Building Consistency Meeting
Residential
Date: 11/4/09 Recorder and minutes prepared by: Tim Taylor/Jeff Griffin/Gene Morton
Staff present: Eddie Prince, Gene Morton, Jeff Griffin, Harold Sinclair, Steve Kellen,
George Rogers, Morton Robins, Steve Pearson, Rob Bock, Ron Dishman, Dave Ries,
Tim Taylor, Ron Featherstone, Russ Fischer, Andrew Demaury, Randy Newman, Walt
Nash, Ralph Vernon, Greg Walsh, Patrick Biddy, Ken Turull, Don Sprinkle, TW
Anthony, Steve Honeycutt, Mike Creech.
Public present: Greg Sloan (Ryland Homes); Dave Reynolds (Bldrs, 1st source);
David R. Schwieman (DR Schwieman, Inc); Wayne Carter (J&B Development); Jason
Whitener (Southern Tradition Homes); John Meeks (Apple Blossom Insulators);
Daniel McBride (Cunnane Group); Darek Burns (Essex Homes); Bob Mckee (Ryland
Homes); Adam Kuhn/Robert Rampersad (Soto Construction).
Topics/Subject
Decisions/Conclusions/Actions
Old
Business
2012 Code
update
The next Code version is underway and some work has been completed,
a short review of those items was discussed to include the following:
30% increase in energy efficiency of the home
Garage separation requirements increasing
Sprinkler systems moving forward for townhouses, houses
currently on hold
Carbon monoxide detectors being added to the Code
New
Business
Combustion
air/mechanical
rooms
Recent issue concerning mechanical equipment rooms in residences has
come up; this is related to combustion air for these gas appliances. In
the picture above there is a HVAC boot in the ceiling line that is open to
the attic to bring in air in addition there will be a grilled or register in
the wall to draw air from habitable space. Although this will meet the
mechanical code it would be in violation of the residential code and
break the thermal envelop by bringing in air from the attic that
communicates to this room and into the rest of the house. This room
would have to be insulated to include the floor, if on the 2nd or 3rd floor
level, and the grille through the wall would not be allowed.
Subgrade
verification
form
Issue came up in regards to alteration to the Department’s subgrade
verification form, this form can only have its letter head information
modified the required information within the body of the form cannot be
modified, an example of a modification recently received is shown
below with the correct form that is available from our website
(www.meckpermit.com) also shown, subgrade forms are required on all
fill lots and any site that tested poorly per inspectors instructions.
Wood stove
installation
Issue was brought up as to who would enforce wood burning stoves
when installed. This is covered by section 1005.1 of the NC residential
code and would be enforced by building inspectors.
R1005.l General. Factory-built fireplace stoves consisting of
a freestanding fire chamber assembly that have been tested and
are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory shall be
installed in accordance with the requirements of said listing
and the manufacturer's instructions The supporting structure
for a hearth extension shall be at the same level as the supporting
structure for the fireplace unit of the firebox opening on or
near the floor The inlet shall be closable and designed to prevent
burning material from dropping into concealed combustible
spaces
Detached
fireplace and
clearances
Question asked about a detached fireplace having to meet the residential
code. Under section 101.2 scope and the definition for accessory
structures a detached fireplace/chimney doesn’t have to meet the code
however there is a concern about what is detached and the safe
termination of a chimney close to a house. If a chimney is not against a
structure (siding or structures cladding is run between the chimney),
footing is independent from structure and the termination point of the
chimney complies with R1003.9 of the code, it shall be considered as a
detached accessory structure exempt under the NC Residential code.
R1003.9 Termination. Chimneys shall extend at least 2 feet (610 mm) higher than any
portion of a building within 10 feet, but shall not be less than 2 feet (610 mm) above the
highest point where the chimney passes through the roof.
Pool barriers
with existing
fencing
Question asked about using an adjacent property owner’s fence to meet
part of the pool barrier requirements of the code. As long as the
neighbors fence is compliant with the barrier requirements of the code it
can be used, if this fence is ever removed it would be the responsibility
of the pool owner to install another compliant barrier in its place per
appendix G.
Sheathing
inspection
Question was asked as to what is inspected during a sheathing
inspection. Sheathing inspections are optional for builders that would
like to move forward with their exterior cladding prior to full framing
but recent concern has been what has to be in place for viewing related
to windows and doors. Inspector will check wraps (secondary barriers),
flashing, bolt on lintels and window/door installation during a sheathing
inspection. All windows and doors have to be set (at least the frames) at
time of sheathing inspection.
Builder
certificate
Question was asked about the need for an address to be on the new
required builder certificate. Section 1101.8 doesn’t require the address
to be on the label just the information indicated below shall be on a
permanent label. The follow up question was related to what is
permanent, noting that standard paper will not work for that application.
Information needs to be produced on a sticker or heavier card stock that
will last and posted accordingly.