Proposed Change 1862

Division C of the National Model Codes requires that the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) be provided with adequate documentation and other information, such as drawings and equipment specifications, in order to verify compliance with the Code. With the introduction of the proposed requirements for the alteration of existing buildings in the NECB 2025, there will be a need for information and calculations related to the extent of the alterations.

Failure to provide adequate documentation and level of detail regarding the alterations would make it difficult for AHJs to verify that the proposed alterations conform to the Code. This situation could also lead to inconsistency in the design, construction and performance of the alterations, which could cause confusion and conflict between designers, manufacturers, AHJs and the legal community.

These conflicts would occur when

AHJs request documentation during permit reviews to prove Code compliance,
designers require Code compliance for use of their design specifications on a project, or
disputes arise which require litigation.

Justification

Providing administrative guidance in Division C on the proper reporting techniques for documentation and calculations related to the alteration of existing buildings for compliance with the NECB is necessary to ensure building officials are provided with an appropriate level of detail to assess Code compliance.

PROPOSED CHANGE

[1.2.1.1.] 1.2.1.1.Non-defined Terms

[1] 1)Words and phrases used in Division C that are not included in the list of definitions in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A shall have the meanings that are commonly assigned to them in the context in which they are used, taking into account the specialized use of terms by the various trades and professions to which the terminology applies.

[2.2.] 2.2. Administration

[2.2.1.] 2.2.1. Administration

[2.2.1.1.] 2.2.1.1.Conformance with Administrative Requirements

[2.2.2.] 2.2.2. Information Required for Proposed Work

[2.2.2.1.] 2.2.2.1.General Information Required

[2.2.2.2.] 2.2.2.2.Design Calculations and Analysis

[2.2.2.3.] 2.2.2.3.Documentation on the Building Envelope

[2.2.2.4.] 2.2.2.4.Documentation on Lighting Systems

[2.2.2.5.] 2.2.2.5.Documentation on HVAC Systems

[2.2.2.6.] 2.2.2.6.Documentation on Service Water Heating Systems

[2.2.2.7.] 2.2.2.7.Documentation on Electrical Power Systems and Motors

[2.2.2.8.] 2.2.2.8.Documentation Requirements for Building Performance Compliance

[2.2.3.] -- Information Required for Alteration Work

[2.2.3.1.] ---General Information Required

[2] --)Plans shall be drawn to scale and shall indicate the nature and scope of the proposed alteration and proposed occupancy in sufficient detail to establish that, when completed, the proposed alteration and the proposed occupancy will conform to this Code.

[2.2.3.2.] ---Design Calculations and Analysis

[2.2.3.3.] ---Documentation on the Alteration of the Building Envelope

[1] --)The following documentation on the alteration of the building envelope shall be provided:

[a] --)documentation on new or altered components, assemblies or systems in accordance with Article 2.2.2.3., and

[b] --)justifications and support documentation for the proposed air leakage rates of the air barrier system or air barrier assemblies of the areas of the building envelope subjected to alteration, in support of the exception permitted in Sentence 13.3.2.1.(6)-2025 (PCF 1857) of Division B.

Impact analysis

Administering the enforcement of the Code is the normal business of the existing enforcement infrastructure.

The enforcement of these administrative requirements is not expected to be time-consuming or add significantly to the workload that is the normal course of business for building inspectors. The overall impact would be a significant improvement in the ability of AHJs to successfully verify Code compliance.

Enforcement implications

The enforcement of the administrative requirements for the alteration of the building envelope in existing buildings can be accomplished with the same means and resources involved in the enforcement of Part 3 of the NECB.

However, there could be an increase in enforcement and permit-review responsibilities. Requiring information about alteration work would facilitate enforcement.