The Online Code Environment and Advocacy Network

FAQ-Designers
Questions Frequently Asked By Designers

What types of residential buildings are cov-

ered by the International Energy Conservation
Code (IECC)?

The IECC residential requirements cover one and two-

family, detached and low-rise (less than three floors in
height) multifamily buildings (i.e. single family homes, du-
plexes, and townhomes).

What should be shown on plans and drawings

for energy code compliance?
It is good practice to have a sheet dedicated to “energy” in
your plans. This is helpful not only for the Code Enforcement Officer (CEO), but the efficiency of the entire enforce-
ment process. The sheet should show all the energy details of the envelope, including windows and doors with their
respective R- and U-values de-tailed. It is also helpful to include:

Copies of any required compliance forms for your municipality

REScheck printouts
Spec sheets for any materials or equipment that are part of the energy design .

Does REScheck allow tradeoffs?

Yes, however they work differently depending on what version of the IECC your state or jurisdiction adopts. All
REScheck versions allow some tradeoffs for envelope areas and other features, however:

Versions predating 2006 allow simple HVAC tradeoffs

Tradeoffs become more difficult to secure after the 2006 IECC version, where walls and windows must be ori-
ented to the north, south, east and west.

Free software providing additional detail on REScheck tradeoffs is available through the Department of Energy
(http://www.energycodes.gov/).

Are there specific energy code requirements for architects?

Generally, any requirements for designers are in Chapter 1 of the IECC. This section may call for construction docu-
ments and materials to be prepared by a registered or licensed design professional, but only if it is required by your
state or municipality.

OCEAN is an online resource of the Building Codes Assistance Project

BCAP 1850 M St. NW Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20036 | www.bcap-ocean.org
What should be evaluated when looking for a third party code enforcement contractor?
FAQ-Designers
Does enforcement need to adhere strictly to the code as written or is interpretation on the
part of the code official allowed?
The Code Enforcement Official (CEO) is the first line of defense for enforcement. In certain cases, that individual
must make a decision as to how a specific requirement applies to a situation. They may also need to interpret a code
requirement that seems somewhat ambiguous.

If a member of the building community feels a decision made by the CEO was not appropriate, there may be oppor-
tunities with the state administrator to receive another interpretation. It is also possible to incorporate additional
information in your application to address the CEO’s concerns.

Above all, it is important to work within the system. Everyone involved, including the CEO, is working to ensure
sound construction of the buildings within a given jurisdiction.

What should be provided to the

CEO to enable proper enforcement
of the energy code?
It is good practice to have a document dedi-
cated to “energy” in your plans. This is
helpful not only for the Code Enforcement
Officer (CEO), but the efficiency of the
entire enforcement process.

The document should outline all the energy

details of the envelope, including windows
and doors with their respective R- and U-
values detailed. It is also helpful to include:
Copies of any required compliance
forms
REScheck printouts
..
Spec sheets for any materials or equipment that are part of the energy design

Should designers “sign off” on compliance of building plans?

When a design professional is involved in a project, many states and jurisdictions require the designer to confirm
plans are compliant. If this is not required it would be advantageous to consider adding this requirement to the law.
Many times the assurance of the designer is the primary means of enforcing the code on complex commercial build-
ings. Greater care is taken to assure code is met if a designers’ license is at stake.

BCAP 1850 M St. NW Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20036 | www.bcap-ocean.org