycodes.gov) ; or 2) Chapter 7 approach of the IECC 2000 Edition with Georgia State Amendments (ANSI / ASHRAE / IESNA 90.1-2001) ; or 3) Chapter 8 approach of the IECC 2000 Edition with Georgia State Amendments ; or 4) "Single Step" Commercial Energy Code Compliance (located in the Georgia State Amendments to the IECC 2000 Edition).
SPRINKLERS INSTALLED IN RESIDENTIAL GARAGES
Recently DCA has received several requests for clarification regarding the following 2002 Georgia State Amendment to Section R309.2, Separation required, of the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (IRC), 2000 Edition: SECTION R309 GARAGES AND CARPORTS
*Add exception to Section R309.2 to read as follows: Section R309.2 Separation required. Exception: In garages protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, a separation is not required. (Effective January 1, 2002) In a memorandum to interested parties, DCA clarified the intent of the 2000 Georgia State Amendment to Section 309.2 of the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, 1995 Edition, which carried forward verbatim to become the current amendment. The following is excerpted from the memorandum: The intent of the exception is to allow the builder or owner to eliminate the gypsum ceiling by installing sprinkler heads within the garage compartment. A wall should separate the garage from the rest of the residence. Drive under parking areas not separated by a wall shall have the entire ceiling area protected by a minimum -inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board OR protected by a fire sprinkler system complying with NFPA 13D if adequate coverage cannot be provided with 6 heads or less. The modified system in garage compartments shall be a wet system connected to the domestic water supply and not exceed 6 heads. A State of Georgia Licensed Plumber is allowed to design and install this modified system. Licensed plumbers are also allowed to install a complete NFPA 13D system. The following sections of NFPA 13D should be used when installing sprinklers in a garage compartment:
Chapter 2 Water Supply, Sections 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. Chapter 3 System Components, Sections 3-3.1, 3-3.2, 3-3.3, 3-3.4, 3-3.5, 3-3.6 not including the exception, 3-3.7, 3-4.1, 3-4.3, 3-5.2,
3-5.2.1, 3-5.2.2, and 3-5.3. Chapter 4 System Design, Sections 4-1.1, 4-1.2, 4-1.2.1, 4-1.3, 4-1.4.1, 4-1.4.2, 4-1.5, 4-1.6, 4-2.3, 4-4.2, 4-5. Pendent and upright sprinklers
shall be positioned so that the deflectors are within 1 inch to 4 inches (25.4 mm to 102 mm) below framing or obstructions. Tables, 3-3.1, 3-3.2, 3-3.5, 3-3.7, 3-5.2.3. The amendment permits the installation of sprinkler systems consisting of six (6) heads or fewer and, if adequate coverage cannot be provided with six (6) heads or fewer, the installation of sprinkler systems consisting of more than six (6) heads. The requirements in NFPA 13D are the same for those consisting of six (6) heads or fewer and those consisting of more than six (6) heads. A modified system shall not exceed six (6) heads unless otherwise acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, and a system consisting of more than six (6) heads shall comply with NFPA 13D unless otherwise acceptable
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to the authority having jurisdiction. Methods of creating a garage compartment or separate compartments are subject to approval by the authority having jurisdiction.
It is important to note that the 1996 Edition of NFPA 13D that was referenced when the amendment was adopted and later clarified is still referenced in the current amendment by transference.
Under the Uniform Codes Act, final interpretation of the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes for construction ultimately lies with the local building official, i.e. the authority having jurisdiction.
FOAM BOARD PLASTIC BELOW GRADE
The Georgia State Minimum Standard One and Two Family Dwelling Code is the International Residential Code 2000 Edition with Georgia Amendments. The code addresses the use of foam plastics below grade in areas of "very heavy" termite infestation in Section R324.4 Foam Plastic Protection and R404.4.7.2 Termite Hazards, and includes exceptions permitting their use under certain circumstances, such as an approved method of protection. These provisions and exceptions were previously covered in this newsletter (Fall 2001). The subject of how the code applies to insulated concrete forms (ICF's) was recently reviewed and considered by the Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Commission (SPCC) and the State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) Subcommittee on Proposed Code Amendments in conjunction with a proposal to amend the code.
In response to an inquiry regarding the use of expanded polystyrene insulation, specifically manufactured with borates, as a method for protecting foam in an ICF below grade, the SPCC reviewed data regarding the effectiveness of borates in foam. In reviewing the data provided, the SPCC cited a study that appeared to indicate a significant failure rate for a borate formulation foam-board subjected to termite infestation and determined that it could not recommend its use. The SPCC also noted, however, that it did not have jurisdiction over this determination with respect to building codes.
As a result of the SPCC findings, an amendment to the code was submitted to the SCAC to eliminate the exception to the prohibition of foam use below grade (Section 324.4, Exception #2, and Section 404 Foundation Walls, R404.4.7.2, Condition #1) by approved methods of protection. In the SCAC hearing for proposed code amendments, on March 23rd, the SCAC Subcommittee heard from the Home Builders Association of Georgia, industry representatives from the Pest Control Association, the Insulating Concrete Form Association, ICF and borate industry members. After the discussion the proponent of the amendment withdrew the proposed change and the code remains as adopted with regards to the protection of foam below grade by approved methods.
There currently exist at least two published ICC Evaluation Reports that have been issued that recognize specific borate additives in foam plastic. ICC-ES 1006, for Perform Guard EPS, and ICC Legacy Report NER-515, for PolySteel ICFs. ICF foundation walls installed in accordance with Sections R404.4 through R404.4.11 that meet the exceptions outlined in Section 324.4 and 404.4.7.2, and have a product evaluation report acceptable to the code official may be approved. Should any additional evaluation reports become available related to the use of foam plastics below grade under the exceptions, they may be considered by the Authority Having Jurisdiction in approving the structures that utilize the method indicated. It is important to remember, however, that any code-compliant method for protecting foam plastic insulation below grade does not preclude the requirements for subterranean termite protection in accordance with Section R324.1 of the Georgia Amendments.

GEORGIA DEPT. OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 2005 QUESTIONAIRE
On September 1, 2005 the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Construction Codes and Industrialized Buildings Programs will be sending the 2005 Questionnaire for the Georgia Directory of Building Officials & Codes Enforcement to all building officials, building inspectors, code enforcement officials and building departments. The completion of this questionnaire by all building departments is highly important and will help this office better serve local jurisdictions.
ERRATA TO 2005 GEORGIA STATE
AMENDMENTS
Errata to the January 1, 2005, Georgia State Amendments to the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code (International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings), 2000 Edition, and January 1, 2005, Georgia State Supplements and Amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code, 2000 Edition, were recently published and are included herein (see purple inserts). They are also available online in .pdf format at www.dca.state.ga.us.

IB ANGLE
Re-Certification for Existing Buildings
Industrialized buildings that have been placed into service under one occupancy classification or use and at a later date the building's owner wishes to change the use of that building or he sells it to someone else who wishes to move the building to a new location, then that building, as with site built buildings, will need to be brought into compliance with current building codes for its new location, its new use or occupancy classification.
The building owner may use one of the following two methods to bring the building into compliance with current building codes for its new location, new use or new occupancy classification:
1. The building owner may obtain building permits from local code officials who have jurisdiction over the area where the building is located or will be located. He would then be able to perform all work on the building that is required to make it meet current building code requirements for its new location or its new occupancy classification. All inspections would be performed by local code officials. When all work required to bring the building into compliance with code requirements for its new location or its new occupancy classification is completed, local code officials would then issue a Certificate of Occupancy which certifies that the building meets building code requirements for its new location or its new use or occupancy classification.
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2. The building owner may apply to DCA to have his building undergo the re-manufacturing process to get his building re-certified for its new location or its new occupancy classification. The re-manufacturing process requires the building owner to choose a third party evaluation and inspection firm from DCA's list of approved firms. The building owner would then be required to provide plans and specifications of the building to the third party evaluation firm for review, and to provide access to any and all portions of the building for inspection, including concealed spaces. All items cited by the third party agency as not being in compliance with current building codes would have to be corrected by the building owner. All work on the building to correct non-code compliant items would be inspected by the third party agency. When all required work is completed, application may be made to DCA for re-manufactured insignias, which would certify that the building meets current building codes for its new location and/or occupancy classification.
IB ARTICLE
Identifying Components of Industrialized Buildings
There have been recent concerns raised by local jurisdictions regarding what Building and Permit Departments should look for when determining if a structure is an Industrialized Building or a HUD Manufactured Home.
There are two components that are placed in various locations inside of Industrialized Buildings by the manufacturer that are not applied to HUD Manufactured Homes.
I. Data Plates
As per the Rules of the Commissioner of Community Affairs Industrialized Buildings Program, Section 110-2-10-.13 Manufacturer's Unit Data Plate, the manufacturer must install a data plate on all Industrialized Buildings which must be mounted in a conspicuous location in the utility area or other approved location. The data plate will contain such information as the manufacturer's name and address, model identification numbers, state insignia numbers, construction codes and standards, design criteria and other pertinent information. The location of the data plate should be written on the submitted building plans or the applicant must provide the location information.
II. Insignia
As per Section 110-2-10-.01, Insignia Required, every new, remanufactured or construction site office industrialized building manufactured for sale in Georgia or in a state which has a reciprocal agreement with Georgia or an industrialized building manufactured for export from Georgia shall bear an insignia issued by the Industrialized Buildings Program. Each unit shall have an insignia assigned and affixed to the said unit prior to leaving the manufacturing plant or remanufacturing site, unless other authorization is obtained from the Industrialized Buildings Program. The insignia must also be located in a conspicuous location.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs Industrialized Buildings Insignia
If the industrialized building does not have an insignia or insignias and a data plate installed in the unit or units, the jurisdiction having authority can decline to allow the unit or units delivered into their perspective jurisdictions and request that the unit or units be returned to the dealer/ purchaser or manufacturer.
If you have any questions or need additional information contact John Watts at 404-679-5246 or Alonzo Allen at 404-679-3102 or by email at ib@dca.state.ga.us.

DCA TO BEGIN REVIEW OF 2006 INTERNATIONAL
CODES
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will begin the process of adopting the 2006 Editions of the International Codes in the fall of 2005. The process will include:
2006 International Building Code
2006 International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings
2006 International Fuel Gas Code
2006 International Mechanical Code
2006 International Plumbing Code
The 2006 International Fire Code will not be reviewed and will be adopted with any amendments submitted by the Safety Fire Marshal. The State Codes Advisory Committee (SCAC) will form five task forces to assist them in adoption of the new code editions. The effective date for the six new International Codes will be January 1, 2007.
PROFILE
Deborah J. Hamlin, Executive Officer, Building Officials Association of Georgia
Deborah began her career in the construction industry in 1980 when she obtained a job with the general contractor renovating the Dempsey Hotel in Macon, Georgia. That led to a position with a prosperous contractor in Atlanta; to follow with other general and subcontractors through the years until 1985, when she accepted the position as secretary for the "Engineering Department" of the City of Perry,
Georgia. However, this position did not only entail duties for the building official, Mr. Steve Howard at the time, but for the Utilities Department, Water Department, Wastewater Department, Public Works Department, Gas Department, Recreation Department; and Fire Department, which is where she met her husband who was the Fire Chief. Her involvement with BOAG began when she assisted Mr. Howard with his duties for the Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG) during his tenure on the Board of Directors.
In 1995, during Mr. Bill Chambless' tenure as the building official for the City of Perry, she made mention that BOAG could be bigger and better than what it was, as she had been a member since 1985 and that she could accomplish this goal if given the chance. Evidently he remembered her comments because on July 7, 1997, while Mr. Chambless served as President of BOAG, she took on the responsibilities as BOAG's Secretary/Treasurer of the Association. The Association consisted of 157 members at that time and she strived to increase that number with every avenue available. Today the Association has a total 386 members, which is a great accomplishment for BOAG and the industry as a whole.
Deborah no longer works in the code enforcement industry, other than with
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BOAG. She was promoted within the City of Perry as IT/GIS Manager in the year 2000, all the while providing BOAG services; but her commitment to ensuring that the code officials of Georgia have the communication they need is also a primary concern. Deborah has two children and four grandchildren.
Bobby McCurdy, Building Official, Dawson County Bobby is a Georgia native born in Duluth, Georgia and raised in Norcross. Over the years he has spent time in other states and countries but he has always returned to Georgia. His interest in construction began while he was still in high school. An uncle got him a summer job in the Plumbers Union and after graduation he joined Local # 72. In 1980 Bobby started McCurdy Plumbing Company in Dawsonville. In 1989 he took the job of Plumbing Inspector for Forsyth County. Bobby worked in Forsyth County for nine years and in that time was promoted to Building Official and got his first certification. Bobby has taught Plumbing Certification courses at Clayton State College since 1993. These are courses designed to help plumbing inspectors get their ICC certification. Bobby is currently working with Dawson County.

GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD CODES
January 1, 2005 On October 1, 1991, the Uniform Codes Act became effective in Georgia. On July 1, 2004, this Act was revised to make the following eight construction codes mandatory as the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes. Listed below are the code editions in effect as of January 1, 2005:

International Building Code International Fuel Gas Code International Mechanical Code International Plumbing Code National Electrical Code International Fire Code International Energy Conservation Code International Residential Code

2000 Edition 2000 Edition 2000 Edition 2000 Edition 2002 Edition 2003 Edition 2000 Edition 2000 Edition

All of the above codes have Georgia Amendments.

The Act requires local governments that elect to enforce codes within their jurisdictions to adopt administrative procedures and penalties to locally enforce any of these mandatory codes. Also, any applicable appendices of these codes must be adopted locally in order to be enforceable within a specific local jurisdiction.

The Act also made the following optional codes available for local government adoption and enforcement. Local governments choosing to enforce either of these optional codes must adopt the code(s) they wish to enforce, as well as administrative procedures and penalties.

International Property Maintenance Code International Existing Building Code

2003 Edition 2003 Edition

Chapters 11 (Energy), 25 through 32 (Plumbing) and 33 through 42 (Electrical) are all deleted from the International Residential Code. Therefore, the International Energy Conservation Code, the International Plumbing Code and the National Electrical Code also apply to One and Two Family Dwellings.

If you need assistance in establishing or updating a construction codes enforcement program in your area, please contact DCA's Construction Codes Program at (404) 679-3118.