The following items highlight those local amendments that are significantly changed from the previous building code. These are comprised primarily of enhancements to fire safety and green regulations. The 2009 version of the ICC codes is more green than any previous standard codes. These local amendments enhance some of the basic regulations for both residential and commercial buildings within Articles I-XI and the green requirements are further enhanced for certain buildings by Article XIV.
Article I - General
Several changes to comply with the new zoning ordinance and historic preservation procedures have been added or changed. For example, cross-referencing that Historic District Commission approval is required for all demolitions and for exterior construction to historic buildings; coordinated definitions of "buildings" and "structures" between the two codes.
Article II - Building Restriction Lines
Article II was deleted in its entirety. This information was already moved into the Zoning Ordinance, Section 25.17.08 because it deals with special setbacks for portions of Rt. 355 and is best administered through the site plan process.
Article V - Basic Building Code
Article V adopted the 2009 ICC International Building Code (IBC). The most significant changes in local amendments are highlighted below:
Fire Protection Systems:
Article V contains several amendments related to protecting structures and their occupants from fire. The most significant of these amendments is the requirement for complex and high hazard structures to produce a Fire Protection Engineering Design Evaluation (FPEDE). As part of the FPEDE, a third-party fire protection engineer is hired to review all fire protection features to insure that these features are effectively coordinated with other systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.). The goal of the FPEDE is to reduce delays in construction.
Requirements for building smoke control systems design are also found in this section. The new requirement for a design report is intended to identify and eliminate conflicts between different systems in the building.
A requirement to install a Radio System Amplification System has been added to provide better communication capabilities for firefighters, rescue and police personnel in large buildings. This requirement is similar to requirements in the Montgomery County Code.
Article VI - One and Two Family Dwelling Code
Article VI adopts the 2009 ICC International Residential Code (IRC).
Clarification of Definitions:
Article VI updated definitions for "new construction", "addition" and "alteration". These new definitions provide clarity when work being done to a home is an addition or alteration, versus when improvements become so extensive as to be considered "new construction". Additions of more than 2000 gross square feet are now considered "new construction". This distinction is important because with additions and alterations, only the new work needs to be done in conformance with current building codes - the remainder of the structure can remain untouched. For those that trigger the threshold, the entire structure must be brought up to current building codes, as applicable.
Fire Protection Systems:
The requirements for the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems have been amended to increase system reliability. Protection of the sprinkler piping from freezing temperatures and preventing inadvertent system shutoffs are two of the issues addressed by the new amendments.
Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures Required:
Table P2903.2 entitled "Maximum Flow Rates and Consumption for Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture fittings" has been amended to require the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures for lavatory faucets, shower heads, sink faucets and water closets (1.28 gal per flush). This same requirement is also found in the amendment to the International Plumbing Code Article XI for all buildings.
Energy Star equipment:
All installed appliances shall be Energy Star appliances, when Energy Star appliances are available.
Cool Roof:
Required only for flat roofs (roof slopes less than 17%).
Gaskets required for wood burning fireplace doors:
All new fireplace installations to have gasketed doors to reduce the amount of heat released into the chimney.
Gray Water Recycling Systems:
Most of the ICC codes contain appendices that may be voluntarily adopted by local jurisdictions for their use. One such appendix is Appendix O, which governs the materials, design, construction and installation for gray water recycling systems for flushing of water closets, urinals and for subsurface landscape irrigation. Article VI adopts Appendix O to allow the option of gray water recycling systems for residential buildings within Rockville. This same option is also found in the amendments to the International Plumbing Code Article XI.
Article VIII - Energy Conservation Code
Residential energy efficiency improved:
As noted in Article VI the energy measures contained within the International Residential Code (IRC) were replaced in favor of the more stringent requirements for residential buildings contained in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Additionally, a series of amendments increase residential energy efficiency above the code-established base line of the 2009 IECC. Many of these additional amendments include improvements to insulation "R" ratings, air sealing of windows, air ductwork and improvements of lighting efficiency and other building equipment and components.
Commercial energy efficency improved:
The 2009 IECC commercial energy efficency is based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard. 90.1- 2007 or other requirements contained within the IECC chapters. Article VIII refers to the ASHRAE standard which will improve commercial efficiency by approximately 7% and eliminates conflicts between the two standards.
Insulation required for Hot Water Service Pipes:
New requirement to insulate all hot water service piping in buildings to reduce the amount of energy loss through the pipes.
Electrical power and lighting systems:
Requires all lighting equipment to have at least 50% of the lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures be installed with high efficacy lamps to save energy. Efficacy refers to the amount of light (luminous flux) produced by a lamp fixture.
Article XI - Plumbing Code
Article XI adopted the 2009 ICC International Plumbing Code (IPC). The Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures and Gray Water Recycling Systems amendments noted above in the residential sections are also applied to the commercial sections. In addition, the regulations for Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) disposal in restaurants and similar uses have been revised to comply with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). These enhanced regulations were already adopted in Chapter 23 of the City Code in 2008 and are now being incorporated into the plumbing code. For example, more criteria is provided for the size and performance of grease intercepting devices so that more grease is retained. Sewer blockages caused by FOG from food service establishments are a serious issue in Rockville, leading to multiple sewer overflows each month.
Article XIII - Existing Building Code
Article XIII is a new article, which incorporates the State-required Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code, COMAR 05.16.01. The purpose of COMAR 05.16.01 is to adopt the 2009 ICC International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and encourage the continued use or reuse of legally existing buildings and structures. The code allows alternative approaches to achieving code compliance and is especially effective in preserving historic buildings and retaining original features. For example, an existing building would be allowed to keep existing stairways, open stairs and handrails that would not meet new construction criteria.
Article XIV - Green Building Regulations
Article XIV includes additional green requirements above the basic building code to promote healthy, sustainable, high performance buildings. These requirements vary depending on the type of building (non-residential vs. residential) and the size (non-residential or multi-family buildings greater than 7,500 gsf). Rockville's ordinance is comparable to adjacent jurisdictions, but incorporates additional flexibility.
Unlike many adjacent jurisdictions, the ordinance does not require the added expenses of third party certification by the U.S. Green Building Council and building commissioning. Instead, LEED credit review is conducted in-house by City staff which will spare builders the added time and expense of the formal LEED process while still ensuring properties meet high green standards. The major components are described below. Non-Residential and Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
Requirements for new buildings or additions greater than 7,500 gsf, or alterations of more than 50% of gsf (if the altered area is at least 7,500 gsf) include: - Have a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) on the project team to facilitate an integrated design process and submit the appropriate LEED credit checklist, or equivalent, with each submittal to the City.
- New Construction and Core & Shell buildings must demonstrate how the project will obtain at least 25 LEED points (where 40 out of 110 possible points is Certified), with at least 5 points earned from a list of 13 local priority credits.
- Commercial Interior projects must demonstrate how they will obtain at least 10 LEED points (where 40 out of 110 possible points is certified).
- Certain installed appliances, fixtures, and building components must earn the Energy Star label.
- Optimization of lighting system energy performance is required for common areas, corridors, lobbies, stairwells, fitness rooms, etc.
- Building manuals must be provided to the owner, occupant, or tenant that explain the intent, benefits, use, and maintenance of green building features.
Residential Buildings (e.g., single-family attached and detached homes, townhomes, not more than three stories or less)
Requirements for new construction or additions or modifications to existing buildings (which increase the gross floor area by over 2,000 SF) include:- Submission of a green building checklist (National Green Building Standard (NGBS), LEED for Homes, or other equivalent residential rating systems).
- Certain installed appliances, fixtures, and building components must earn the Energy Star label.
- Enhanced energy efficiency measures. Including meeting the envelope, windows, and lighting specifications of the Energy Star qualified homes criteria, or qualify via the National Performance Path. Additional energy amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) are provided in Article VIII, which may permit alternate R-values for insulation.
- Meet the specifications for the Energy Star Indoor Air package for protection from mold, chemicals, combustion gases, and other airborne pollutants.
- Builders must provide the homeowner /occupant with a manual describing the intent, benefits, use, and maintenance of green building features.
|
