City of Lawrence

Building Code Board of Appeals Meeting

March 12, 2015 Minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:    

Dan Wethington, Sean Reardon, Dennis Odgers, Kevin Markley

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Micah Kimball

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Development Services

Lee Queen-Building Inspector, Janet Smalter- Plans Examiner

 

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Bobby Flory, James Myers, Kelly Drake, Neal Ezell

 

 

 

 

Meeting called to order 11:24 a.m.

 

The Board reviewed minutes from the February 12, 2015 meeting.  Sean Reardon moved to approve minutes as written; Seconded by Kevin Markley.  Motion passed 3-0.  Dennis Odgers attended meeting 11:35 a.m.

 

Significant changes to the International Residential Code were discussed.  Board members believed the significant changes were reasonable and agreed to move forward with review of public comments.  Board members commented that significant changes to the IRC 2015 include the Energy Rating Index (ERI), and inquired if public attendance at the meeting related to this topic.  It was confirmed by Bobby Flory and Neal Ezell that items for discussion include retaining wall (R4040.4) requirements, heated water circulation - temperature maintenance systems (N1103.5) and the ERI of 54 (NR406.4).  Members commented that the mechanical, electrical and plumbing board reviews of the related codes may impact review and approval of the IRC 2015.   Staff will notify the MEP boards that the IRC and IECC 2015 are currently under review, and will request code review comments from the MEP boards.

 

Ezell commented that the currently required ERI rating of 75 (acknowledged July 1, 2014 start date for the 75 minimum rating) is an easy mark to achieve (the ERI minimum rating will change on July 1, 2015 to 70). A transition from 70 to 54 would be difficult and expensive.  Drake questioned if the required reduction is economically feasible.  Slab-on-grade homes will be difficult to construct in order to meet the new rating of 54.  Habitat for Humanity and Tenants to Homeowners projects are examples of homes that would be affected.  Drake remarked that currently he is able to record a 63 ERI on his homes.  To reduce to an ERI of 54, he estimates a cost increase of $3,800- $4,000 on a $250,000 home.  Energy cost on the home is estimated at $1,774/yr. currently, and $1,650/yr. under the new code.  The rate of return on investment (ROI) is low.  Drake added that the energy costs in the region are low compared to others.  Drake predicted a drop to 54 would eventually eliminate housing stock at affordable pricing. Queen asked if the public could propose an Energy Rating Index for the Board to evaluate.

 

Myers described similar projects. Myers commented that Lawrence is an energy minded community and the cost of housing is increasing due to energy codes now enforced.  Relative to the state of Kansas, Lawrence is a leader in the use of the energy code.  He is concerned that buyers are not available at increased building costs.

 

Markley suggested that the return on investment is an important issue. He requested due diligence from other boards in their reviews.  He suggested further research and discussion.  Wethington recommends the Board wait to hear from the MEP review boards before making a decision on the Energy Code. He also requested that the Building Board review the IECC prior to next month’s meeting. 

 

Smalter discussed attendance at the Building Board meetings, and suggested possible arrangement of teleconferencing with Board members unable to physically attend meetings.  The Board did not object.

 

Wethington set the agenda for the next meeting to be an energy review of the IRC and IECC 2015. The next meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2015 11:00a.m.

 

Kevin Markley motioned to adjourn, Seconded by Sean Reardon.  Motion passed 4-0.  Meeting adjourned 12:20 p.m.