Iowa Code r. 661-303.1 - Scope and applicability of energy conservation requirements

(1) Scope. Rules 661-303.1 (103A) through 661-303.3 (103A) establish thermal energy efficiency standards for the design of new buildings and structures or portions thereof, additions to existing buildings, and renovation and remodeling of existing buildings, except for residential buildings of one or two dwelling units, which are intended for human occupancy and which are heated or cooled by regulating their exterior envelopes and selection of their heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, service water heating systems and equipment for the efficient use of energy, and lighting efficiency standards for buildings intended for human occupancy which are lighted.

(2) Applicability. Rules 661-303.1 (103A) through 661-303.3 (103A) apply to design and construction of buildings which are intended for human occupancy throughout the state of Iowa. Any construction of buildings or facilities which are intended for human occupancy and which are heated or cooled is covered, with the exception of renovation and remodeling of residential buildings of one or two dwelling units, which are not covered. Rule 661-303.2 (103A) establishes standards for design and construction of residential buildings of three or fewer stories. Rule 661-303.3 (103A) establishes standards for design and construction of commercial buildings and residential buildings of four or more stories. The occupancy of any building covered by this chapter shall be determined based upon the occupancy definitions in chapter 3 of the International Building Code, 2012 edition.

(3) Review by architect or engineer.

a. Review required. The plans and specifications for all buildings to be constructed which exceed a total volume of 100,000 cubic feet of enclosed space that is heated or cooled shall be reviewed by a registered architect or licensed professional engineer for compliance with applicable energy efficiency standards.

b. Statement of review. A statement that a review has been accomplished and that the design is in compliance with the energy efficiency standards shall be signed and sealed by the responsible registered architect or licensed professional engineer. This statement shall be filed with the commissioner or a local building official on a form approved by the commissioner prior to construction or before obtaining any local permits. The statement shall be filed with the commissioner for any project which is subject to plan review by the building code bureau.

c. Additional buildings. If the plans and specifications relating to energy efficiency for a specific structure have been approved, additional buildings may be constructed from those same plans and specifications without need of further approval if construction begins within five years of the date of approval. Alterations of a structure which has been previously approved shall not require a review because of these changes, provided the basic structure remains unchanged and no additional energy is required for heating, cooling or lighting.

d. Changes to approved plans. Prior to the completion of construction, no changes shall be made to any approved plan or specifications which increase the amount of energy used for heating, cooling, or lighting, unless the changes are approved by the responsible registered architect or licensed professional engineer in writing and notice has been filed with the commissioner or a local building official. The commissioner or a local building official shall be notified of any change which is anticipated to decrease the amount of energy used. Notification pursuant to this paragraph shall be to the commissioner for any project which is subject to plan review by the building code bureau.

Notes

Iowa Code r. 661-303.1

ARC 1301C, IAB 2/5/14, effective 3/12/14

ARC 1301C, IAB 2/5/2014, effective 3/12/2014