HomeMy WebLinkAboutordinance.council.015-97
ORDINANCE NO. 15
Series of 1997
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ASPEN,
COLORADO, AMENDING THE ASPENIPITKIN ENERGY CONSERVATION
CODE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE UNIFORM BUILDING
CODE, 1994 ADDITION CODIFIED AT 8.20.010 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF ASPEN.
WHEREAS, Aspen adopted the "Aspen/Pitkin Energy Conservation Code in 1996, and
WHEREAS, the evolution of the Aspen/Pitkin energy conservation Code is essential in
order to maintain parity with new developments, partners, products, and techniques in the
rapidly advancing field of energy conservation, and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City to encourage features in any development which
---------
will conserve energy resources and minimize the consumption of energy.
NOW, THEREFORE, B~ IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ASPEN, COLORADO:
Section 1. That the Aspen/Pitkin energy Conservation Code adopted and incorporated
by reference as Appendix Chapter 13, Section 1302.2, to the Uniform Building Code,
1994 Edition, as codified at Section 8.20.010 of the Municipal code of the City of Aspen,
Colorado, is hereby amended as follows:
103.2 Penalties. A violation of any of the provisions of this code shall constitute a
misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding three six hundred
dollars ($;QOO.OO), or by imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days, or both such fine
and imprisonment. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day or portion
thereof that the violation of any of the provisions of this code occurs or continues
unabated after the time the limit set for abatement of the violation
111.1.1 The design professional semiflaf and test will deal with designing for compliance
and documenting compliance. Once the design professional has oompleted the semiflaf
passed the test he will be Certified Energy Design Professionals by the Chief Building
Official.
111.1.2 The licensed contractor or superintendent sem.inar and test will deal with
building structures to maintain compliance. Once the licensed contractor or
superintendent has eompleted the sem.inar and passed the test he will be Certified Energy
Building Professionals by the Chief Building Official.
SECTION 208 - G
GAS LOG is a self-contained, free-standing, open-flame, gas-burning appliance consisting
of a metal frame or base supporting simulated logs, and designed for installation only in a
vented masonry fireplace.
SECTION 219 - R
REPAIR is the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose
of its maintenance. Note: repairs are not ':Athin the scope of1:his eode.
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT GLAZING is glazing without a frame associated with a
repair that is not an addition or alteration.
SECTION 220 - S
..-----..,
SERVICE WATER HEATER is an appliance designed primarily to supply hot water for
sanitary purposes for human occupancy, other than for comfort heating.
SITE BUILT WINDOWS are those products which are field constructed from elements,
including framing glazing. and weather-stripping, not sold together as a fenestration
product
SECTION 224 - W
WATER STORAGE TANK is an unfired or indirectly heated water tank used for storage
of hot water.
303.1 Any service snowmelt system or equipment shall meet the following:
1. Pilot light prohibited.
2. Electric resistance heating is prohibited.
Exception:
1. Roof Heating Cable.
2.9 S.F. of Electric snowmelt mat per reqJlired Emergency Escape
window well. Snowmelt mat shall be maximum 2 kilowatt radiant cable
snowmelt with maximum 6 hour countdown timer (this amount does
not affect the allowable snowmelt calculated as per Section 307.2.2.2).
303.2 Snowmelt systems shall include automatic temperature and surface moisture
controls.
Exception:
1. Roof Heating Cable.
2. Nine square feet of electric snowmelt mat per reQ.uired Emergency
Escape window well. Snowmelt mat shall be maximum 2 kilowatt radiant
cable snowmelt with maximum 6 hour countdown timer (this amount does
not affect the allowable snowmelt calculated as per Section 307.2.2.2).
305.3 Floors. Concrete raised floors over unconditioned space shall be insulated to an
installed thermal resistance of at least R -19. All other raised floors separating conditioned
space from unconditioned space shall meet the requirements of either 1 or 2
below:
1. Floors shall be insulated between wood framing members with insulation having an
installed thermal resistance ofR-19 or greater.
2. The weighted average U-value of ~floor assemblies shall not exceed the U-
value that would result from installing R-19 insulation between wood framing
members and accounting for the effects of framing members.
~,
AL TERNA TIVE: Raised floor insulation may be omitted if the foundation walls are
insulated to an installed thermal resistance of R -19 meet the requirements of either 1 or 2
aBe\te,..and.a vapor barrier is placed over the entire floor of the crawl space, and vents are
fItted \vi-fu automatieaUy operated louvers that are temperature aetl:1a:ted, and a mechanical
ventilation system that meets the requirements of UBC Section 2317.7 is installed.
305.6 Vapor Barriers. A vapor barrier shall be installed on the conditioned space side of all
insulation in all exterior walls and ceilings to protect insulation from condensation.
Penetrations of vapor barriers shall be sealed at the edge of the penetration. Recessed li~ts
that penetrate vapor barriers shall be "air tight".
305.8 Setback Thermostats. All heating and/or cooling systems other than solid fuel
burning devices shall have an automatic thermostat with a clock mechanism or other
setback mechanism approved by the Chief Building Official that shuts the system off during
periods of non-use and that allows the building occupant to automatically set back the
thermostat set points for at least 2 periods within 24 hours.
EXCEPTION: Gravity gas wall heaters, gravity floor heaters, gravity room heaters,
room air conditioners, and room air conditioner heat pumps need not comply with
this requirement. Additionally, room air conditioner heat pumps need not comply
with Section 305.-!-.8.
305.10 Slab Edge Insulation. Concrete slab edges shall be insulated to an installed thermal
resistance of at least R- 10. Material used for slab edge insulation shall meet the following
minimum specifications:
1. Water absorption rate no greater than 0.3 percent when tested in accordance with
ASTM-C-271.
2. Water vapor permeance no greater than 2.0 perm/inch when tested in accordance
with ASTM-E-96-90.
3. Concrete slab perimeter insulation must be protected from physical damage and
ultra violet light deterioration.
SECTION 305.12 - Mandatory Requirements for Outside Private Pools and Spa Heating
Systems and Equipment.
305.12.1 Certification by Manufacturers. Any pool or spa heating system or equipment
may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified that the system or equipment has
all of the following:
1.
A readily accessible on-off switch, mounted on the outside of the heater, that
allows shutting off the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting; and
------- ,
~. i".. permanent, easily readable, and weatherproof plate or card that gives i1'l:struction
for the energy efficient operation of the pool or spa and for the proper care of pool
or spa 'Nater when a cover is used; and
J2. No electric resistance heating; and
EXCEPTION:
1. Pools or spas deriving at least 6G-.5.Q% of the annual heating energy
from nondepletable sources.
2. Roof heatiag cable.
J2. Listed package units with fully insulated enclosures, and with tight-fitting
covers that are insulated to at least R-e-ll.
3. Custom spa installations with spa shell, pipes, equipment enclosure, and spa
cover insulated to at least R-14.
4-3.. No pilot light;.Jmd
4. High efficiency circulation pump motors: and
i. Maximum capacity of heating system, derived from depletable energy sources, =
405.000 BTU input.
305.12.2 Installation. Any pool or spa heating system or equipment shall be installed with
all of the following:
1. At least 36" of pipe between the filter and the heater, to allow for the future
addition of solar heating equipment; and
EXCEPTION:
1. Listed package units with fully insulated enclosures, and with tight-fitting
covers that are insulated to at least R-12.
2. Directional inlets and time switches for pools.
2.1 The pool shall have directional inlets that adequately mix the pool water;
and
2.2 The circulation pump shall have a time switch that allows the pump to be
set to run in the off-peak electric demand period, and for the minimum
time necessary to maintain the water in the condition required by
applicable public health standards.
EXCEPTION: Where applicable public health standards require on-peak
operation.
~ -----
2.3 Outdoor pools or spas with a yolume of water ~ 10,000 gallons surface
area> 800 rr.. shall not be heated.
EXCEPTION: Heating systems deriving -l-OO-iQ% of energy from
nondepletable sources. with a maximum surface area of 1600 ft.2..
305.14.1.2 Manufactured fenestration products shall:
1. Be certified as to their overall U-values~ as rated in accordance with the National
Fenestration Rating Council's NFRC-100-91 (June 28,1991), or in accordance
with, "Table 5, Overall Coefficients of Heat Transmission of Various Fenestration
Products", as it appears on pages 27.6 and 27.7 of the ASHRAE 1993
Fundamentals Handbook, or in accordance with a default table method approved
by the Chief Building Official; and
306.2 Buildings comply with the prescriptive or tradeoff standards if they meet the
requirements ofMEC CHECK, version 2.0. Chapter 2 ofMEC CHECK is omitted and
replaced by the mandatory requirements of Section 305.
306.5 Heat transfers within the same building to adjacent spaces that are not covered by the
permit and that are independently provided with space conditioning may be considered to
~
be zero. Heat transfers to spaces not yet provided with space conditioning may be modeled
as s~arate unconditioned zones. or as outside conditions.
307.1.3 Snowmelt Energy Use (not a budget) Snowmelt energy use shall be the
consumption of snowmelt system and equipment energy from depletable sources used for
melting snow. Snowmelt energy use for dwelling units is that calculated, using an approved
method, by a mechanical engineer licensed by the State of Colorado. Snowmelt energy use
shall be added to the subtotal source energy consumption calculated as per the requirements
of Section 307.2.2.2.
EXCEPTION:
1. Roofheating cable.
2. 9 S.F. of Electric snowmelt mat per required Emergency Escape window well.
Snowmelt mat shall be maximum 2 kilowatt radiant cable snowmelt with maximum
6 hour countdown timer.
307.3.2 The total calculated annual energy consumption shall include all energy used for
comfort heating, comfort cooling, ventilation for the health and comfort of occupants,
service water heating, snowmelt, and private pool and private spa heating.
-~
EXCEPTION:
1. Roof Heating Cable
2.9 S.F. of Electric snowmelt mat per req.uired Emergency Escape window well.
Snowmelt mat shall be maximum 2 kilowatt radiant cable snowmelt with maximum
6 hour countdown timer.
307.3.3 Heat transfers within the same building to adjacent spaces that are not covered by
the permit and that are independently provided with space conditioning may be considered
to be zero. Heat transfers to spaces not yet provided with space conditioning may be
modeled as separate unconditioned zones, or as outdoor outside conditions.
SECTION 308 - RESIDENTIAL ADDITIONS
SECTION 308.1 Additions - Scope Additions to existing residential buildings shall meet
the requirements of Sections 303, 304, and 305; and, the requirements of this section (308.2
or 308.3 below). The U ';aloo of aflY feflestratiofl pro duet replaeed or added as part of an
addition shall not exceed 0.1 as defined by the Natiol'la-l Fenestration Rating Council (i.e.
'.yhole prock1et performanee ).
EXCEPTION: Areas critical to ingress. egress. or life safety may be snowmelted.
with approval from the Chief Building Official. on a case by case basis.
308.2 Prescriptive Approach. Additions to existing buildings shall meet the requirements of
either 1. 2. or 3 below or Section 306.
L Additions up to 50 square feet shall not exceed 25 square feet of ~lazin~ plus the
~lazin~ area that was removed by the addition and the ~lazin~ U-value shall not
exceed 0.42.
2.. Additions greater than 50 square feet but less than 150 square feet shall meet all the
requirements of Section 306, exc~t that the addition's total ~lazing area limit is the
maximum of the chosen package plus the glazin~ area that was removed by the
addition.
1. Additions greater than 150 square feet shall meet all the requirements of Section
~
SECTION 309 - RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS
309.1 Alterations - Scope. Alterations to existing residential buildings shall meet any
requirements of Sections 303, 304, and 305 that apply to the system or envelope component
being changed and the requirements of this section. The U-value of any fenestration
product replaced or added as part of an alteration shall not exceed 0.42 as defined by the
National Fenestration Rating Council (i.e. whole product performance). An increase in the
area of fenestration is not an alteration and shall meet the requirements of Section 308.
,---..
SECTION 311 - RESIDENTIAL SNOWMELT. OUTSIDE POOL, AND OUTSIDE SF A
SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE
311.1 Scope. Residential snowmelt. outside pool. or outside spa systems and equipment
may be installed only if its calculated depletable energy use is allowed using the method
described in this section. This section applies to all installations for which an application
for a permit or renewal of an existing permit is filed or is by law required to be filed with
or without an associated Building Permit. Residential snowmelt or spa systems and
equipment shall meet the requirements of Section 303.
3011.2 Compliance Demonstration. Residential snowmelt. outside pool. or outside spa
systems and equipment complies if the total source energy consumption pursuant to
Section 307.2.2 is equal to or less than the combined ener~y budget established in Section
307.2.1.
SECTION 312 - RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTIAL REPAIRS
312.1 Scope. Repairs to building components. systems. or equipment which do not
increase their pre-existin~ energy consumption need not comply with the APECC. If a
building component. system, or piece of equipment is replaced, however. it must be
treated as an alteration.
Section 2. That if any section, subsection, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is
for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional in a court of competent jurisdiction, such
portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and shall not affect
the validity of the remaining portions thereof.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall not have any effect on existing litigation and shall
not operate as an abatement of any action or proceeding now pending under or by virtue
of the ordinances amended as herein provided, and the same shall be construed and
concluded under such prior ordinances.
A public hearing on the ordinance shall be held on the ~ 7 day of J A.. 1 997, in the City
Council Chambers, Aspen City Hall, Aspen Colorado. . !
INTRODUCED, READ AND ORDERED P~~D as provided by law by the City
Council of the City of Aspen on th~day of 1997.
~(7~
. John. Bennett, Mayor
ATTEST:
~
ch, City Clerk
FINALLY adopted , passed and approved this
ci2=1-
of ~, 1997,
John sR:::ettC: ~
ATTEST:
. .1997
ASPEN/PITKIN
ENERGY
---
CONSERVATION .
CODE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CITY OF ASPEN/PITKIN COUNTY
ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE CO D E................................................_...............................i
CHAPTER 1 - ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 101 - TITLE, PURPOSE, AND SCOPE......................_........................1-1
SECTION 102 - RESERVED.........................................................._._......................1-1
SECTION 103 - VI OLA TIONS......................................................_.........................1-1
SECTION 104 - ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT......__......................1-2
SECTION 105 - BOARD OF APPEALS......................................._.........................1-2
SECTION 106 - PERMITS.........................................................................................1-2
SECTI ON 107 - FEES.................................................................................................1-3
SECTION 108 - INSPECTI 0 NS....................................................._.........................1- 3
SECTION 109 - CERTIFICATES OF OCCUP ANCY............................................1-3
SECTION 110 - CALCULATION METHODS AND ALTERNATE
CO MPO NENT P A CKA. G ES..............................._.........................1-3
SECTION 111 - CERTIFICATION OF ENERGY PROFESSIONALS................1-3
CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
CHAPTER 3 - ENERGY CONSERVATION STANDARDS
SECTION 301- ALL OCCUPANCIES - GENERAL PROVISIONS...................3-1
SECTION 302 - CALCULATION OF SOURCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION....3-2
SECTION 303 - MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE
SNOWMELT SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
SECTION 304 - MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLID FUEL
B URNIN G DE VI CES......................................................................3-3
SECTION 305 - RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY FEATURES AND
DEVICES.... ..... ....... ..................... ...... .... ...... ................ ..... ......... ......3-3
SECTION 306 - RESIDENTIAL PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE...................3-11
SECTION 307 - RESIDENTIAL PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE.................3-12
SECTION 308 - RESIDENTIAL -- ADDITIONS...................................................3-16
SECTION 309 - RESIDENTIAL -- AL TERATIONS............................................3-16
SECTION 310 - NONRESIDENTIAL COMPLIANCE.........................................3-16
SECTION 311 - RESIDENTIAL SNOWMELT, OUTSIDE POOL, AND
OUTSIDE SPA SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT
CO MPLIAN CE.. .............................. ..... ......................... ................3-1 7
SECTION 312 - RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTIAL REPAIRS 3-17
STEP 1:
STEP 2:
STEP 3:
STEP 4:
STEP 5:
STEP 6:
STEP 7:
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE
CITY OF ASPENIPITKIN COUNTY
ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
Determine if your project must comply with the APECC (See Section
101).
Meet the general and mandatory requirements (See Sections 301, 303,
304, and 305).
If you have snowmelt; private pool, or private spa heating systems and
equipment as part of your project, you must demonstrate compliance using
the performance method (See Section 307).
If your project has been certified to meet the requirements of the Colorado
Green Program, it is exempt from the prescriptive and performance
requirements of this code. Submit your plans and your Colorado Green
Certificate, application and booklet with your building permit application.
Use one of the compliance approaches. Select one of the four compliance
approaches descIjbed in Sections 306 through 310. The path of least
resistance leads to the prescriptive compliance packages (See Chapter 3
MEC check). Use the selected approach to determine the energy
conservation requirements. Document compliance on the forms provided
for the selected approach.
Submit building plans and compliance forms for plan review (See Section
106). The compliance forms must match the building plans and
specifications. Changes in any characteristic of any feature, material,
component, or manufactured device will require re-submittal.
Construct the building according to approved plans. Approved plans and
specifications shall be kept on the site at all times during which the work
authorized thereby is in progress (See Section 106.4.2, UBC).
Compliance forms, plans, and specifications must be re-submitted if
changes from the approved plans or specifications are made during
construction.
ASPENIPITKIN ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
COMPLIANCE PROCESS
------
Meet the Mandatory
Requirements
Snowmelt, Pools I YES
or Spas
(performance)
NO
Colorado Green
Program
Compliance
~ - "
Snowmeh, Pool or Spa
MEC Check Engineering
Calculations
Alternative
Prescriptive Calculation Computer
Packages Method Method r Calres AlP I
I REDESIGN I I REDESIGN J
Submit Plans and
Forms to Building
Department
~-
CONSTRUCT
BUILDING
CHAPTER 1
ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 101 - TITLE, PURPOSE, AND SCOPE
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Aspen/Pitkin Energy Conservation
Code, may be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this Code".
101.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards for the
conservation of energy obtained from depleteable sources by regulating and controlling
the design, construction, quality of materials, location and maintenance of all buildings
and structures within this jurisdiction and certain equipment specifically regulated herein.
101.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to all buildings for which an
application for a building permit or renewal of an existing permit is filed or is required by
law to be filed; and, that are either directly or indirectly conditioned by mechanical
heating or mechanical cboling.
EXCEPTION: Qualified historic buildings, as defmed in Pitkin COWlty Code 5-
465 and City of Aspen Code 24-7-709.
--
101.3.1 The provisions of this code shall apply to all snowmelt, outside private
swimming pool, and outside private spa heating system equipment for which an
application for a permit or renewal of an existing permit is filed or is by law required to
be filed.
Where in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials,
methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Where
there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific
requirement shall be applicable.
SECTION 102 - (RESERVED)
SECTION 103 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
103.1 Violations. It shall be unlawful for any person, including an owner, occupant or
builder, to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or
demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or structure or cause the same to
be done, contrary to or in violation of any provisions of this code.
103.2 Penalties. A violation of any of the provisions of this code shall constitute a
misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding six hundred dollars
($600.00), or by imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days, or both such fine and
imprisonment. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day or portion
1-1
1997 APECC
thereof that the violation of any of the provisions of this code occurs or continues
unabated after the time the limit set for abatement of the violation
SECTION 104 - ORGANIZATION AND ENFORCEMENT
See Section 104 of the 1994 UBC.
SECTION 105 - BOARD OF APPEALS
See Section 105 of the 1994 UBC.
SECTION 106 - PERMITS
See Section 106 of the 1994 UBC.
106.1 Additional information for APECC Permits. Each application for a building
permit subject to this code shall contain at least two copies of the documents listed below.
F or all new buildings and outdoor heating system equipment regulated by this code the
applicant shall file the appropriate Certificates of Compliance with the plans. The
Certificates shall indicate the features and performance specifications needed to comply
with this code, and shall be approved by the Building Division by stamp and authorized
signature. The individual with overall responsibility for the design shall sign the
Certificates of Compliance.
Plans and specifications showing the characteristics of each feature, material, component,
and manufactured device regulated by Chapter 3. If any characteristic of any such
feature, material, component, or manufactured device is changed befor~ the fmal
inspection, the change shall be submitted to the Building Division.
106.2 Responsibility for Signing. Each document described in Section 106.1 shall be
signed by the responsible person (RP) for its preparation. If more than one person has
responsibility for building design or construction, each person may prepare and sign the
document or documents applicable to that portion of the design or construction for which
the person was responsible; alternatively, the person with chief responsibility for design
or construction may prepare and sign the document for the entire design or construction.
106.3 Issuance of APECC permits. No permits shall be issued for any construction
unless the Building Division determines in writing that the construction is designed to
comply with the requirements of this code in effect on the date on which the permit
application was submitted.
If a building permit has expired and there has been no construction, the Building Division
shall not issue a new permit unless the Building Division determines in writing that the
1-2
1997 APECC
construction is designed to comply with the requirements of this code in effect on the date
the new permit is applied for.
SECTION 107 - FEES
The APECC review and compliance fee shall be 10% of the associated permit fee. The
minimum review and compliance fee for building permits shall be $20.00.
SECTION 108 - INSPECTIONS
See Section 108 of the 1994 UBC
108.1 Energy Conservation Code inspections. The Building Division shall inspect new
construction to determine whether it is consistent with approved plans and specifications,
and complies with this code. Certificates of Occupancy shall not be issued until such
consistency is verified.
SECTION 109 - CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY
See Section 109 of the 1994 lJBC
SECTION 110 - CALCULATION METHODS AND ALTERNATE COMPONENT
PACKAGES
110.1 Public Domain Computer Program. In addition to the present approved public
domain computer programs, the Chief Building Official may, upon written application or
his own motion, approve additional public domain computer programs that may be used
to demonstrate that the proposed building designs meet the requirements of this code.
The Chief Building Official shall ensure that user's manuals or guides for each approved
program are available.
SECTION 111 - CERTIFICATION OF ENERGY PROFESSIONALS
111.1 Certification. Certification for designers, licensed contractors and superintendents
will be available through seminars and testing approved by the Chief Building Official.
111.1.1 The design professional test will deal with designing for compliance and
documenting compliance. Once the design professional has passed the test he will be
Certified Energy Design Professional by the Chief Building Official.
1-3
1997 APECC
Certified Energy Design Professionals will be entitled to submit Certified Documentation
of Compliance with a building permit application. Certification will exempt that
application from detailed review except for random audits.
Certification will be revoked if the design professional shows disregard of the regulations
or if they certify documents that do not comply.
111.1.2 The licensed contractor or superintendent test will deal with building structures
to maintain compliance. Once the licensed contractor or superintendent has passed the
test he will be Ce~ed Energy Building Professional by the Chief Building Official.
Certified Energy Building Professionals will be entitled to certify compliance for
structures they build. Certification will exempt those structures from detailed inspections
for energy code compliance except for random audits.
Certification will be revoked if the Certified Energy Building Professionals show
disregard of the regulations or if they certify structures that do not comply.
1-4
1997 APECC
CHAPTER 2
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
SECTION 201 - DEFINITIONS
201 General. For the purpose of this code certain terms, phrases, words, and their
derivatives shall be construed as specified in this chapter and elsewhere in this code where
specific definitions are provided. Tenns, phrases, and words used in the singular include
the plural and the plural the singular. Terms, words, and phrases used in the masculine
gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine.
Terms, phrases, and words not found in Chapter 2 shall be defined as specified in Chapter 7
of the Aspen Municipal Code or Title 7 of the Pitkin County Code. Terms, phrases, and
words not found in either Chapter 2 of this code or Chapter 7 of the Aspen Municipal Code
or Title 7 of the Pitkin County Code shall be defined in Chapter 2 of the 1994 UBC. Where
terms, phrases, and words are not defined in any of the references above, they shall be
defined as specified in Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English
Language, Unabridged (1986 ed.), unless context requires otherwise.
SECTION 202 - A
--
ACCESSIBLE is having access thereto, but which first may require removal or opening of
access panels, doors, or similar obstructions.
ADDITION is any change to a building that increases conditioned floor area and
conditioned volume.
AL TERATION is any change to a building's water heating system, space conditioning
system, or envelope that is not an addition.
ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION METHODS (ACMs) are the City of Aspen/Pitkin
County Energy Code Public Domain Computer Programs, one of the City of AspenlPitkin
County Energy Code Simplified Calculation Methods, or any other calculation method
approved by the Chief Building Official.
APCDD is the AspenlPitkin Community Development Department.
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY REGULATIONS is NAECA.
APPROVED BY TIffi CIDEF BUILDING OFFICIAL means approval under Uniform
Building Code.
2-1
1997 APECC
APPROVED CALCULATION METHOD (See ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION
METHODS).
SECfION 203 - B
BUILDING is any structure or space for which a permit is sought.
BUILDING DMSION means AspenlPitkin Community Development Department,
Building Division
BUILDING ENVELOPE is the ensemble of exterior and demising partitions of a building
that enclose conditioned space.
SECTION 204 - C
CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION is an independent organization recognized by the Chief
Building Official to certify manufactured devices for performance values in accordance
with procedures adopted by the Chief Building Official.
CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL is the officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or the Building Official's duly authorized
representative.
CLIMATE ZONE is the geographic areas of Pitkin County for which the Aspen/Pitkin
Regional Building Division has jurisdiction.
COLORADO GREEN PROGRAM is a guide to the green construction of homes and
subdivisions, compiled by the Governors Office of Energy Conservation.
COMPLIANCE APPROACH means anyone of the allowable methods by which design
and construction of a building may be demonstrated to be in compliance with Chapter 3.
CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA (CF A) is the floor area (in square feet) of enclosed
conditioned space on all floors of a building, as measured at the floor level of the exterior
surfaces of exterior walls enclosing the conditioned space.
CONDmONED SPACE is space in a building that is either directly conditioned or
indirectly conditioned.
CONDmONED VOLUME is the total volume (in cubic feet) of the conditioned space
within a building.
2-2
1997 APECC
COVERED PRODUCT is an appliance regulated by the efficiency standards established
under the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) ,42 U.S.C. Section 6291
of 1987.
CRAWL SPACE is a space immediately under the first floor of a building adjacent to
grade.
SECTION 205 - D
DECORATIVE GAS APPLIANCE is a gas appliance that is designed or installed for
visual effect only, cannot burn solid wood, and simulates a fire in a fireplace.
DEGREE DAY, HEATING is a unit, based upon temperature difference and time, used in
estimating fuel consumption and specifying nominal annual heating load of a building. For
anyone day, when the mean temperature is less than 65<>P, there exist as many degree days
as there are Fahrenheit degrees difference in temperature between the mean temperature for
the day and 650F. The number of degree days for use with this code is 8,850.
DEMISING PARTITIONS AND WALLS are barriers that separate conditioned space from
enclosed unconditioned space.
DESIGN CONDITIONS are the parameters and conditions used to determine the
performance requirements of space conditioning systems. Design conditions for
determining design heating and cooling loads are specified in Section 305.1.7.2.
DESIGN HEAT LOSS RATE is the total calculated heat loss through the building envelope
under design conditions.
SECTION 206 - E
ENCLOSED SPACE is space that is substantially surrounded by solid surfaces.
ENERGY BUDGET is the maximum amount of source energy that a proposed building, or
portion of a building, can be designed to consume, calculated with the approved procedures
specified in Chapter 3.
ENERGY CONSERVATION STANDARDS means City of Aspen/Pitkin County Energy
Conservation Code, Chapter 3.
ENERGY OBTAINED FROM DEPLETABLE SOURCES is electricity purchased from a
public utility, or any energy obtained from coal, oil, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum
gases.
2-3
1997 APECC
ENERGY OBTAINED FROM NONDEPLETABLE SOURCES is energy that is not
energy obtained from depletable sources.
ENFORCING AGENCY is the Aspen/Pitkin County Community Development
Department, Building Division.
ENTIRE BUILDING is the ensemble of all enclosed space in a building, including the
space for which a permit is sought, plus all existing conditioned and unconditioned space
within the structure.
ENVELOPE means building envelope.
EXFILTRATION is uncontrolled outward air leakage from inside a building, including
leakage through cracks and interstices, around windows and doors, and through any other
exterior partition or duct penetration.
EXPOSED THERMAL MASS is mass that is directly exposed (uncovered) to the
conditioned space of the building.
EXTERIOR FLOOR/SOFFIT is a horizontal exterior partition, or a horizontal demising
partition, under conditioned space. For residential occupancies, exterior floors also include
those on grade.
EXTERIOR PARTITION is an opaque, translucent, or transparent solid barrier that
separates conditioned space from ambient air or space that is not enclosed. For low-rise
residential occupancies, exterior partitions also include barriers that separate conditioned
space from unconditioned space, or the ground.
EXTERIOR ROOF/CEILING is an exterior partition, or a demising partition, that has a
slope less than 60 degrees from horizontal, that has conditioned space below, and that is not
an exterior door or skylight.
EXTERIOR ROOF/CEILING AREA is the area of the exterior surface of exterior
roof7ceilings.
EXTERIOR WALL is any wall or element of a wall, or any member or group of members,
which defines the exterior boundaries or courts of a building and which has a slope of 60
degrees or greater with the horizontal plane. An exterior wall or partition is not an exterior
floor/soffit, exterior door, exterior roof7ceiling, window, skylight, or demising wall.
EXTERIOR WALL AREA is the area of the opaque exterior surface of exterior walls.
2-4
1997 APECC
SECTION 207 - F
FENESTRATION PRODUCT is any transparent or translucent material plus any sash,
frame, mullions, and dividers, in the envelope of a building, including, but not limited to:
windows, sliding glass doors, french doors, skylights, curtain walls, and garden windows.
FIREPLACE is a hearth and fire chamber or similar prepared place in which a solid fuel
fire may be burned, as defined in UBC Section 3102.2 and as further clarified in UBC
Section 3102.7; these include but are not limited to factory-built fireplaces, masonry
fireplaces, and masonry heaters (solid fuel burning device).
SECTION 208 - G
GAS HEATING SYSTEM is a natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas heating system.
GAS LOG is a self-contained, free-standing, open-flame, gas-burning appliance consisting
of a metal frame or base supporting simulated logs, and designed for installation only in a
vented fireplace.
GLAZING (See FENESTRATION PRODUCT).
/-
GROSS EXTERIOR ROOF AREA is the sum of the skylight area and the exterior
roof/ceiling area
GROSS EXTERIOR WALL AREA is the sum of the window area, door area, and exterior
wall area
SECTION 209 - H
HABITABLE STORY is a story that contains space in which humans may work or live in
reasonable comfort, and that has at least 50 percent of its volume above grade.
SECTION 210 - I
INDIRECTL Y CONDITIONED SPACE is enclosed space that is not directly conditioned.
INFILTRATION is uncontrolled inward air leakage from outside a building, or
unconditioned space, including leakage through cracks and interstices, around windows and
doors, and through any other exterior or demising partition or pipe or duct penetration.
2-5
1997 APECC
OPTIMAL OVERHANG is an overhang that completely shades the glazing at solar noon
on August 21 and substantially exposes the glass at solar noon on December 21.
SECTION 217 - P
SECTION 219 - R
RP is the responsible person.
RAISED FLOOR is a floor (partition) over a crawl space, or an unconditioned space, or
ambient air.
READIL Y ACCESSIBLE is capable of being reached quickly for operation, repair, or
inspection, without requiring climbing or removing obstacles, or resorting to access
equipment.
RELATIVE SOLAR HEAT GAIN is the ratio of solar heat gain through a fenestration
product (corrected for external shading) to the solar heat gain from an unshaded single light
of 1/8 inch thick clear double strength glass under the same set of conditions, excluding the
effects of mullions, frames and sashes.
REP AIR is the reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose
of its maintenance.
REP~AJR OR REPLACEMENT GLAZING is glazing without a frame, associated with a
repair that is not an addition or alteration.
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING is a building that is of occupancy group R-l,R-2, R-3, or S3 or
Ul (associated with a group R).
RESPONSIBLE PERSON (RP) (See Section 106.3.6 Responsibility for Signing).
SECTION 220 - S
SERVICE WATER HEATER is an appliance designed primarily to supply hot water for
sanitary purposes for human occupancy, other than for comfort heating.
SERVICE WATER REA TING is heating of water for sanitary purposes for human
occupancy, other than for comfort heating.
2-7
1997 APECC
SPA POOL-PRIV A TE is a pool, not Wlder medical supervision, that incorpomtes water jets
and/or an aemtion system used for hydro massage_in connection with a single family
residence, and available only to family of the householder and his private guests.
SPA POOL-PUBLIC is a pool, not Wlder medical supervision, that incorpomtes water jets
and/or an aemtion system used for hydro massage.
SPACE CONDITIONING SYSTEM is a system that provides either collectively or
individually heating, ventilating, or cooling within or associated with conditioned spaces in
a building.
S\VIMMING POOL is any constructed or prefabricated pool used for swimming or
bathing, twenty-four (24) inches or more in depth.
S\VIMMING POOL-PRIVATE is all constructed pools which are used as a swimming pool
in connection with a single family residence, and available only to family of the
householder and his private guests.
S\VIMMING POOL-PUBLIC is any constructed pool other than a private swimming pool.
SYSTEM is a combination of equipment, controls, accessories, interconnecting means, or
terminal elements, by which energy is transformed to perform a specific function, such as
space conditioning, or service water heating.
SECTION 221 - T
THERMAL MASS is solid or liquid material used to store heat for later heating use or for
reducing cooling requirements.
THERMAL RESISTANCE (R) is the resistance of a material or building component to the
passage of heat in (hr x ft2 x ~)/Btu. .
SECTION 222 - U
UBC is the 1994 edition of the Uniform Building Code.
UMC is the 1994 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code.
UNCONDITIONED SPACE is enclosed space within a building that is not conditioned
space.
2-9
1997 APECC
CHAPTER 3
ENERGY CONSERVATION STANDARDS
SECTION 301 - ALL OCCUPANCIES - GENERAL PROVISIONS
301.1 Buildings covered. The provisions of Chapter 3 apply to all buildings (see Section
101.3) and to all snowmelt, private swimming pool and spa heating system equipment (see
Section 101.3.1).
301.2 Parts of Buildings Covered. The provisions of Chapter 3 apply to the building
envelope, space conditioning systems, water heating systems, snowmelt systems, and
private pool and spa heating systems of buildings covered by this code.
301.3 Floors and Habitable Stories.
1. Only habitable floors that have at least 50 percent of their volume above grade as
defined in the UBC shall be counted in determining how many habitable stories a
building has.
2. All conditioned space in a floor shall comply with this code, whether or not the floor
is above grade and whether or not it is habitable.
301.4 Mixed Occupancy When a building is designed and constructed for more than one
type of occupancy, the space for each occupancy shall meet the provisions of this code
applicable to that occupancy.
EXCEPTION: If one occupancy constitutes at least 90 percent of the conditioned
floor area of the building, the entire building may comply with the provisions of this
code applicable to that occupancy.
301.5 Certification Requirements for Manufactured Devices. This code limits the
installation of the following manufactured devices to those that have been certified by their
manufacturer to meet or exceed minimum specifications or efficiencies adopted by the
Chief Building Official:
1. Central air-conditioning heat pumps and other central air conditioners.
2. Combination equipment: space heating and cooling, or space heating and water
heating.
3. Fene~tion products.
4. Oas space heaters.
5. Insulating materials.
6. Oil fired storage water heaters.
7. Other heating and cooling equipment.
3-1
1997 APECC
SECTION 303 - MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE S~OWMELT
SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT.
303.1 Any service snowmelt system or equipment shall meet the following:
1. Pilot light prohibited.
2. Electric resistance heating is prohibited.
Exception:
1. Roof Heating Cable.
2. 9 S.F. of electric snowmelt mat per required Emergency Escape
window welL Snowmelt mat shall be maximum 2 kilowatt radiant cable
snowmelt with maximum 6 hour countdown timer (this amount does
not affect the allowable snowmelt calculated as per Section 307.2.2.2).
303.2 Snowmelt systems shall include automatic temperature and surface moisture
controls.
Exception:
1. Roof Heating Cable.
2. 9 S.F. of electric snowmelt mat per required Emergency Escape
window welL Snowmelt mat shall be maximum 2 kilowatt radiant cable
snowmelt with maximum 6 hour countdown timer (this amount does
not affect the allowable snowmelt calculated as per Section 307.2.2.2).
SECTION 304 - MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLID FUEL BURNING
DEVICES.
304.1 Certification. Any solid fuel burning device may be installed only if the
manufacturer has certified that the device complies with all of the applicable
requirements of this section and has been determined by the Aspen/Pitkin Environmental
Health Department to have emissions less than or equal to 4.1 gmIhr when tested
according to the most stringent test methods for certifying airtight wood stoves or pellet
stoves.
SECTION 305 - RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY FEATURES AND DEVICES
Any new residential building shall meet the requirements of this Section.
305.1 Ceilings. The opaque portions of ceilings separating conditioned spaces from
unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the requirements of either 1 or 2 below:
3-3
1997 APECC
AL TERNA TIVE: Raised floor insulation may be omitted if the foundation walls
are insulated to an installed thermal resistance of R -19, and a vapor barrier is placed
over the entire floor of the crawl space, and a mechanical ventilation system that
meets the requirements ofUBC Section 2317.7 is installed.
305.4 Installation of Fireplaces, Decorative Gas Appliances, and Gas Logs.
305.4.1 Wood burning fireplaces are prohibited in nonattainment areas of the City of
Aspen and Pitkin County.
305.4.2 If a masonry or factory-built fIreplace is installed, it shall have the following:
1. CLOSEABLE metal or glass doors covering the entire opening of the firebox;
2. A combustion air intake to draw air from the outside of the building directly into the
fire box, which is at least 6-square inches in area; and
3. A flue damper with a readily accessible controL
EXCEPTION: When a gas log, log lighter, or decorative gas appliance is installed
in a fireplace, the flue damper shall be blocked open as required by the
manufacturer's installation instructions or Section 803 1994 UMC.
/~~'"
305.5. Infiltration Barrier. If an infiltration barrier is installed to meet the requirements of
Sections 306 and 307, it must have an air porosity of less than 5 ft3 per hour per square foot
per inch of mercury pressure difference when tested in accordance with the requirements of
ASTM E-283-84. If a vapor barrier functions as an infiltration barrier it shall be located on
the conditioned side of the exterior framing.
305.6 Vapor Barriers. A vapor barrier shall be installed on the conditioned space side of
all insulation in all exterior walls and ceilings to protect insulation from condensation.
Penetrations of vapor barriers shall be sealed at the edge of the penetration. Recessed lights
that penetrate vapor barriers. shall be "air tight".
305.7 Space Conditioning Equipment.
305.7.1 Building design heat loss rate and design heat gain rate, shall be determined using a
method based on anyone of the following:
1. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and air-conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) Handbook and Product Directory, Equipment Volume (1988), Systems
and Applications Volume (1987), and Fundamentals Volume (1989), or
2. The Sheet Metal Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA)
Load Calculation Manual, or
3-5
1997 APECC
Table 3-2
Pipe Insulation Requirements
Minimum R- Value
. .
System Pipe Diameter
Less than or equal to Greater than 2"
2"
Domestic Hot Water R-4 R-6
Hydronic Heating Supply Lines R-4 R-6
Cooling Systems (pipes below R-3 R-4
55OF)
EXCEPTION: The following piping does not have to be thermally insulated:
1. Factory-installed piping within space conditioning equipment
2. Piping that conveys fluids that have a design operating temperature range between 55
degrees and 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
/....
3. Gas piping, cold domestic water piping, condensate drains, vents, or waste piping.
4. Where the heat gain of heat loss to or from piping without insulation will not increase
building source energy use.
NOTE: Where the Chief Building Official approves a water heater calculation
method for a particular water heating recirculation system. piping insulation
requirements shall be those specified in the approved calculation method.
305.10 Slab Edge Insulation. Concrete slab edges shall be insulated to an installed thermal
resistance of at least R - 10. Material used for slab edge insulation shall meet the following
minimwn specifications:
1. Water absorption rate no greater than 0.3 percent when tested in accordance with
ASTM-C-271.
2. Water vapor permeance no greater than 2.0 perm/inch when tested in accordance
with ASTM-E-96-90.
3. Concrete slab perimeter insulation must be protected from physical damage and
ultra violet light deterioration.
3-7
1997 APECC
SECTION 305.12 - Mandatory Requirements for Outside Private Pool and Spa
Heating Systems and Equipment.
305.12.1 Certification by Manufacturers. Any pool or spa heating system or
equipment may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified that the system or
equipment has all of the following:
1. A readily accessible on-off switch, mounted on the outside of the heater, that
allows shutting off the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting; and
2. No electric resistance heating; and
EXCEPTION:
1. Pools or spas deriving at least 50% of the annual heating energy
from nondepletable sources.
2. Listed package units with fully insulated enclosures, and with tight-fitting
covers that are insulated to at least R-12.
3. Custom spa installations with spa shell, pipes, equipment enclosure, and spa
cover insulated to at least R-14.
3. No pilot light; and
4. High efficiency circulation pump motors; and
5. Maximum capacity of heating system, derived from depletable energy sources, =
405,000 BTU input.
305.12.2 Installation. Any pool or spa heating system or equipment shall be installed
with all of the following:
1. At least 36" of pipe between the filter and the heater, to allow for the future
addition of solar heating equipment; and
EXCEPTION:
1. Listed package units with fully insulated enclosures, and with tight-fitting
covers that are insulated to at least R-12.
2. Directional inlets and time switches for pools.
2.1 The pool shall have directional inlets that adequately mix the pool water;
and
3-9
1997 APECC
Products", as it appears on pages 27.6 and 27.7 of the ASHRAE 1993
Fundamentals Handbook, or in accordance with a default table method approved
by the Chief Building Official; and
2. Have a temporary label, not to be removed before inspection by the enforcement
agency, listing the certified U-values(a)1. are met; and
3. Have a permanent label listing the U-value, certifying organization, and rating
procedures or a label to allow tracking back to the original certification
information on file with the certifying organization.
MAXIMUM AIR INFILTRATION RATES
TYPE RATE
Windows
cfmlft2 of operable sash crack
All 0.37
Residential Doors swinging, sliding 0.37
cfmlft2 of door area
All Other Doors sliding, swinging (single door 0.37
cfmlft2 of door area
swinging (double door 1.0
Table 3-3
305.14.2 Site constructed doors, skylights, and widows, including, but not limited to,
field manufactured doors, skylights, and windows, shall be caulked between the door,
skylights, or window and the building, and shall be weather-stripped.
EXCEPTION: Unframed glass doors and fire doors.
SECTION 305.15 - Mandatory Requirements for Joints and Other Openings. Joints
and other openings in the building envelope that are potential sources of air leakage shall
be caulked, gasketed, weather-stripped, or otherwise sealed to limit infiltration and
exfiltration.
SECTION 305.16 - Compliance Methods. All residential buildings shall meet all of the
following:
1. The mandatory requirements.
3-11
1997 APECC
Equation 3-1
ANNUAL WATER HEATING BUDGET (AWB):
For dwelling units less than 2500 ft2:
A WB (kBtu/yr.-ft2) = (HOOQ) + 4.85
CFA
For dwelling units equal to or greater than 2500 ft2:
A WB (kBtu/yr.-ft2) = (~)
CFA
Where CF A = the building's conditioned floor area in square feet.
The annual water heating budget calculated from Equation 3-1 may be met by either:
1. Calculating the energy consumption of the proposed water heating system using an
approved calculation method or
2. Installing any gas storage type non-recirculating water heating system that does not
exceed 50 gallons of capacity, meets the minimum standards specified in the
Appliance Efficiency Standards, and either has an R-12 external insulation wrap or
has been determined by the Chief Building Official to meet the annual water heating
budget calculated from Equation 3-1 without an external insulation wrap.
307.1.2 Space Conditioning Budget. Space conditioning budgets shall be the calculated
consumption of energy from depletable sources required for space conditioning in buildings
in which the requirements for the prescriptive compliance (Section 306) are installed. To
determine the space conditioning budget, use an approved calculation method.
307.1.3 Snowmelt Energy Use (not a budget) Snowmelt energy use shall be the
consumption of snowmelt system and equipment energy from depletable sources used for
melting snow. Snowmelt energy use for dwelling units is that calculated, using an approved
method, by a mechanical engineer licensed by the State of Colorado. Snowmelt energy use
shall be added to the subtotal source energy consumption calculated as per the requirements
of Section 307.2.2.2.
or
EXCEPTION:
1. Roofheating cable.
3-13
1997 APECC
307.2.3 The proposed building design complies if the total source energy consumption
pursuant to Section 307.2.2 is equal to or less than the combined energy budget
established in Section 307.2.1.
307.3 Required Calculation Assumptions. The Chief Building Official shall publish the
assumptions and calculation methods it used to develop the standards for residential
buildings, including those specified in Section 307. In determining the water heating and
space conditioning budgets and calculating the energy use of the proposed building design,
snowmelt energy use. and private pool and private spa energy use, the applicant shall use
only these asswnptions and calculation methods (or alternative assumptions and methods
approved by the Chief Building Official).
307.3.1 Such assumptions shall include, but not be limited to. the following:
1. The operating conditions regarding indoor temperature; occupancy loads and
schedules; equipment loads and operation schedules, including lighting, HV AC, and
miscellaneous electrical; and outdoor weather conditions;
2. The physical characteristics of building pressurization, interior heat transfer, film
coefficients, shading coefficient and operation of installed shading devices. ground
temperatures, and the method of determining slab heat loss;
3. The applicable modeling procedures for the assumptions, design .conditions, and
physical characteristics described in Section 307.2.
EXCEPTION: The Chief Building Official may approve alternative schedules,
assUmptions, and performance modeling procedures that may be used in lieu of
those described in Section 307.3.1, provided such alternatives do not alter the
efficiency level required by these standards.
307.3.2 The total calculated annual energy consumption shall include all energy used for
comfort heating, comfort cooling, ventilation for the health and comfort of occupantS,
service water heating, snowmelt, and private pool and private spa heating.
EXCEPTION:
1. Roofheating cable.
2. 9 S.F. of Electric snowmelt mat per required Emergency Escape window well.
Snowmelt mat shall be maximum 2 kilowatt radiant cable snowmelt with maximum
6 hour countdown timer.
307.3.3 Heat transfers within the same building to adjacent spaces that are not covered by
the permit and that are independently provided with space conditioning may be considered
3-15
1997 APECC
1. The addition complies if the addition alone meets the combined water heating and
space conditioning energy budgets.(see Section 307.2).
2. The addition complies if the energy efficiency of the existing building is improved
such that the total source energy consumption of the improved existing building
and the addition is equal to or less than that of the unimproved existing building
plus an addition that complies with the applicable energy budget (see Section
307.2).
SECTION 309 - RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS
309.1 Alterations - Scope. Alterations to existing residential buildings shall meet any
requirements of Sections 303, 304, and 305 that apply to the system or envelope component
being changed and the requirements of this section. The U-value of any fenestration
product replaced or added as part of an alteration shall not exceed 0.42 as defined by the
National Fenestration Rating Council (i.e. whole product performance).). An increase in
the area of fenestration is not an alteration and shall meet the requirements of Section 308.
NOTE: Fenestration products repaired or replaced. not as part of an alteration, need
not comply with the U-value requirements applicable to alterations.
SECTION 310 - NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS Shall comply with Chapter 7 of the
:MEC. and Section 303 of this code.
SECTION311 - RESIDENTIAL SNOWMELT, OUTSIDE POOL, AND OUTSIDE
SPA SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE
311.1 Scope. Residential snowmelt, outside pool, or outside spa systems and equipment
may be installed only if its calculated depletable energy use is allowed using the method
described in this section. This section applies to all installations for which an application
for a permit or renewal of an existing permit is filed or is by law required to be filed with
or without an associated Building Permit. Residential snowmelt or spa systems and
equipment shall meet the requirements of Section 303.
3011.2 Compliance Demonstration. Residential snowmelt, outside pool, or outside spa
systems and equipment complies if the total source energy consumption pursuant to
Section 307.2.2 is equal to or less than the combined energy budget established in Section
307.2.1.
SECTION 312 - RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTIAL REPAIRS
3U.1 Scope. Repairs to building components, systems, or equipment which do not
increase their pre-existing energy consumption need not comply with the APECC. If a
3-17
1997 APECC
building component, system, or piece of equipment is replaced, however, it must be
treated as an alteration.
--------
3-18
1997 APECC
to be zero. Heat transfers to spaces not yet provided with space conditioning may be
modeled as separate tinconditioned zones, or as outside conditions.
307.3.4 The total calculated annual energy consumption need not include energy from any
nondepletable sources, regardless of the purpose of the energy consumed.
307.3.5 The V-value of installed manufactured fenestration products shall meet the
requirements of Section 305.14. The V-value of site-built fenestration products shall be
those published by the Chief Building Official, based on an approved method that
determines the area weighted average V-value for generic types of products.
307.3.6 Shading coefficients for interior devices used with fenestration products shall be
taken from Tables 25, 26, and 27 of Chapter 27 of the ASHRAE Handbook of
Fundamentals (1989), except that the minimum shading coefficient that shall be assumed
for any interior shading device is 0.66.
SECTION 308 - RESIDENTIAL ADDITIONS
308.1 Additions - Scope. Additions to existing residential buildings shall meet the
requirements of Sections 303, 304, and 305; and, the requirements of this section (308.2 or
308.3 below).
EXCEPTION: Areas critical to ingress, egress, or life safety may be snowmelted,
with approval from the Chief Building Official, on a case by case basis.
308.2 Prescriptive Approach. Additions to existing buildings shall meet the requirements
of either 1,2, or 3 below, or Section 306.
1. Additions up to 50 square feet shall not exceed 25 square feet of glazing plus the
glazing area that was removed by the addition, and the glazing V-value shall not
exceed 0.42.
2. Additions greater than 50 square feet but less than 150 square feet shall meet all the
requirements of Section 306, except that the addition's total glazing area limit is the
maximum of the chosen package plus the glazing area that was removed by the
addition.
3. Additions greater than 150 square feet shall meet all the requirements of Section
306.
308.3 ,Performance Approach. Performance calculations shall meet the requirements of
either 1 or 2, below:
3-16
1997 APECC
2. 9 S.F. of Electric snowmelt mat per required Emergency Escape window well.
Snowmelt mat shall be maximum 2 kilowatt radiant cable snowmelt with maximum
6 hour countdown timer.
307.1.4 Pool and Spa Energy Use (not a bndget) Pool and spa energy use sha1J be the
consumption of energy from depletable sources used for heating pools and spas. Pool and
spa energy use is that calculated, using an approved method, by a mechanical engineer
licensed by the State of Colorado. Pool and spa energy use sha1J be added to the subtotal
source energy consumption calculated as per the requirements of Section 307.2.2.
307.2 Complianee Demonstration Reqnirements for Performance Standards. The
application for a building permit sha1J include documentation which demonstrates, using an
approved calculation method, the compliance version of the City of Aspen/Pitkin County
Energy Conservation Code's Public Domain Computer Program or any alternative
calcuIation method approved by the Chief Building Official, that the new building has been
designed so that its total sonrce energy consumption from depletable energy sources does
not exceed the combined water heating and space conditioning budgets.
EXCEPTION:
1. Roofheating cable.
'2.9 S.F. of Electric snowmelt mat per required Emergency Escape window well.
Snowmelt mat shall be maximum 2 kilowatt radiant cable snowmelt with maximum
6 hour countdown timer.
307.2.1 To demonstrate compliance, the applicant's documentation shall determine the
combined energy budget for the proposed building by adding the following:
I. The annual water heating budget calculated from Equation 3-1 (kBtulyr.-ft'); and
2. The annual space conditioning budget (kBtuJyr.-ft2) as detennined pursuant to
Section 307.1.2.
307.2.2 Calculate the sonrce energy COll5nmption snbtotal of the proposed building, using
the proposed building's actual glazing area, orientation, and distribution, and its actual
energy conservation and other features, including the actual water heating, space
conditiOning equipment and duct conditions and locations. To detennine the subtotal
source energy COll5nmptiOD, use an lIpproved calculation method. Add snowmelt energy
use and pool and spa energy use to obtain total source energy consumption.
Inclnde in the calculation the energy required for building cooling even if the building plans
do not indicate that air conditioning will be installed.
3-14
1997 APECC
2. Either the performance standards or the prescriptive standards or the requirements
of the Colorado Green Program.
SECTION 306 - RESIDENTIAL PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE
306.1 Buildings that are certified to meet the requirements of the Colorado Green Program
are Exempt from meeting the prescriptive requirements.
EXCEPTION: Buildings that contain snowmelt, pool, or spa systems.
Any changes to the building design will nullify the Colorado Green exemption.
306.2 Buildings comply with the prescriptive or tradeoff standards if they meet the
requirements ofMEC CHECK, version 2.0. Chapter 2 ofMEC CHECK is omitted and
replaced by the mandatory requirements of Section 305.
306.3 The prescriptive standards do not allow the inclusion of snowmelt. (Snowmelt
requires compliance demonstration with the performance computer standard.)
306.4 The prescriptive standards do not allow the inclusion of pool and spa energy use.
(Pool and spas require compliance demonstration with the performance computer
standard) .
306.5 Heat transfers within the same building to adjacent spaces that are not covered by the
permit and that are independently provided with space conditioning may be considered to
be zero. Heat transfers to spaces not yet provided with space conditioning may be modeled
as separate unconditioned zones, or as outside conditions.
SECTION 307 - RESIDENTIAL PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE
307.1 Performance Standards. A building complies with the performance standard if its
combined calculated depletable energy use for water heating (Section 307.1.1), space
conditioning (Section 307.1.2), SNOWMELT (Section 307.1.3), and pool and spa heating
(Section 307.1.4), is less than or equal to the combined maximum allowable energy use for
both water heating, and space conditioning, even if the building fails to meet either the
water heating, or space conditioning, budget alone.
EXCEPTION: Buildings that are certified to meet the requirements of the
Colorado Green Program and do not have snowmelt, swimming pool or spa heating
system equipment comply with the performance standard.
307.1.1 Water Heating Budgets. The budgets for water heating systems are those
calculated from Equation 3-1.
3-12
1997 APECC
2.2 The circulation pump shall have a time switch that allows the
pump to be set to run in the off-peak electric demand period, and for the
minimum time necessary to maintain the water in the condition required
by applicable public health standards.
EXCEPTION: Where applicable public health standards require on-peak
operation.
2.3 Outdoor pools or spas with a surface area> 800 ft2. shall not be heated.
EXCEPTION: Heating systems deriving 50% of energy from
nondepletable sources, with a maximum area of 1600 ft2.
SECTION 305.13 - Natural and Liquid Propane Gas Central Furnaces, Cooking
Equipment, Private Pool and Spa Heaters and Snowmelt:
305.13.1 Pilot Lights Prohibited. Any natural or liquid propane gas system or
equipment listed below may be installed only if it does not have a continuously burning
pilot light:
1. Fan type central furnaces.
2. Household cooking appliances.
3. Private pool heaters.
4. Private spa heaters.
5. Snowmelt heaters.
SECTION 305.14 - Mandatory Requirements for Exterior Doors, Windows, and
Fenestration Products.
305.14.1 Any manufactured doors or windows or manufactured fenestration product may
be installed only if the manufacturer has certified to the Chief Building Official, or if an
independent certifying organization approved by the Chief Building Official has certified,
that the product complies with all of the applicable requirements of this subsection.
305.14.1.1 Manufactured doors and windows shall have air infiltration rates not
exceeding those shown in Table 3-3, when tested according to ASTM E283-91 at a
pressure differential of75 pascals or 1.57 pounds/ft2.
305.14.1.2 Manufactured fenestration products shall:
1.
Be certified as to their overall V-values as rated in accordance with the National
Fenestration Rating Council's NFRC-100-91 (June 28,1991), or in accordance
with "Table 5, Overall Coefficients of Heat Transmission of Various Fenestration
3-10
1997 APECC
305.11 Ducts and Fans.
305.11.1 Air handling duct systems shall be installed and sealed to meet the, requirement of
UMC Sections 604. Portions conveying conditioned air shall either be insulated to a
minimum installed level ofR-4.2 (or any higher level required by UMC Section 604) or be
enclosed entirely in conditioned space. Zone ill shall be used for the purpose of this
Section, unless another Zone is approved by the Chief Building Official.
305.11.2 All duct insulation product R-values shall be based on insulation only (excluding
air films, vapor barriers, or other duct components) and tested C-values at 75<>P mean
temperature at the installed thickness, in accordance with ASTM C518-85 or ASTMC177-
85.
305.11.3 The installed thickness of duct insulation used to determine its R-value shall be
determined as follows:
1. For duct board, duct liner and factory-made rigid ducts not normally subjected to
compression, the nominal insulation thickness shall be used.
2. For duct wrap, installed thickness shall be assumed to be 75 percent (25 percent
compression) of nominal thickness.
3. For factory-made flexible air ducts, the installed thickness shall be determined by
dividing the difference between the actual outside diameter and nominal inside
diameter by 2.
305.11.4 Insulated flexible duct products installed to meet this requirement must include
labels, in maximum intervals of 10 feet, showing the thermal performance R-value for the
duct insulation itself (excluding air films, vapor barriers, or other duct components ),based
on the tests in Section 305.11.2 and the installed thickness determined by Section
305.11.3.3.
305.11.5 All fan systems, regardless of volumetric capacity, that exhaust air from the
building to the outside shall be provided with backdraft or automatic dampers to prevent air
leakage.
305.11.6 All gravity ventilating systems that serve conditioned space shall be provided with
either automatic or readily accessible, manually operated dampers in all openings to the
outside except combustion inlet and outlet air 'openings and elevator shaft vents.
EXCEPTION: The requirements do not apply to ducts and fans integral to
combustion air ducts of solid fuel burning devices or fireplaces.
3-8
1997 APECC
3. The Air Conditioning Contractors Of America (ACCA) Manual J.
The design heat loss rate and design heat gain rate are two of the criteria that shall be used
for equipment sizing and selection.
NOTE: Heating Systems must meet the minimum heating capacity required by
UBC Section 310.11. The furnace output capacity and other specifications are
published in the Building Department's directory of certified equipment or other
directories approved by the Chief Building Official.
305.7.2 Design Conditions. For the purpose of sizing the space conditioning (HV AC)
system, the indoor design temperatures shall be 70 degrees Fahrenheit for heating and 75
degrees Fahrenheit for cooling. The outdoor heating design temperature shall be -15<>P.
The outdoor cooling design dry bulb temperature shall be 81 <>P. The outdoor cooling design
wet bulb temperature shall be 590P.
305.8 Setback Thermostats. All heating and/or cooling systems other than solid fuel
burning devices shall have an automatic thermostat with a clock mechanism or other
setback mechanism approved by the Chief Building Official that shuts the system off during
periods of non-use and that allows the building occupant to automatically set back the
thermostat set points for at least 2 periods within 24 hours.
EXCEPTION: Gravity gas wall heaters, gravity floor heaters, gravity room heaters,
room air conditioners, and room air conditioner heat pumps need not comply with
this requirement. Additionally, room air conditioner heat pumps need not comply
with Section 305.8.
305.9 Pipe and Tank Systems.
305.9.1 Hot water tanks shall be externally wrapped with insulation having an installed
thermal resistance ofR-12 or greater or have internal insulation of at least R-16 and a label
on the exterior of the tank showing the insulation R-value.
305.9.2 The piping for all space conditioning and service water heating systems, in
unconditioned spaces; and, the:first five feet of hot and cold water pipes from the storage
tanks of non-recirculating systems shall be insulated in accordance with Table 3-2.
,.,----.--
3-6
1997 APECC
1. Ceilings shall be insulated between wood framing members with insulation
resulting in an installed thermal resistance ofR-30 or greater for the insulation
alone.
AL TERNA TIVE: Insulation which is not penetrated by framing members may
meet an R-value equivalent to installing R-30 insulation between wood framing
members and accounting for the thenna! effects of framing members.
2. The weighted average U-value of ceilings shall not exceed the V-value that would
result from installing R-30 insulation between wood framing members in the entire
ceiling and accounting for the effects of framing members.
When loose fill insulation is installed, the minimum installed weight per square foot shall
conform with the insulation manufacturer's installed design weight per square foot at the
manufacturer's labeled R-value.
305.2 WaIls. The opaque portions of frame walls separating conditioned spaces from
unconditioned spaces or ambient air shall meet the requirements of either 1 or 2 below:
1. Framed walls shall be insulated between framing members with insulation having a
thenna! resistance ofR-19. Framed foundation walls of heated basements or heated
crawl spaces shall be insulated above the adjacent outside ground line with
insulation having a thermal resistance of at least R -19.
ALTERNATIVE: Insulation which is not penetrated by framing members may
meet an R-value equivalentto installing R-19 insulation between wood framing
members and accounting for the thermal effects of framing members.
2. The weighted average U-value of walls shall not exceed the U-value that would
result from installing R -19 insulation between wood framing members and
accounting for the effects of framing members.
305.3 Floon. Concrete raised floors over unconditioned space shall be insulated to an
installed thermal resistance of at least R -19. All other raised floors separating conditioned
space from unconditioned space shall meet the requirements of either 1 or 2
below:
1. Floors shall be insulated between wood framing members with insulation having an
installed thermal resistance ofR-19 or greater.
2.
The weighted average U-value of other floor assemblies shall not exceed the U-
value that would result from installing R -19 insulation between wood framing
members and accounting for the effects of framing members.
/-
3-4
1997 APECC
8. Plwnbing fixtures.
9. Pool heaters.
10. Refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers.
1 I. Room air conditioners;
12. Slab floor perimeter insulation.
13. Snowmelt Boilers.
14. Solid fuel burning devices.
15. Water heaters.
301.5.1 The certification status of any such manufactured device may be confirmed only by
reference to:
1. A directory published or approved by the Chief Building Official; or
2. A copy of the application for certification from the manufacturer and the letter of
acceptance from the Building Division staff; or
3. Written confirmation from the publisher of a division-approved directory that a
device has been certified; or
4. A division-approved label on the device; or
5. The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987.
6. The National Fenestration Rating Council.
NOTE: Section 301.5 Chapter 3 does not require a builder, designer, owner,
operator, or enforcing agency to test any certified device to determine its
compliance with minimwn specifications or efficiencies adopted by the Chief
Building Official.
SECTION 302 - CALCULATION OF SOURCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION.
When calculating source energy conswnption, consumption of electricity, natural gas, fuel
oil, and LPG shall be converted to BTUs at the rates shown in Table 3-1.
Table 3 - 1
Source Energy Conversion Rates
Ener\O' Source
Btu per unit
Consumption
Electricity
Natural Gas
Fuel Oil
LPG
10,239
100,000
138,400
91,080
Btu/kilowatt-hour
Btu/thermll00 CF at 14.73 psia
Btu/ gallon Btu/gallon
3-2
1997 APECC
U-VALUE is the overall coefficient of thermal transmittance of a construction assembly, in
Btu/(hr x ft2 x OP), including air film resistance at both surfaces.
VAPOR BARRIER is a material that has a permeance of one perm or less and that provides
resistance to the transmission of water vapor.
SECTION 223 - V
SECTION 224 - W
WATER STORAGE TANK. is an unfrred or indirectly heated water tank used for storage
of hot water.
WINDOW is glazing that is not a skylight.
WINDOW AREA is the area of the surface of a window, plus the area of the frame, sash,
and mullions.
WINDOW WALL RATIO is the ratio of the window area to the gross exterior wall area
WOOD REA TER is an enclosed wood burning appliance used for space heating and/or
domestic water heating, and which meets the requirements of the AspenlPitkin
Environmental Health Department.
WOOD STOVE (See WOOD REA TER).
SECTION 227 - Z
ZONE, SPACE CONDITIONING is a space or group of spaces within a building with
sufficiently similar comfort conditioning requirements so that comfort conditions can be
maintained throughout the zone by a single controlling device.
2-10
1997 APECC
SHADING COEFFICIENT (SC) is the ratio of the solar heat gain through a fenestration
product to the solar heat gain through an lltlshaded 1/8 inch thick clear double strength glass
under the same set of conditions. For nonresidential, high-rise residential, and hotel/motel
buildings, this shall exclude the effects of mullions, frames, sashes, and interior and exterior
shading devices.
SITE BillL T WINDOWS are those products which are field constructed from elements,
including framing, glazing, and weather-stripping, not sold together as a fenestration
product.
SITE SOLAR. ENERGY is natural daylighting, or thermal, chemical, or electrical energy
derived from direct conversion of incident solar radiation at the building site.
SKYLIGHT is glazing having a slope less than 60 degrees from the horizontal with
conditioned space below.
SKYLIGHT .-\REA is the area of the surface of a skylight, plus the area of the frame, sash,
and mullions.
SNOWMEL T is the mechanical melting of snow on driveways, walkways, etc.
SOLID FUEL BURNING DEVICE shall mean a burning device designed for solid fuel
combustion so that usable heat is derived for the interior of a building, and includes, without
limitation, solid fuel-fired stoves, wood stoves or any nature, fireplaces, pellet stoves, solid
fuel-fired cooking stoves, combination fuel furnaces or boilers which bum solid fuel, or any
other device used for the burning of solid combustible material. Solid fuel burning devices
do not include gas log fireplaces, decorative gas appliances or electrical appliances.
SOURCE ENERGY is the energy that is used at a site and consumed in producing and in
delivering energy to a site, including, but not limited to, power generation, transmission,
and distribution losses, and that is used to perfonn a specific function, such as space
conditioning, lighting or water heating. Table 3-1 contains the conversion factors for
converting site to source energy.
SPA is a unit primarily designed for therapeutic use which is not drained, cleaned or refilled
for each individual. It may include, but not limited to, hydrojet circulation, hot water, cold
water, mineral baths, air induction bubbles, or any combination thereof. Industry
terminology for spa includes, but is not limited to, therapeutic pool, hydrotherapy pool,
whirlpool, hot spa, etc.
2-8
1997 APECC
SECTION 213 - L
LPG is Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
SECTION 214 - M
MANUF ACTIJRED DEVICE is any heating, cooling, ventilation, water heating,
refrigeration, cooking, plumbing fitting, insulation, door, fenestration produCt, or any other
appliance, device, equipment, or system subject to this code.
IvfEC CHECK is Version 2.0 of a prescriptive compliance method that was developed by
Pacific Northwest Laboratory (Battelle Memorial Institute) for use with the 1993 MEC.
IvfECHANICAL REA TING is raising the temperature within a space for the purpose of
maintaining human comfort using electric resistance heaters, fossil fuel bumers, heat
pumps, or other systems that require energy from depletable sources.
MODELING ASSUMPTIONS are the conditions (such as weather conditions, thermostat
settings and schedules, internal gain schedules, etc.) that are used for calculating a building's
annual energy consumption and that are in the .AJternative Calculation Methods Manuals.
MODEL ENERGY CODE is the 1993 Model Energy Code prepared by the Council of
American Building Officials.
SECTION 215 - N
NAECA is the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100-12).
NATIONAL FENESTRATION RATING COUNCIL is the NFRC, certified products
directory, published by NFRC, incorporated, 1300 Spring Street, Suite 120, Silver Spring,
Maryland, 20910.
NONRESIDENTIAL BUILDING is any building that is not a residential building.
SECTION 216 - 0
OPERABLE SHADING DEVICE is a device at the interior or exterior of a building or
integral with a fenestration product, which is capable of being operated, either manually or
automatically, to adjust the amount of solar radiation admitted to the interior of the
building.
2-6
1997 APECC