CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
Subject:
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS TO DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE WITH THE IECC
Approved:
Scott V. Prisco, AIA, Building Official
Number:
IECC Sections R101.5.1,
R103.2, C101.5.1, C103.2 and
C408.2.4
Reference:
Provisions
Effective Date: April 25, 2016
Revised August 24, 2016
Page: 1
of 5
IECC Residential Provisions, IRC Chapter 11, and IECC Commercial
Scope: The provisions of this policy outline the specific construction document submittal
requirements needed for residential and commercial projects to document compliance with the
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
Policy:
All construction document submittals for either residential or commercial projects must include the
following information on the construction documents that are submitted for plan review in order to
document how the project is complying with the IECC requirements, depending on if the project is
a residential or a commercial project. Where a building has a mixture of residential and
commercial uses, the appropriate section of the IECC shall apply, and submittals are required as
appropriate for the portion of the mixed use building.
The below information should be used as a guide to indicate the minimum amount of information
that must be provided on the construction documents to determine IECC compliance. This does
not take the place of the specific applicable provisions within the IECC that may apply to a
particular project.
Residential Provisions of the IECC
A. Applicability
The residential provisions of the IECC apply to new residential buildings which the code
defines as detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses) as well as Group R-2, R-3 and R-4 buildings three stories or less in height
above grade plane.
New work involving alterations, change of occupancy, renovations or repairs must comply
with the requirements of Chapter 5 as noted in Section R501. Unconditioned additions, such
as sunrooms, separated from the existing building by building thermal envelope assemblies
are exempted from complying with the building envelope requirements.
B. Methods of Compliance
The code addresses the design of energy-efficient building envelope (consisting of
roof/ceiling, walls, floors, foundation assemblies that surround the conditioned space) and the
selection and installation of energy efficient mechanical, lighting and service water heating
systems. The code allows for three methods to document compliance with the IECC.
1. Method 1 (Prescriptive)
The simplest and the most direct, requires compliance with IECC Sections R401 through
R404/IRC Sections N1101.14 through N1104. This includes all the prescriptive and
mandatory requirements.
2. Method 2 (Simulated Performance Alternative, IECC Section R405/IRC Section N1105)
This method in IECC Section R405/IRC Section N1105 requires all mandatory
requirements in IECC Sections R401 through R404/IRC Sections N1101.14 through
N1104 to be met.
3. Method 3 (Energy Rating Index, IECC Section R406/IRC Section N1106)
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
Subject:
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS TO DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE WITH THE IECC
Approved:
Scott V. Prisco, AIA, Building Official
Number:
IECC Sections R101.5.1,
R103.2, C101.5.1, C103.2 and
C408.2.4
Effective Date: April 25, 2016
Revised August 24, 2016
Page: 2
of 5
This method in IECC Section R406/IRC Section N1106 requires all mandatory
requirements in IECC Sections R401.2, R403.5.3, and R406/IRC Sections N1101.2,
N1103.5.3 and N1106 to be met.
C. Information to be Provided on Construction Documents
Construction documents shall be drawn to scale, and shall be of sufficient clarity to show
pertinent data and features of the building, systems and equipment as governed by the IECC
(as well as the International Residential Code and others that may apply). Details shall
include, but are not limited to, the following as applicable. The plans must clearly indicate
which of the three compliance methods is being used within the required code analysis
section, and then include the appropriate information for the chosen compliance method.
Plans must also show all applicable information per IECC Section R103.2/IRC Section
N1101.5.
1. Method 1 (Prescriptive)
The information in points (a) and (b) can be summarized in tables on the plans, and the
remaining information can be captured on the drawings in schedules, notes, and other
supplementary tables or calculations. Alternately, provide a copy of REScheck
calculations. The submitted REScheck form shall show all of the following specific
information: orientation of each individual wall; insulation types, R-values and whether
they are continuous or cavity; accurate square footage; and accurate window and door
sizes and the specific wall in which they are located, along with the U-factor. The
REScheck must be incorporated directly on to the plans (not stapled).
a. Exact location of the building thermal envelope shall be marked out on the plans,
details, and cross-sections. Thermal envelope shall meet the requirements of
IECC Sections R402.1.1 through R402.1.5/IRC Sections N1102.1.1 through
N1102.1.4.
b. Provide all insulation R-values or U-factors, materials, and locations to be
installed (walls, ceilings, cantilever floors, floors over garage, crawl space,
basement walls, etc.) per IECC Tables R402.1.2 or R402.2.6/IRC Tables
N1102.1.2 or N1102.2.6 for steel-framed construction. This information shall be
captured on the Residential Energy Compliance Certificate.
c.
Provide all fenestration U-factors for all glazing for each window and door per
IECC Table R402.1.4/IRC Table N1102.1.4 (schedule supplied by designer).
d. Provide details on how all areas listed in IECC Section R402.4.1.1 (table)/IRC
Section N1102.4.1.1 will be protected against air leakage.
e. Indicate if crawlspace(s) are conditioned or vented – exposed earth in unvented
crawl spaces shall be covered with a Class I vapor retarder with overlapping
joints taped/sealed.
f.
Indicate duct insulation R-values – insulation not required if ductwork is
completely within the building thermal envelope.
g. Indicate duct sealing methods per IRC or IMC.
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
Subject:
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS TO DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE WITH THE IECC
Approved:
Scott V. Prisco, AIA, Building Official
Number:
IECC Sections R101.5.1,
R103.2, C101.5.1, C103.2 and
C408.2.4
Effective Date: April 25, 2016
Revised August 24, 2016
Page: 3
of 5
h. When new HVAC equipment will be provided, the customer must provide the
ACCA Manual J calculation package for the HVAC Equipment Sizing to
accompany the construction documentation.
2. Method 2 (Simulated Performance Alternative, IECC Section R405/IRC Section N1105)
If this method is chosen, a compliance report per IECC Section R405.4.2.1/IRC Section
N1105.4.2.1 must be submitted to accompany the construction documents to include all
requirements noted in that section.
Upon completion of the building, a compliance report based on the as-built condition of
the building shall be submitted to the Building Official before a certificate of occupancy is
issued. The compliance report must include all requirements outlined in IECC Section
R405.4.2.2/IRC Section N1105.4.2.2.
3. Method 3 (Energy Rating Index, IECC Section R406/IRC Section N1106)
Verification of compliance with IECC Section R406/IRC Section N1106 shall be
completed by an approved third party. Compliance software tools shall generate a report
that documents that the Energy Rating Index (ERI) of the rated design complies with
IECC Sections R406.3 and R406.4/IRC Sections N1106.3 and N1106.4, and the
compliance report shall meet all requirements outlined in IECC Section R406.6.2/IRC
Section N1106.6.2. This compliance report must accompany the construction
documentation.
D. Required Certificate to be Posted per IECC Section R401.3/IRC Section N1101.14
Certificate
As required in IECC Section R401.3/IRC Section N1101.14, a permanent certificate shall be
completed by the builder or registered design professional and posted on a wall in the space
where the furnace is located, a utility room or an approved location inside the building. The
certificate must be posted by the time of the project’s final inspection, and shall use the
included Energy Compliance Certificate for posting.
Commercial Provisions of the IECC
A. Applicability
The commercial provisions of the IECC apply to any new commercial buildings with
conditioned space and to any residential building four stories and above in height above the
grade plane.
For additions to, remodel/alterations to, repairs of, and change of occupancy or change in
use of an existing commercial building, see IECC Chapter 5 CE Existing Buildings which lists
specific requirements and exemptions. A COMcheck (IECC or ASHRAE 90.1) interior
lighting compliance certificate will be required if 10% or more of the existing lighting will be
replaced during a renovation. Be advised that exterior lighting compliance certificate must
also be submitted.
B. Methods of Compliance
The code addresses the design of energy-efficient building envelope (consisting of
roof/ceiling, walls, floors, foundation assemblies that surround the conditioned space) and the
selection and installation of energy efficient mechanical, lighting and service water heating
systems. The code allows for three methods to document compliance with the IECC. The
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
Subject:
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS TO DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE WITH THE IECC
Approved:
Scott V. Prisco, AIA, Building Official
Number:
IECC Sections R101.5.1,
R103.2, C101.5.1, C103.2 and
C408.2.4
Effective Date: April 25, 2016
Revised August 24, 2016
Page: 4
of 5
plans must clearly indicated which of the three compliance methods is being used, and then
include the appropriate information for the chosen compliance method.
1. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1
2. IECC Prescriptive Path
This method requires compliance with Sections C402 through C405 and C406. Tenant
spaces shall comply with C406.1.1.
3. IECC Total Building Performance Path
This method requires compliance with Sections C402.5, C403.2, C404, C405.2, C405.3,
C405.4, C405.6 and C407. The building energy cost shall be equal to or less than 85
percent of the standard reference design building.
C. Information to be Provided on Construction Documents
Construction documents shall be drawn to scale, and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate
the location, nature and extent of the work proposed, and show in sufficient detail pertinent
data and features of the building, systems and equipment as governed by the IECC. The
plans must clearly indicate which of the three compliance methods is being used within the
required code analysis section, and then include the appropriate information for the chosen
compliance method.
Separate energy code compliance drawing sheets containing compliance
documentation are required, which shall be uniquely identified.
1. Code analysis information for IECC Compliance – indicate which compliance method is
being used on the required code analysis sheet
a. 2015 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2013
b. If 2015 IECC is chosen, indicate which sub-compliance method will be used
i. Indicate whether the project will comply with the Prescriptive Path (C402
through C406), or Total Building Performance Path (C407)
ii. Indicate if Air Barrier Details are provided (and if so where they can be
found) or if there will be a building pressure test
iii. For the IECC Prescriptive Path, indicate which Additional Efficiency
Package is chosen per C406
c.
If ASHRAE 90.1-2013 is chosen, indicate which sub-method will be used
i. Prescriptive Path (Section 5.2.1) or Energy Cost Budget Method (Section
11)
2. Provide the applicable information per C103.2
3. Depict the building thermal envelope, if applicable, per C402 on the separate energy
code compliance drawing sheet
4. For projects using either of the IECC compliance methods then the plans must indicate
the requirements of C408.3.2 on the separate energy code compliance drawing sheet
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
Subject:
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS TO DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE WITH THE IECC
Approved:
Scott V. Prisco, AIA, Building Official
Number:
IECC Sections R101.5.1,
R103.2, C101.5.1, C103.2 and
C408.2.4
Effective Date: April 25, 2016
Revised August 24, 2016
Page: 5
of 5
5. Provide an energy analysis for the building design (software printout showing energy
compliance which must be included on the separate energy code compliance drawing
sheet, not stapled) based on the chosen compliance method. There are energy
compliance software options, but the construction documents must include separate
energy code compliance drawing sheet(s) that includes this information. The software
used must be a Department of Energy (DOE) approved software from one of the
following options:
a. COMcheck published by the DOE based on the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 for
the prescriptive path,
b. COMcheck based on the 2015 IECC for the prescriptive path; inspection
checklists shall be provided with the separate energy code compliance drawings
sheet(s), or
c.
Other DOE approved/sponsored software based on the 2015 IECC or ASHRAE
Standard 90.1-2013.
6. Identify if the project requires commissioning.
a. IECC requires commissioning for mechanical systems and service water-heating
systems identified per Section C408.2, and lighting systems per amended
Section C408.3 (see 2016 Denver Building Code Amendments). ASHRAE 90.1
requires commissioning for all lighting systems, and for HVAC systems in
buildings greater than 50,000 square feet (6.7.2.4). A Preliminary
Commissioning Report will be required for these projects as explained in Item E
below.
D.
Documentation Required Prior to Release of Permits
If System Commissioning is required per C408 or ASHRAE 90.1, prior to the issuance of any
permits for a project subject to compliance with Section C408, a letter must be provided to
the Permit Counter staff at COMMCON permit issuance that includes the following
information to ensure that the system commissioning will be provided by either a registered
design professional or approved agency per Building Code Policy IECC Section 202.
1. Project address
2. General contractor name
3. Name of the individual (if known) and/or company that will provide the system
commissioning and whether they are a registered design professional or an “approved
agency”. If it’s identified that the person or company is an “approved agency”, then the
letter must indicate which of the qualifications per Building Code Policy IECC Section 202
are met to qualify them as an “approved agency”. If it is a registered design professional,
please provide their specialty and license number.
4. The letter shall be signed and dated by the project developer, owner or authorized agent.
E. Documentation Required Prior to Final Building Inspections
A Preliminary Commissioning Report, per amended Section C408.2.4, must be provided to
the code official by the building owner or owner’s authorized agent prior to the building, or
portions thereof, being considered acceptable for final inspection pursuant to amended
CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER
COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING PERMIT POLICY
Subject:
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS TO DOCUMENT COMPLIANCE WITH THE IECC
Approved:
Scott V. Prisco, AIA, Building Official
Number:
IECC Sections R101.5.1,
R103.2, C101.5.1, C103.2 and
C408.2.4
Effective Date: April 25, 2016
Revised August 24, 2016
Page: 6
of 5
Section C104.2.6. This Preliminary Commissioning Report must contain the Commissioning
Compliance Checklist per Building Code Policy IECC Section C408.2.4.
END OF DOCUMENT
Encl. #1 Energy Efficiency Certificate of Compliance for projects subject to the Residential
Provisions of the IECC
ENERGY EFFICIENCY CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
Address:
Permit Number:
City and County of Denver
Residential Compliance Path (only one shall apply)
☐ Prescriptive R
☐ Prescriptive UA
☐ Performance
Component Values
Building Envelope Air Leakage: ____________________ Air Changes
Per Hour (Max 3, unless building meets amended IRC Section
N1102.4.1.2/R402.4.1.2 Exception 2)
☐ ERI
☐ Prescriptive U
Duct System Air Leakage: ____________ cfm per 100sf
Post Construction Testing ☐
Rough-in Testing ☐
Ceiling R or U-value: __________
Heating System Efficiency: ______________
Wood Frame Wall R or U-value: _________
Cooling System Efficiency: ______________
Mass Wall R or U-value: ___________
Water Heating Efficiency: ______________
Floor R or U-value: ___________
Basement Wall R-value: _______________
Slab R-value: ____________
Crawl Space R-value: ________________
Crawl Space R-value: ____________
Gas Fired Unvented Room Heater: ☐
Fenestration U-value: ___________
Electric Furnace: ☐
Skylight U-factor: ___________
Baseboard Electric Heat: ☐
Ducts Outside of Thermal Envelope R-value:
Supply R-8 ☐
Other R-6 ☐
Signature
I certify the information contained on the certificate is true and complete:
Builder/Designer (print name): _________________________________ Signature of Builder/Designer: _________________________________
Date: ______________________________
The 2015 IECC requires a certificate, listing the energy conservation measures, be posted as outlined at the time of the project’s final inspection per Section
R401.3.