2015 Minnesota Building Code Update RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE

2015 Minnesota Building Code Update RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE ENERGY CODE RADON CODE MECHANICAL and FUEL GAS CODE

Codes Adopted 2015 Building Code including the 2012 International Residential Code became effective January 24, 2015

Codes Adopted The 2015 MN Mechanical Code and Fuel Gas Code became effective January 24, 2015

Codes Adopted • The 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and Radon Code MN Rules 1303. 2400 will be effective on February 14, 2015

Where Can I Purchase the Code? TO PURCHASE CODE BOOKS: Minnesota’s Bookstore http: //tinyurl. com/k 8 gtejs (651) 297 -3000 or 1 - 800 -657 -3757 International Code Council (ICC) http: //shop. iccsafe. org/codes/state-and-localcodes/ minnesota. html (701) 931 -4533

Where Can I Find the Code? TO VIEW CODES ONLINE FOR FREE: Visit www. dli. mn. gov/ccld/codes 15. asp to view the codes.

What Will BE Discussed Today? • 2012 IRC and MN State Amendments • 2015 Radon Control System • 2015 Energy Code (2012 IECC) and MN State Amendments • 2015 Mechanical Code and Fuel Gas Code

2012 International Residential Code and MN State Amendments • Changes from the 2006 IRC • MN Amendments to the 2012 IRC

R 202 & R 310 --Window Sill Height A MN amendment is now included in the IRC that defines the sill height of a window as: “The lowest part of the window opening of an operable window measured from the finished floor” Sill height

Table 302. 1(1) Exterior Walls Projections: 1 hour fire-resistance-rating is required on underside projections (eave over hang) from 2’ to 5’ from the lot line

Exterior Walls in Dwellings with Sprinklers- Table R 302. 1(2) A reduction in the distance to the lot line can be taken in a building that has sprinklers installed; the distance can be reduced to three(3) feet and openings do not require protection at three(3) feet or greater

Townhome Fire Resistance Separation R 302. 2 Exception: Townhomes can be separated by a common 1 -hour fire-resistive-rated wall tested in accordance ASTM E 119 or UL 263 • No plumbing, mechanical, ducts, or vents can be in the wall cavities • Fire rated for exposure from both sides and extend tight against the exterior walls and roof sheathing • Electrical boxes penetrating the membrane must installed per R 1302. 4

R 305 Ceiling Heights and Stairway Headroom Ceiling Height requirements depend on: • Main floor-new construction • Basement- new construction • Existing Basement- alteration Stairway Headroom requirements depend on: • New or Existing Buildings

R 305 Ceiling Heights and Stairway Headroom • Main floor-new construction -7’ ceiling height • Basement- new construction -7’ ceiling height in habitable areas minimum. • Basement non-habitable area, halls, bathrooms and laundry rooms may have 6’-8”ceiling height; projections in those areas may be a minimum of 6’ 4” (beams, girders, ducts) • Existing Basement- alteration-6’-4” ceiling height and 6’-4” stairway headroom

R 310. 2. 2 Window Well Drainage All window wells must now be designed for proper drainage. They must either be connected to the foundation drainage system or drain by alternate approved method

R 312. 2 Window Fall Protection • Window sills must be less than 72” above the exterior surface OR • the lowest portion of the window opening must be a minimum of 36” above the finish floor. Operable portions of the window shall not allow the passage of a 4 -inch sphere to pass through if the openings do not meet the above requirements.

R 312. 2 Window Fall Protection Exception #2: Openings not meeting the previous requirements must be provided with window fall prevention device complying with ASTM F 2090

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Sprinklers are required in: • All attached dwellings (townhomes) • All two-family dwellings • One-family dwellings over 4500 sq. ft. in floor area. Includes all floors and basement EXCLUDES garages, decks, and open porches Floor Area is measured from the inside of the exterior perimeter walls

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Fire sprinklers systems are not required when additions or alterations are made to existing buildings that do not have fire sprinklers installed.

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems The sprinkler system must be designed to meet: *NFPA 13 D Standard *IRC Chapter 2904 **Fire Sprinkler Plans must be submitted at the time of building permit application when a building is required to be sprinklered**

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Sprinkler System types: Stand-Alone System A designed sprinkler system that is a separately piped system

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Multipurpose System: A designed sprinkler system that is combined with the domestic water supply piping

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Stand-Alone System: • Designed to NFPA 13 D or IRC Section 2904 • Installed by a licensed fire sprinkler installer • Plans submitted to and permit is issued by the Rochester Fire Department • Inspections conducted by the Rochester Fire Department

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Multipurpose system • Designed to NFPA 13 D or IRC Section 2904 • Installed by a licensed plumber who is trained/certified by manufacturer of the multipurpose system • Plans submitted and permit issued by Rochester Building Safety as part of the plumbing permit • Inspections will conducted by Rochester Building Safety as part of the plumbing inspection

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Plan submittals must include: • Address • Size, type, and length of water service piping • Current static water pressure • Room layout • Model, manufacturer, temperature, orifice size, and spacing sprinkler heads • Type of system piping • Hanger spacing per pipe manufacturer • Riser detail • Installing contractor information • Hydraulic calculation

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Multipurpose System Inspections: • Rough-in inspection in conjunction with plumbing piping system before covering. A Flow Test may be conducted at this time* • Rough-in/insulation inspection to verify piping in attic is protected from freezing • Final inspection to verify design requirements. A Flow Test may be conducted at this time* *The system manufacturer may require a flow test to verify proper flow design

R 313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Fire sprinklers systems are not required when additions or alterations are made to existing buildings that do not have fire sprinklers installed.

R 314. 5 Interconnection of Smoke Alarms Physical interconnection of smoke alarms is not required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon the activation of one alarm.

R 315 Carbon Monoxide Alarms are required in every onefamily, two-family dwelling, and townhome that: • Contains a fuel fired appliance • Has an attached garage Alarms must be installed within 10’ of each sleeping room and on every level containing a sleeping room Single station CO alarms must be listed as complying with UL 2034

Table R 402. 2 Compressive Strength of Concrete All footing concrete mix must have a compressive strength of 5000 psi. The 5000 psi concrete mix resists water and vapor transfer

R 405 Foundation Drainage “Drains shall be provided around all concrete and masonry foundations that retain earth and enclose habitable or usable space located below grade. Drainage tiles, gravel, crushed stone drains, and perforated pipe or other approved system or materials shall be installed at or below the area to be protected and shall discharge by gravity (daylight) or mechanical means (pump)to an approved drainage system . . . “

R 405 Foundation Drainage “Mechanical Means” is a properly installed sump piped to an exterior drainage system (yard) at the final inspection. Water powered pumps can not be the primary pump.

R 406 Foundation Walls Waterproofing All foundation walls enclosing usable space and retaining earth, including crawl spaces must waterproofed. Energy Code Section (RE) R 402. 1. 1 requires waterproofing to extend over the top of the wall to the interior of the foundation wall or provide a full width closed -cell foam material seal between the top of the foundation wall and sill plate

R 501. 3 Fire Protection of Floors All floor assemblies shall be provided with ½” gypsum wall board, 5/8” wood structural panel, or equivalent on the underside of the floor members.

R 501. 3 Fire Protection of Floors Exceptions: • Floors over an area protected by a sprinkler system • Floors over a crawl space not intended for storage • An aggregate unprotected floor area less 80 sq. ft. and fire blocked around the perimeter of the unprotected area. Fiberglass batts can used as fireblocking • Wood floor assemblies using dimension or structural composite lumber 2”x 10” nominal dimension or greater

R 507 Decks IRC Tables R 507. 2 Specifies deck ledger to band joist fastener spacing. NOTE: This table refers to a 2” nominal solid sawn spruce-pine-fir band joist

R 507 Decks Figures R 507. 2. 1(1) Placement of lags and bolts in ledgers

R 507 Decks Table R 507. 2 which prescribes the fastener spacing for a deck ledger into 2” nominal solid sawn S-P-F band joist ; foot note “f” indicates when pressure preservative deck ledger is attached to minimum 1” engineered product the ledger attachment shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practices or manufacturer’s recommendations must be followed

R 507. 2. 3 Decks Deck lateral load connectors must be installed in two locations on a deck. The lateral load connectors must have a design capacity of 1500 pounds. See Figure R 507. 2. 3

R 903. 2. 1 Kick-out Flashings Kick-out flashings must have a 2 ½” leg on the roof. If the roof covering and siding are replaced; kick-out flashings must be installed. 2 ½” leg R 703. 2 Water resistant barriers shall over lap all flashings not less than 2 inches

R 903. 2. 1. 1 Kick-out Flashings Kickout Flashings must be installed when an existing building is reroofed and resided simultaneously.

MN Rules 1303. 2400 Radon Control System

MN Rules 1303. 2400 Radon Control System Passive Radon Control Systems Apply to the following residential occupancies: • One & Two Family Dwellings • Townhouses & Condominiums • Apartment Buildings • Multi-story & Mixed Occupancy Buildings that include residential occupancy • Any addition to an existing dwelling that currently has an a radon control system

MN Rules 1303. 2400 Radon Control System A passive radon control system is not required in additions and alterations to existing buildings unless the building required a system at the time it was permitted

MN 1303. 2400 Radon Control System A radon control system must be provided in the previous occupancies if: • If there is a basement slab or wood floor in contact with earth • If there is a crawl space within the building’s conditioned space • Slab on grade construction • Any building configuration that allows radon gas to enter the dwelling unit

MN Rules 1303. 2400 Radon Control System What can be used as a gas permeable under slab material? 1. A uniform 4” layer of clean aggregate, the aggregate must pass through a 2” sieve and be retained by ¼” sieve 2. A uniform 4” layer of sand overlain by a layer or strips geotextile drainage matting designed to allow the lateral flow of soil gases 3. Other professionally engineered materials, systems, or floor systems designed to provide depressurization under the soil gas membrane. **THE CURRENT ALTERNATE RADON DESIGN ACCEPTED BY BUILDING SAFETY IS NOT A PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED SYSTEM AND IS NOT APPROVED UNDER THIS CODE**

MN Rules 1303. 2400 Radon Control System • A Passive Radon Control System vent pipe must be insulated to R-4 where it is routed outside the conditioned space. • The vent pipe must be identified on each floor, crawl space, and attic; the label must state “Radon Vent Gas Pipe”

MN Rules 1303. 2400 Radon Control System If an Active Radon Control System is installed. • A radon gas vent pipe fan must be installed rated for continuous operation that is capable of 50 cfm’s at a ½” water column • The fan must be installed outside, in the attic, or in the garage • A system monitoring device must be installed • A switch controlled luminaire and receptacle must be installed near the fan

MN Rules 1322 -2015 Residential Energy Code (Adopt Chapters 2 RE to 5 RE of the 2012 International Energy Conversation Code IECC)

2015 Residential Energy Code MN Rules 1322 is the 2015 Residential Energy Code and it also adopts the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) The 2015 Residential Energy Code regulates: • 1 & 2 family dwellings • Townhouses • Group R-2, R-3, and R-4 Buildings less than three stories

2015 Residential Energy Code Exceptions to the 2015 Energy Code: • Storm windows and glass only replacements • Existing ceiling, wall, or floor cavities exposed during construction provided these cavities are fill with insulation • R-value, air barrier, and vapor retarders alterations to foundations, crawl space walls, and basements in existing dwellings when the original dwelling permit was issued prior to June 1, 2009

2015 Residential Energy Code Construction documents must include the following: • Insulation materials and their R-values • Fenestration U-factors and SHGCs • Area weighted U-factor and SHGCs • Mechanical system design criteria • Mechanical and service water heating system and equipment types, sizes, and efficiencies. • Equipment and system controls • Fan motor horsepower and controls • Duct sealing, and the location and insulation of ducts and pipes • Lighting fixture schedule with wattage and control narrative • Air sealing details

2015 Residential Energy Code According to Table 301. 1; Rochester, MN is in climate zone 6 A. The “A” signifies we are in a moist climate

2015 Residential Energy Code (RE) R 303. 1. 1 The insulation installer must leave a job compliance card in a conspicuous location on the job site when blown or sprayed insulation is installed. The job compliance card must include: • Thickness of insulation • Settled thickness and settled R-value • Coverage area and number of bags used • For sprayed foam installed the thickness and R-value must be included The insulation installer must sign and date the compliance card

2015 Residential Energy Code (RE)R 401. 3 A Building Certificate is required to posted on the electrical distribution panel. The following items should be listed on the Certificate: • Date of Certificate • Dwelling address • Residential contractor name and license number • R-values and materials installed in areas of dwelling • U-factors and SHGC of fenestration products • Results of any required duct and envelope air leakage testing • Ratings, manufacturers, model number, and efficiencies of heating, cooling, and water heating equipment • Calculated heat loss, cooling load, and calculated heat gain (Cont. )

2015 Residential Energy Code Building Certificate requirements (continued): • Mechanical ventilation system type, location and capacity • The buildings continuous and total ventilation rates • Make-up air type, size, and location that is installed • Location (active) or future (passive)location of radon control system fan

2015 Residential Energy Code Table R 402. 1. 1 U value and R- value prescriptive changes • Foundation walls and crawl space –R-15, At least R-10 insulation on the exterior and not more R-11 on the interior, closed cell form used on the interior can exceed R-11 • Walls and Rims (same as wall)--R-20 or R-13+5 • Ceilings / Roof—R-49 with 6” energy heel or R-38 when the insulation is not compressed at the wall plate. Attic access must be insulated the same R-value and weather stripped • Windows-- U-Factor-0. 32 (used to be 0. 35) • Unheated Floors—R-30, with a minimum R-19(full depth). Insulation must be in contact with floor deck

2015 Residential Energy Code R 402. 2. 8(a)Basement Walls Exception: R-10 continuous insulation on the exterior of each wall shall be permitted to comply with this code: • If the tested (Blower Door Test) air leakage rate does not exceed 2. 6 air changes an hour (ach) and • The total square feet between finished grade and the top of the foundation wall does not exceed 1. 5 multiplied by the total lineal feet of foundation wall enclosing conditioned space

2015 Residential Energy Code FOUNDATION INSULATION: Exterior Draining Foundation Insulation • Material materials manufactured for intended use • Insulation must comply with either ASTM C 578, C 612, or C 1029 • Insulation shall have rigid, opaque, weather resistant cover to 6” below grade

2015 Residential Energy Code FOUNDATION INSULATION: Exterior Non-Draining Foundation Insulation • Material materials manufactured for intended use • Insulation must comply with either ASTM C 578 or C 1029 • Insulation shall be entirely covered with 6 -mil polyethylene soil slip sheet • Insulation shall be covered with a rigid, opaque, weather resistant cover to 6” below grade

2015 Residential Energy Code FOUNDATION INSULATION: All Interior Foundation Insulation • Masonry walls must be drained to the interior drainage system in each core (weepers) • Framed walls must not come in direct contact with foundation wall • The insulation assembly must have a sealed air barrier

2015 Residential Energy Code Rigid Interior Foundation Insulation • Comply ASTM C 578 or C 1289 • Must be in contact with the wall surface • Vertical edges must be sealed with acoustical sealant • All interior joints must be sealed against air and water vapor penetration • Seal at the floor slab • Insulation surface must not be penetrated by utilities, fasteners, or connectors • Seal all through penetrations

2015 Residential Energy Code Closed Cell Spray-applied interior foam foundation insulation • The foam must be applied directly to the foundation wall • A 1” minimum space between the foundation wall and any framing • Insulation surface must not be penetrated by utilities, fasteners, or connectors • Seal all through penetrations

2015 Residential Energy Code Open Cell Spray-applied interior foam foundation insulation • The foam must be applied directly to the foundation wall • A 1” minimum space between the foundation wall and any framing • Insulation surface must not be penetrated by utilities, fasteners, or connectors • Seal all through penetrations • A vapor retarder and air barrier must be applied on the warm in winter side

2015 Residential Energy Code Fiberglass batt interior foundation insulation • The above grade exposed foundation wall height shall not exceed 1. 5 feet • The top and bottom plates shall be sealed to the foundation wall and basement floor • A vapor retarder and air barrier must be applied on the warm in winter side • The air barrier must be sealed at top and bottom plated, at adjacent walls, utility boxes, and other penetrations • All seams in the air barrier must over lapped 6 inches and sealed with a compatible sealing tape.

2015 Residential Energy Code R 402. 2. 2. 12 All sunrooms enclosing conditioned space must meet the insulation requirements of this code. Exception: 1. Sunrooms with thermal isolation enclosing conditioned space shall have a minimum of R-24 in the ceiling 2. Minimum wall insulation of R-13 with any common walls meeting the requirements of the code 3. The maximum fenestration (window) U-factor shall be 0. 45 and skylights maximum U-factor shall be 0. 70

2015 Residential Energy Code R 402. 2 Building Thermal Envelope • The building envelope enclosing conditioned space shall be constructed to limit air leakage • The building or dwelling unit envelope shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate 3 air changes or less per hour in Climate Zone 6 with a Blower Door Test.

IRC R 702. 7 Vapor Retarders Class I or II vapor retarders are required in zone 6. If class II vapor retarders are used they must be on the construction documents A Class I vapor retarder is 6 mil polyethylene A Class II vapor retarder is kraft paper A Class III vapor retarder is latex or enamel paint Vapor retarder requirements are found in IRC Section R 702. 7 not in the energy code

2015 Residential Energy Code R 402. 4. 1. 1 Blower Door Test • The test shall be conducted at a pressure of 50 Pascals (. 2 inches of w. g. ) • All penetrations in the building envelope must be made prior to conducting the test • Rochester Building Safety will not require the blower door test to be conducted by a third party. • A written report of the results of the test must be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the Building Official prior to Final Approval

2015 Residential Energy Code R 403. 1. 1 At least one programmable thermostat must be installed in every dwelling unit

2015 Residential Energy Code Ducts R 403. 2. 2 Ducts, air handlers, and filter boxes shall be sealed and tested for total leakage. • Rough-in Test--With or without air handling unit installed • Post-construction Test—Air handling unit installed. If the system is not compliant; how will it be made compliant? EXCEPTION: The total leakage test is not required for ducts and air handlers located entirely within the building envelope R 403. 2. 3 Building framing cavities shall not be used as ducts plenums. Returns must be ducted.

2015 Residential Energy Code R 403. 4. 2 Hot Water Piping Insulation with a minimum thermal resistance of R-3 must be applied to: • Pipes larger than ¾” • Pipes serving more than one dwelling • Pipes from the water heater to the kitchen outlets • Pipes located outside the conditioned space • Pipes from the water heater to a distribution manifold • Pipes located under the slab and buried piping • Supply and return piping in recirculation systems • Pipe runs that are greater than run lengths in Table R 403. 4. 2 Examples: ½”piping maximum 20’run and ¾” piping maximum 10’ run

2015 Residential Energy Code R 403 Mechanical Ventilation: The building/dwelling must be provided with a Balanced Mechanical Ventilation System Exhaust Only Ventilation Systems are no longer allowed to be used to provide the required ventilation.

2015 Residential Energy Code R 404. 1 Lighting Equipment A minimum of 75% of the lamps installed in permanently installed lighting fixtures shall be high-efficiency lamps

Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code

2015 Mechanical Code -Dryer Vents • Maximum length – 35’ • Maximum length shall be reduced 2 ½’ for each 45 degree elbow and 5’ for each 90 degree elbow. (assumes 4” radius duct fittings, see Table 504. 6. 4. 1 for a complete listing of equivalent lengths) • Maximum length does not include transition duct, transition duct may be up to 8’ and must be listed and approved and must not be concealed. There are no provisions to extend the 35’ if the transition duct is only 3’. • Where the exhaust duct system is concealed within the building construction, the equivalent length of the exhaust duct shall be identified on a permanent label or tag. The label or tag shall be located within 6 feet of the exhaust duct connection. 2015 Minnesota Mechanical Code has no provisions for booster fans to extend the maximum length.

2015 Mechanical Code -Dryer Vents Exception: The maximum length of the exhaust duct, including any transition duct, shall be permitted to be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer’s installation instructions. If you are going to use the exception, the instructions must be included with the construction documents. In addition, labeling at the dryer exhaust inlet with the total effective length will be required

2015 Mechanical Code The clearance from the range cooktop to the cabinets, hoods, or other appliances above must meet the manufacturer’s specifications

2015 Mechanical Code Manufacturer’s approved panels installed at the back to reduce clearance combustible

Here We Go!