Residential
Land Use and Environmental Service Agency
(Code Enforcement)
November Q&A 2010
General:
1.
(Q) What must be in place for the Energy Star inspection?
(A) Headers for direct vent fireplace must be in place as well as all the windows
and the house must be in the dry.
2. (Q) Do deck handrails have to meet the requirements of Section 311.5.6.2?
(A) Yes. Deck handrails must terminate at a newel post or be returned.
3. (Q) Does each townhouse have to meet the energy code for exterior walls at the party
wall?
(A) Yes. Each townhouse is a standalone unit and the walls between units must
be insulated as an exterior way.
4. (Q) What options are there for ground water vapor retarder in a sealed crawl space?
(A) There are two options available, use a 6 mill poly over 100% of the crawl
floor or a liner system with taped joints and extended up the wall. Both are
not required.
5. (Q) Does Dow foam insulation sheathing meet the requirements of Section R703.2 for
water resistive barrier?
(A) Yes, if the joints are taped per their ESR report from ICC.
6. (Q) What must be done if a header is located more than 3’-0” from a trimmer joist
bearing?
(A) Per Section R502.10 the trimmer joist must be doubled even if the header
can be a single.
7. (Q) When must an existing house be brought into compliance with Section 313.2.1 for
smoke dectors.
(A) When a building permit is required for interior work. The smoke detectors
only have to be hard wired if sheetrock is removed on ceilings and walls.
8. (Q) When is an attic access required?
(A) It is required when there is an attic space with 60” head room for an area
exceeding 100 SF.