November 8, 2006 minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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Jim Sparkes, Bryan Wyatt, Kevin Chaney, Gary Mohr |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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None |
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GUEST PRESENT: |
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Bill Schweitzer, IAPMO |
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STAFF PRESENT:
EX-OFFICIO: |
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Adrian Jones, Building Inspector
Patrick O’Brien, Mechanical Inspector |
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Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.
After review Wyatt made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Seconded by Chaney, pass 4-0.
Discuss review of mechanical section of the 2006 IRC
Staff asked Sparkes if he would like to start with the discussion of the Chairman meeting to review the IRC to consider including the mechanical portions back into the IRC ordinance.
Sparkes stated that he thought that a member of the Building board would be present to talk about the IRC, he then asked Bill Schweitzer of IAPMO if anything had changed with the ICC/IAPMO joint venture since the last board meeting.
Schweitzer explained that IAPMO was still at the table and still willing to move forward, but that ICC had come back and wanted to change some portions of the agreement that had already been agreed upon by both parties.
Staff stated that there was a request by the City to look at the feasibility of leaving the mechanical portions of the IRC and making any appropriate amendments that would be needed.
Sparkes stated that he is not comfortable with the IRC and that he felt that the UMC is better.
Wyatt stated that he was in attendance at the trade board meetings and that the Building Board is needing to move forward and would like to not have to amend out the mechanical portions, he also stated that when you look just at the Uniform code individually he was for the UMC, but when the whole picture is shown with all the codes, it is not so clear to go with the UMC. The Building board is just requesting that the Mechanical board see if the mechanical can stay in the IRC.
Chaney stated that he thought that the board was getting close to the adoption of the 2006 UMC and once that was done, then take a look at the 2006 IRC.
Staff member Adrian Jones stated that the adoption of the IBC is not close because the blended code issue has not been resolved.
Chaney agreed. But asked if with the 2006 UMC, there were less issues compared to the 2003 UMC. Jones agreed. Chaney continued that since the review of the 2006 UMC is complete, to go ahead and finish with it and then review the IRC.
Jones stated that no board has begun working on the blended issues and it would take a long time to complete. Jones continued that since the code that regulates residential construction is so outdated that getting the IRC adopted would be quicker to do, and then get all the blended issues taken care of next. Jones asked that if the board were to look at the IRC and find what would need to be amended to adopt the mechanical portions of the IRC and then move along with it.
Chaney stated that he still has a problem with the ICC because he as a contractor can not call ICC with a code issue, he would have to call the City and have them call ICC to get an answer.
Wyatt stated that also with the energy code there are some performance measures that are covered in the IRC that would regulate the duct sizing better that what is in place now.
Both Sparkes and Chaney stated that they did not have a problem with reviewing the IRC.
Wyatt said the communication with the City had improved to where the code issues have not been so difficult to address as had been in the past. Since the codes are more intertwined and related so much more with each other that it is important to have open communication between the trades.
Staff stated that if the board were to review the IRC and come back and determine that there were certain things that needed to be changed, make a list of amendments and have it added to the IRC ordinance.
Jones stated that building and energy codes are highly interrelated with the mechanical code and the requirements of load calculations and energy efficiency are covered in the energy code. The energy code will require load calculations be provided by the contractor on all single family and commercial buildings.
Chaney stated that a contractor can put any kind of a calculation on a piece of paper and call it a load calculation, suggesting that it be an engineered stamped drawing.
Schweitzer stated that the jurisdiction can require a Manual J sheet showing the equipment and duct sizing for each house on the job site for the inspector.
Wyatt stated that requiring the “J Sheet” for the inspection, then what was on the “J Sheet” would be installed and the inspector would be able to verify it.
Schweitzer also stated that the IRC will work fine but it is more tailored for the builders and residential construction.
Mohr stated that the Uniform Code is written for commercial construction and should realize that there are two different sets of standards for residential and commercial construction.
Schweitzer disagreed with Mohr that there were separate standards for residential and commercial construction.
Mohr stated that the plumbing in his house would not be accepted on a commercial project.
Schweitzer stated that if the code is the code then it should be the same no matter what.
Mohr stated that there should be a separate code for residential construction such as the IRC.
Wyatt asked that the board at least take a look at the mechanical portions of the IRC, that it would not commit them to anything to review it. Wyatt asked that the board vote to look at the IRC.
Jones added two other items of importance for the Mechanical Board to discuss. The energy code requires R-8 duct insulation in unconditioned spaces, the Building Board will recommend to amend the provision to allow R-6 duct insulation if 50% of the duct system was covered with blown-in insulation. Also with the difficulty of requiring slab edge insulation, the Building Board will allow a 90% furnace in place of slab edge insulation.
Wyatt stated that his main concern on efficiency is making sure the ductwork is sized right from the beginning. He wants to make sure that the systems are performing correctly the same no matter who is doing the work.
Mohr asked that if the board decided to review the residential code and at a later date decide to adopt the Uniform code. That way there would be the residential code in place then the board could start looking at the Uniform Mechanical Code knowing the blended code process will take a long time. He suggested reviewing the residential and get it going unless there is some major problem.
Wyatt agreed that if getting the residential code moving would be easier for everyone then it should be done.
Chaney made a motion to review and return with comments to accept or deny the review process of the mechanical portions of the 2006 IRC. Seconded by Wyatt. Passed 4-0.
Select board member for Contractor Licensing Board
Mohr made a motion that the Chairperson be the member represented on the Contractor Licensing Board and use the Vice-Chair as the backup person. Seconded by Kevin. Passed 4-0.
Receive update regarding IAPMO and ICC joint venture
Staff stated that the joint venture has been dropped and until the two parties come back to the negotiating table.
Schweitzer stated that all parties involved were ready to merge and then ICC came back and wanted to renegotiate the terms and was not willing to budge on their new terms.
Miscellaneous
Sparkes asked staff about a meeting that he was invited to attend at City Hall. Staff did not know anything about it.
Motion to adjourn made by Wyatt, seconded by Chaney, passed 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.