2-7-2: ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE AMENDMENTS:
Chapter 1 - Administration
Chapter 1 is deleted in its entirety except for sections 101 and 102.
Section 101 - Scope And General Requirements.
Revise section 101 as follows:
Section C102.1.1 Above Code Program.
Amend Section C102.1.1 to read as follows:
   C102.1.1 Above code programs. The code official or other authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to deem a national, state or local energy efficiency program to exceed the energy efficiency required by this code. Programs seeking approval must submit all requested supporting documentation, including program guidelines, protocols, calculations and program simulation performance software, if applicable, to the NNICC and/or jurisdiction for review for use as acceptable software. Buildings approved in writing by such an energy efficiency shall be considered to be in compliance with this code. The requirements identified as "mandatory" in Chapter 4 shall be met.
Section C201.3 Terms Defined In Other Codes.
Amend Section C201.3 to read as follows:
   C201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Terms that are defined in this code but are defined in the International Building Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, or the International Residential Code shall have the meanings ascribed to them in those codes.
Section C202 General Definitions.
Amend Section C202 by adding the following definitions to read as follows:
   C202 General Definitions
   CASINO. A structure that houses a business with a Non-Restricted Gaming License from the Nevada Gaming Commission and State Gaming Control Board. It includes the gaming area(s) as well as the adjacent area(s) within the building envelope.
   CASINO GAMING AREA. The space within a casino wherein gaming is conducted. The gaming area shall also include accessory uses within the same room(s) as, or substantially open to the gaming floor(s). Such areas shall include, but not be limited to lobbies, balconies, public circulation areas, assembly areas, restaurants, bars, lounges, food courts, retail spaces, mezzanines, convention pre function areas, cashiers' cages, players' clubs, customer support, conservatories and promenades that share the same atmosphere, spillover lighting and theme lighting with the adjacent gaming floor area. For accessory areas situated on the perimeter of the gaming floor to be considered substantially open, the walls(s) or partitions(s) separating an accessory space from the gaming area must be a minimum of 50% open, as measured from the interior side of the accessory space, with no doors, windows and other obstructions, other than roll up security grills, installed within the opening.
Chapter 4 - Commercial Energy Efficiency
Amend Section R402.4.1.2 to read as follows:
   R402.4.1.2 Testing. The building or dwelling unit shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate not exceeding 5 air changes per hour. Testing shall be conducted with a blower door at a pressure of 0.2 inches w.g. (50 Pascal’s). Where required by the Code Official, testing shall be conducted by an approved third party. A written report of the results of the test shall be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the Code Official. Testing shall be performed at any time after creation of all penetrations of the building thermal envelope.
   During testing:
      1.   Exterior windows and doors, fireplace and stove doors shall be closed, but not sealed, beyond the intended weather-stripping or other infiltration control measures;
      2.   Dampers including exhaust, intake, makeup air, backdraft and flue dampers shall be closed, but not sealed beyond intended infiltration control measures;
      3.   Interior doors, if installed at the time of test, shall be open;
      4.   Exterior doors for continuous ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators shall be closed and sealed;
      5.   Heating and cooling systems, if installed at the time of testing, shall be fully open.
      6.   Supply and return registers, where installed at the time of test, shall be fully open.
Section C402.5.3 Rooms Containing Fuel Burning Appliances.
Amend Section C402.5.3 to read as follows:
   C402.5.3 Rooms containing fuel burning appliances. In Climate Zones 3 through 8, where combustion air is supplied through openings in an exterior wall to a room or space containing a space conditioning fuel burning appliance, one of the following shall apply:
   1. The room or space containing the appliance shall be located outside of the building thermal envelope.
   2. The room or space containing the appliance shall be enclosed and isolated from conditioned spaces inside of the building thermal envelope. Such rooms shall comply with all of the following:
   2.1. The walls, floors and ceilings that separate the enclosed room or space from conditioned spaces shall be insulated to be not less than equivalent to the insulation requirement of below grade walls as specified in Table C402.1.3 or C402.1.4.
   2.2. The walls, floors and ceilings that separate the enclosed room or space from conditioned spaces shall be sealed in accordance with Section C402.5.1.1.
   2.3. The doors into the enclosed room or space shall be fully gasketed.
   2.4. Water lines and ducts in the enclosed room or space shall be insulated in accordance with Section 403.
   2.5. Where an air duct supplying combustion air to the enclosed room or space passes through conditioned space, the duct shall be insulated to an R value not less than R 8.
   Exception: Fireplaces and stoves complying with Section 911, 912, 913 of the Uniform Mechanical Code, and Section 2111.14 of the International Building Code.
Section 402.5.9 Air Curtains.
Amend Section 402.5 by adding 402.5.9 to read as follows:
   C402.5.9 Air curtains. Where doorway, passageway or pass thru openings in the building thermal envelope area intended to be normally opened to the exterior environment, an approved air curtain tested in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 220 shall be used to separate conditioned air from the exterior.
Section 403.2.2 Ventilation (Mandatory).
Amend Section C403.2.2 Ventilation (Mandatory) to read as follows:
   C403.2.2 Ventilation (Mandatory). Ventilation, either natural or mechanical, shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 4 of the Uniform Mechanical Code. Where mechanical ventilation is provided, the system shall provide the capability to reduce the outdoor air supply to the minimum required by Chapter 4 of the Uniform Mechanical Code.
Section C403.6.1 Variable Air Volume And Multiple Zone Systems.
Amend Section C403.6.1 to read as follows:
   C403.6.1 Variable air volume and multiple zone systems. Supply air systems serving multiple zones shall be variable air volume (VAV) systems that have zone controls configured to reduce the volume of air that is reheated, re cooled or mixed in each zone to one of the following:
   1. Twenty percent of the zone design peak supply for systems with DDC and 30 percent for other systems.
   2. Systems with DDC where all of the following apply:
   3. The outdoor airflow rate required to meet the minimum ventilation energy source requirements of Chapter 4 of the Uniform Mechanical Code.
   4. Any higher rate that can be demonstrated to reduce overall system annual energy use by offsetting reheat/re cool energy losses through reduction in outdoor air intake for the system as approved by the code official.
   5. The airflow rate required to comply with applicable codes or accreditation standards such as pressure relationships or minimum air change rates.
   Exception: The following individual zones or entire air distribution systems are exempted are from the requirement for VAV control:
   1. Zones or supply air systems where not less than 75 percent of the energy for reheating or for providing warm air in mixing systems is provided from a site recovered, including condenser heat, or site solar
   2. Systems that prevent reheating, re cooling, mixing or simultaneous supply of air that has been previously cooled, either mechanically or through the use of economizer systems, and air that has been previously mechanically heated.
Section C403.6.6 Multiple Zone VAV System Ventilation Optimization Control.
Amend Section C403.6.6 to read as follows:
   C403.6.6 Multiple zone VAV system ventilation optimization control. Multiple zone VAV systems with direct digital control of individual zone boxes reporting to a central control panel shall have automatic controls configured to reduce outdoor air intake flow below design rates in response to changes in system ventilation efficiency (Ev) as defined by the Uniform Mechanical Code.
   Exception:
   1. VAV systems with zonal transfer fans that recirculate air from other zones without directly mixing it with outdoor air, dual duct dual fan VAV systems, and VAV systems with fan powered terminal units.
   2. Systems where total design exhaust airflow is more than 70 percent of the total design outdoor air intake flow requirements.
Section 403.7.1 Demand Control Ventilation (Mandatory).
Amend Section C403.7.1 to read as follows:
   C403.7.1 Demand control ventilation (Mandatory). Demand control ventilation (DCV) shall be provided for spaces larger than 500 square feet (46.5m2) and with an average occupant load of 25 people or greater per 1,000 square feet (93m2) of floor area, as established in Table 402.1 of the Uniform Mechanical Code, and served by systems with one or more of the following:
   1. An air sided economizer.
   2. Automatic modulating control of the outdoor air damper.
   3. A design outdoor airflow greater than 3,000 cfm (1416 L/s).
   Exceptions:
   1. Systems with energy recovery complying with Section C403.7.4.
   2. Multiple zone systems without direct digital control of individual zones communicating with a central control panel.
   3. Systems with a design outdoor airflow less than 1,200 cfm (566 L/s).
   4. Spaces where the supply airflow rate minus any makeup or outgoing transfer air requirements is less than 1,200 cfm (566 L/s).
   5. Ventilation provided only for process loads.
Section C403.7.2 Enclosed Parking Garage Ventilation Controls (Mandatory).
Amend Section C403.7.2 to read as follows:
   C403.7.2 Enclosed parking garage ventilation controls (Mandatory). Enclosed parking garages used for sorting or handling automobiles operating under their own power shall employ contamination sensing devices and automatic controls configured to stage fans or modulate fan average airflow rates to 50 percent or less of design capacity, or intermittently operate fans less than 20 percent of the occupied time or as required to maintain acceptable contaminant levels in accordance with the applicable Uniform Mechanical Code provisions. Failure of contamination sensing devices shall cause the exhaust fans to operate continuously at design airflow.
   Exceptions:
   1. Garages with a total exhaust capacity less than 22,500 cfm (10 620 L/s) with ventilation systems that do not utilize heating or mechanical cooling.
   2. Garages that have a garage area to ventilation system motor nameplate power ratio that exceeds 1125 cfm/hp (710 L/kW) and do not utilize heating or mechanical cooling.
Section C403.7.4 Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems (Mandatory).
Amend Section C403.7.4 to read as follows:
   C403.7.4 Energy recovery ventilation systems (Mandatory). Where the supply airflow rate of a fan system exceeds the values specified in Tables C403.7.4(1) and C403.7.4(2), the system shall include an energy recovery system. The energy recovery system shall be configured to provide a change in the enthalpy of the outdoor air supply of not less than 50 percent of the difference between the outdoor air and return air enthalpies, at design conditions. Where an air economizer is required, the energy recovery system shall include a bypass or controls that permit operation of the economizer as required by Section C403.5.
   Exception: An energy recovery ventilation system shall not be required in any of the following conditions:
   1. Where energy recovery systems are prohibited by the Uniform Mechanical Code.
   2. Laboratory fume hood systems that include not fewer than one of the following features:
   2.1. Variable air volume hood exhaust and room supply systems configured to reduce exhaust and makeup air volume to 50 percent or less of design value.
   2.2. Direct makeup (auxiliary) air supply equal to or greater than 75 percent of the exhaust rate, heated not warmer than 2ºF (1.1ºC) below room setpoint, with no humidification added, and no simultaneous heating and cooling used for dehumidification control.
   3. Systems serving spaces that are heated to less than 60ºF (15.5ºC) and that are not cooled.
   4. Where more than 60 percent of the outdoor heating energy is provided from site recovered or site solar energy.
   5. Heating energy recovery in Climate Zones 1 and 2.
   6. Cooling energy recovery in Climate Zones 3C, 4C, 5B, 5C, 6B, 7, and 8.
   7. Systems requiring dehumidification that employ energy recovery in series with the cooling coil.
   8. Where the largest source of air exhausted at a single location at the building exterior is less than 75 percent of the design outdoor air flow rate.
   9. Systems expected to operate less than 20 hours per week at an outdoor percentage covered by Table C403.7.4(1).
   10. Systems exhausting toxic, flammable, paint or corrosive fumes or ducts.
   11. Commercial kitchen hoods used for collecting and removing grease vapors and smoke.
Section C403.7.7 Shutoff Dampers (Mandatory).
Amend Section C403.7.7 to read as follows:
   C403.7.7 Shutoff dampers (Mandatory). Outdoor air intake and exhaust openings and stairway and shafts vents shall be provided with Class I motorized dampers. The dampers shall have an air leakage rate not greater than 4 cfm/ft2 (20.3 L/s * m2) of damper surface area at 1.0 inch water gauge (249 Pa) and shall be labeled by an approved agency when tested in accordance with AMCA 500D for such purpose.
   Outdoor air intake and exhaust dampers shall be installed in automatic controls configured to close when the systems or spaces served are not in use or during unoccupied period warm up and setback operation, unless the systems served require outdoor or exhaust air in accordance with the Uniform Mechanical Code, or the dampers are opened to provide intentional economizer cooling.
   Stairway and shaft vent dampers shall be installed with automatic controls configured to open upon the activation of any fire alarm initiating device of the building's fire alarm system or the interruption of power to the damper.
   Exception: Nonmotorized gravity dampers shall be an alternative to motorized dampers for exhaust and relief openings as follows:
   1. In buildings less than three stories in height above grade plane.
   2. In buildings of any height located in Climate Zones 1, 2 or 3.
   3. Where the design exhaust capacity is not greater than 300 cfm (142 L/s).
   Nonmotorized gravity dampers shall have an air leakage rate not greater than 20 cfm/ft2 (101 L/s*m2) where not less than 24 inches (610 mm) in either dimension and 40 cfm/ft2 (203.2 L/s*m2) where less than 24 inches (610 mm) in either dimension. The rate of air leakage shall be determined at 1.0-inch water gauge (249 Pa) when tested in accordance with AMCA 500D for such purpose. The dampers shall be labeled by an approved agency.
Section C403.11.1 Duct And Plenum Insulation and Sealing (Mandatory).
Amend Section C403.11.1 to read as follows:
   C403.11.1 Duct and plenum insulation and sealing (Mandatory). Supply and return air ducts and plenums shall be insulated with not less than R-6 insulation where located in unconditioned spaces and where located outside of the building with not less than R-8 insulation in Climate Zones 1 through 4 and not less than R-12 insulation in Climate Zones 5 through 8. Where located within a building envelope assembly, the duct or plenum shall be separated from the building exterior or unconditioned or exempt spaces by not less than R-8 insulation in Climate Zones 1 through 4 and not less than R-12 insulation in Climate Zones 5 through 8.
   Exceptions:
   1. Where located within equipment.
   2. Where the design temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the duct or plenum is not greater than 15°F (8°C).
   Ducts, air handlers and filter boxes shall be sealed. Joints and seams shall comply with Section 603.10, 603.11 of the Uniform Mechanical Code.
Amend Section C403.11.2.1 to read as follows:
   C403.11.2.1 Low pressure duct systems (Mandatory). Longitudinal and transverse joints, seams and connections of supply and return ducts operating at a static pressure less than or equal to 2 inches water gauge (w.g.) (498 Pa) shall be securely fastened and sealed with welds, gaskets, mastics, (adhesives), mastic plus embedded fabric systems or tapes installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Pressure classifications specific to the duct system shall be clearly indicated on the construction documents in accordance with the Uniform Mechanical Code.
   Exception: Locking type longitudinal joints and seams, other than the snap lock and button lock types, need not be sealed as specified in this section.
Section C403.11.2.2 Medium Pressure Duct Systems (Mandatory).
Amend Section C403.11.2.2 to read as follows:
   C403.11.2.2 Medium pressure duct systems (Mandatory). Ducts and plenums designed to operate at a static pressure greater than 2 inches water gauge (w.g.) (498 Pa) but less than 3 inches w.g. (747 Pa) shall be insulated and sealed in accordance with Section C403.11.1. Pressure classifications specific to the duct system shall be clearly indicated on the construction documents in accordance with the Uniform Mechanical Code.
Section C406.6 Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems.
Amend Section C406.6 to read as follows:
   C406.6 Dedicated outdoor air system. Buildings containing equipment or systems regulated by Section C403.3.4, C403.4.3, C403.4.4, C403.4.5, C403.6, C403.8.4, C403.8.5, C403.8.5.1, C403.9.1, C403.9.2, C403.9.3, C403.9.4 shall be equipped with an independent ventilation system designed to provide not less than the minimum 100 percent outdoor air to each individual occupied space, as specified by the Uniform Mechanical Code.
Chapter 5 - Commercial Energy Efficiency
Section C501.4 Compliance.
Amend Section C501.4 to read as follows:
   C501.4 Compliance. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in this code and in the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code and NFPA 70.
Chapter 6 Referencing Standards
Amend Chapter 6 by adding the following to read as follows:
   AMCA
   205 12: Energy Efficiency Classification for Fans C403.8.3
   220 08 (R2012): Laboratory Methods for Testing Air Curtain Units for Aerodynamic Performance Rating C402.5.7
   500D 12: Laboratory Methods for Testing Dampers for Rating C403.7.7
   IAPMO
   UMC 18: Uniform Mechanical Code C201.3, C403.2.2, C403.6, C406.6.6, C403.7.1, C403.7.2, C403.7.4, C403.7.5, C403.7.7, C403.11.1, C403.11.2.1, C403.11.2.2, C406.6, C501.4
   UPC 18: Uniform Plumbing Code C201.3, C501.4
   ICC
   IBC 18: International Building Code C201.3, C303.1.1, C303.2, C402.5.3, C402.5.4, C501.4,
   IFC 18: International Fire Code C201.3, C501.4
RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS
Section R102.1.1 above Code Programs.
Amend R102.1.1 to read as follows:
   R102.1.1 Above code programs. The code official or other authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to deem a national, state or local energy efficiency program to exceed the energy efficiency required by this code. Programs seeking approval must submit all requested supporting
   documentation, including program guidelines, protocols, calculations and program simulation performance software, if applicable, to the NNICC and/or jurisdictions for review for use as acceptable software. Buildings approved in writing by such an energy efficiency program shall be considered in compliance with this code. The requirements identified as "mandatory" in Chapter 4 shall be met.
Section R401.3 Certificate (Mandatory).
Amend Section R401.3 to read as follows:
   R401.3 Certificate (Mandatory) The builder shall provide a final certificate to the owner. The certificate shall indicate the predominant R values of insulation installed in or on ceilings, roofs, walls, foundation components such as slabs, basement walls, crawl space walls and floors and ducts outside conditioned spaces; U factors of fenestration and the results from any required duct system and building envelope air leakage testing performed on the building. Where there is more than one value for each component, the certificate shall indicate the value covering the largest area. The certificate shall indicate the types and efficiencies of heating, cooling and service water heating.
Section R403.3.4 Duct Leakage (Prescriptive).
Amend section R403.3.2 to read as follows:
   R403.3.4 Duct Leakage (prescriptive). The total leakage of the ducts, where measured in accordance with Section R403.3.4, shall be as follows:
   1. Rough in test: The total leakage shall be less than or equal to 4 cubic feet per minute (113.3 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of conditional floor area where the air handler is installed at the time of the test. Where the air handler is not installed at the time of the test, the total leakage shall be less than or equal to 3 cubic feet per minute (85 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area.
   2. Postconstruction test: Total leakage shall be less than or equal L/min) 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (141.6 L/min) or total leakage to outside shall be less than or equal to 3.5 cfm (99.1 L/min) 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area.
Section R403.6 Mechanical Ventilation (Mandatory).
Amend Section R403.6 to read as follows:
   R403.6 Mechanical ventilation (Mandatory). The building shall be provided with ventilation that complies with the requirements of the International Residential Code or International Mechanical Code, as applicable, or with other approved means of ventilation. The mechanical system shall have a readily accessible on off control switch allowing control of the mechanical system. Utilization of outside air temperature sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, humidity sensors or similar intermittent controls to activate the outside air mechanical equipment is permitted. Outdoor air intakes and exhausts shall have automatic or gravity dampers that close when the ventilation system is not operating. (Ord. 728, 2-8-2011; amd. Ord. 839, 6-11-2019 ; Ord. 847, 11-26-2019 )