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New Residential Energy Standards Affect Plancheck and Inspection Process

The California 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards were adopted by the State of California and took effect on October 1, 2005. Projects submitted on or after October 1, 2005 are subject to these standards. The Residential Standards apply to all low-rise residential occupancies, including single family homes, duplexes and other housing types with three or fewer habitable stories.

Documentation for proposed compliance method shall be submitted with the plans, and shall be incorporated as part of plans. In order for the plans examiner and/or field inspector to verify compliance with the residential standards, the significant features and installation criteria for full compliance shall be documented on the plans. Compliance may be demonstrated by:

á         The latest version of an approved computer program

á         Prescriptive Package Compliance

Unless proposed work is for unconditioned space, or is exempt from permit by CBC Section 106.2, it shall comply with the standards. Such projects shall include, but may not be limited to:

  • Window replacements
  • Appliance replacement(s)
  • Additions
  • Interior remodels
  • Conversions
  • New construction of conditioned buildings

Significant revisions to the mandatory measures for lighting within a building have been made, including:

á         50% of the lighting wattage in kitchen to be supplied by fluorescent fixtures

á         Any non-fluorescent fixtures in kitchen to be switched separately

á         Documentation of compliance required by completed residential kitchen lighting form (WS-5R)

á         Fluorescent lighting in bathrooms, garages, laundry rooms and utility rooms or substitution of occupancy sensors

á         Fluorescent lighting in other rooms, or substitution of dimmers and/or occupancy sensors

á         Outdoor light fixtures to be high efficacy or controlled by a photocontrol/motion sensor control

á         Fixtures recessed into insulated ceilings to be rated for insulation contact (IC-rated) and rated airtight (AT)

Electrical drawings shall incorporate these features as part of the electrical plan and within the electrical symbol legend.

The "Special Features" section of energy documentation shall be reviewed carefully for any special compliance requirements. General and/or sub-contractor(s) shall complete appropriate sections of CF-6R forms during the construction process to demonstrate compliance with energy compliance documentation criteria for:

  • Window installation, u-values and SHGC values
  • Water heater installation and insulation of distribution system
  • HVAC installation, duct insulation, HERS rater testing
  • Ceiling, Wall and Floor Insulation
  • Lighting fixture installation in compliance with Mandatory Measures

Two copies of this completed documentation shall be provided to the field inspector at the time of final inspection. One will remain on jobsite for inclusion in the homeowner's manual and the other will become a part of the projectâs permanent record with the Building and Safety Division.

General contractors have a responsibility to provide a "Homeowners Manual" containing the information needed to operate the home in an energy efficient manner, including the following energy forms: CF-1R (Certificate of Compliance), MF-1R (Mandatory Measures Checklist, and the CF-6R (Installation Certificate).

Any questions regarding requirements and implementation of the revisions to the energy standards should be addressed by talking to your energy consultant, or if your project is within the Town's jurisdiction, contact the Town of Truckee Building and Safety Division at (530) 582-7820.