This chapter applies to residential buildings.
Projects shall comply with one of the following:
- Sections R401 through R404.
- Section R405 and the provisions of Sections R401 through R404 labeled "Mandatory."
- An energy rating index (ERI) approach in Section R406.
Residential buildings in the tropical zone at elevations below 2,400 feet (731.5 m) above sea level shall be deemed to comply with this chapter where the following conditions are met:
- Not more than one-half of the occupied space is air conditioned.
- The occupied space is not heated.
- Solar, wind or other renewable energy source supplies not less than 80 percent of the energy for service water heating.
- Glazing in conditioned space has a solar heat gain coefficient of less than or equal to 0.40, or has an overhang with a projection factor equal to or greater than 0.30.
- Permanently installed lighting is in accordance with Section R404.
- The exterior roof surface complies with one of the options in Table C402.3 or the roof/ceiling has insulation with an R-value of R-15 or greater. If present, attics above the insulation are vented and attics below the insulation are unvented.
- Roof surfaces have a minimum slope of 1/4 inch per foot of run. The finished roof does not have water accumulation areas.
- Operable fenestration provides ventilation area equal to not less than 14 percent of the floor area in each room. Alternatively, equivalent ventilation is provided by a ventilation fan.
- Bedrooms with exterior walls facing two different directions have operable fenestration on exterior walls facing two directions.
- Interior doors to bedrooms are capable of being secured in the open position.
- A ceiling fan or ceiling fan rough-in is provided for bedrooms and the largest space that is not used as a bedroom.
Upcodes Diagrams
A permanent certificate shall be completed by the builder or registered design professional and posted on a wall in the space where the furnace is located, a utility room or an approved location inside the building. Where located on an electrical panel, the certificate shall not cover or obstruct the visibility of the circuit directory label, service disconnect label or other required labels. The certificate shall list the predominant R-values of insulation installed in or on ceiling/roof, walls, foundation (slab, basement wall, crawlspace wall and floor) and ducts outside conditioned spaces; U-factors for fenestration and the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of fenestration, and the results from any required duct system and building envelope air leakage testing done on the building. Where there is more than one value for each component, the certificate shall list the value covering the largest area. The certificate shall list the types and efficiencies of heating, cooling and service water heating equipment. Where a gas-fired unvented room heater, electric furnace or baseboard electric heater is installed in the residence, the certificate shall list "gas-fired unvented room heater," "electric furnace" or "baseboard electric heater," as appropriate. An efficiency shall not be listed for gas-fired unvented room heaters, electric furnaces or electric baseboard heaters.
The building thermal envelope shall meet the requirements of Sections R402.1.1 through R402.1.5.
Exception: The following low-energy buildings, or portions thereof, separated from the remainder of the building by building thermal envelope assemblies complying with this section shall be exempt from the building thermal envelope provisions of Section R402.
- Those with a peak design rate of energy usage less than 3.4 Btu/h • ft2 (10.7 W/m2) or 1.0 watt/ft2 of floor area for space-conditioning purposes.
- Those that do not contain conditioned space.
Wall assemblies in the building thermal envelope shall comply with the vapor retarder requirements of Section R702.7 of the International Residential Code or Section 1405.3 of the International Building Code, as applicable.
The building thermal envelope shall meet the requirements of Table R402.1.2, based on the climate zone specified in Chapter 3.
| CLIMATE ZONE | FENESTRATION U-FACTORb | SKYLIGHT U-FACTORb | GLAZED FENESTRATION SHGCb | CEILING R-VALUEf | WOOD FRAME WALL R-VALUE | MASS WALL R-VALUEe | FLOOR R-VALUE | BASEMENT WALL R-VALUEc | SLAB R-VALUE & DEPTH | CRAWL SPACE WALL R-VALUEc |
| 2 | 0.35f | 0.55 | 0.27 | 30 | 13 | 4/6 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | 0.35f | 0.55 | 0.27 | 30 | 13 | 5/8 | 19 | 5/13d | 0 | 5/13 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
- R-values are minimums. U-factors and SHGC are maximums. When insulation is installed in a cavity which is less than the label or design thickness of the insulation, the installed R-value of the insulation shall not be less than the R-value specified in the table.
- The fenestration U-factor column excludes skylights. The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration. Exception: Skylights may be excluded from glazed fenestration SHGC requirements in climate zones 1 through 3 where the SHGC for such skylights does not exceed 0.30.
- "5/13" means R-5 continuous insulation on the interior or exterior of the home or R-13 cavity insulation at the interior of the basement wall.
- Basement wall insulation is not required in warm-humid locations as defined by Figure R301.1 and Table R301.1.
- The second R-value applies when more than half the insulation is on the interior of the mass wall.
- Reference R402.2.2.1
Insulation material used in layers, such as framing cavity insulation, or continuous insulation shall be summed to compute the corresponding component R-value. The manufacturer's settled R-value shall be used for blown insulation. Computed R-values shall not include an R-value for other building materials or air films. Where insulated siding is used for the purpose of complying with the continuous insulation requirements of Table R402.1.2, the manufacturer's labeled R-value for insulated siding shall be reduced by R-0.6.
Upcodes Diagrams
An assembly with a U-factor equal to or less than that specified in Table R402.1.4 shall be permitted as an alternative to the R-value in Table R402.1.2.
| CLIMATE ZONE |
FENESTRATION U-FACTOR |
SKYLIGHT U-FACTOR |
CEILING U-FACTOR |
FRAME WALL U-FACTOR |
MASS WALL U-FACTORb |
FLOOR U-FACTOR |
BASEMENT WALL U-FACTOR |
CRAWL SPACE WALL U-FACTOR |
| 2 | 0.35 | 0.55 | 0.035 | 0.084 | 0.165 | 0.064 | 0.360 | 0.477 |
| 3 | 0.35 | 0.55 | 0.035 | 0.084 | 0.141 | 0.047 | 0.360 | 0.136 |
- Non-fenestration U-factors shall be obtained from measurement, calculation, or an approved source.
- When more than half the insulation is on the interior, the mass wall U-factors shall be a maximum of 0.14 in Zone 2 and 0.12 in Zone 3.
- Reference R402.2.2.1
If the total building thermal envelope UA (sum of U-factor times assembly area) is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from using the U-factors in Table R402.1.4 (multiplied by the same assembly area as in the proposed building), the building shall be considered in compliance with Table R402.1.2. The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The SHGC requirements shall be met in addition to UA compliance.
All R-values and associated U-factors including SHGC for fenestration, skylights, glazed
fenestration, ceiling, and wood frame walls in tables R402.1.2
(N1102.1.2) and R402.1.4 (N1102.1.4) shall be mandatory.
In addition to the requirements of Section R402.1, insulation shall meet the specific requirements of Sections R402.2.1 through R402.2.13.
Where Section R402.1.2 would require R-38 insulation in the ceiling, installing R-30 over 100 percent of the ceiling area requiring insulation shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for R-38 wherever the full height of uncompressed R-30 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. Similarly, where Section R402.1.2 would require R-49 insulation in the ceiling, installing R-38 over 100 percent of the ceiling area requiring insulation shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for R-49 insulation wherever the full height of uncompressed R-38 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. This reduction shall not apply to the U-factor alternative approach in Section R402.1.4 and the total UA alternative in Section R402.1.5.
Where Section R402.1.2 would require insulation levels above R-30 and the design of the roof/ceiling assembly does not allow sufficient space for the required insulation, the minimum required insulation for such roof/ceiling assemblies shall be R-30. This reduction of insulation from the requirements of Section R402.1.2 shall be limited to 500 square feet (46 m2) or 20 percent of the total insulated ceiling area, whichever is less. This reduction shall not apply to the U-factor alternative approach in Section R402.1.4 and the total UA alternative in Section R402.1.5.
For air-permeable insulations in vented attics, a baffle shall be installed adjacent to soffit and eave vents. Baffles shall maintain an opening equal or greater than the size of the vent. The baffle shall extend over the top of the attic insulation. The baffle shall be permitted to be any solid material.
Access doors from conditioned spaces to unconditioned spaces (e.g., attics and crawl spaces) shall be weather-stripped and insulated to a level in accordance with the following insulation values:
Access shall be provided to all equipment that prevents damaging or compressing the insulation. A wood framed or equivalent baffle or retainer is required to be provided when loose fill insulation is installed, the purpose of which is to prevent the loose fill insulation from spilling into the living space when the attic access is opened, and to provide a permanent means of maintaining the installed R-value of the loose fill insulation.
- Hinged vertical doors shall have a maximum U-Factor of U-0.20 (R-5 minimum
- Hatches/scuttle hole covers shall have a maximum U-Factor of U-0.05 (R-19 minimum) and;
- Pull down stairs shall have a maximum U-Factor of U-0.20 with a minimum of 75 percent of the panel area having (R-5 minimum) insulation.
Mass walls for the purposes of this chapter shall be considered above-grade walls of concrete block, concrete, insulated concrete form (ICF), masonry cavity, brick (other than brick veneer), earth (adobe, compressed earth block, rammed earth) and solid timber/logs, or any other walls having a heat capacity greater than or equal to 6 Btu/ft2 × °F (123 kJ/m2 × K).
Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation requirements of Table R402.2.6 or shall meet the U-factor requirements of Table R402.1.4. The calculation of the U-factor for a steel-frame envelope assembly shall use a series-parallel path calculation method.
TABLE R402.2.6 STEEL-FRAME CEILING, WALL AND FLOOR INSULATION (R-VALUE)
TABLE R402.2.6 STEEL-FRAME CEILING, WALL AND FLOOR INSULATION (R-VALUE)
| WOOD FRAME R-VALUE REQUIREMENT | COLD-FORMED STEEL EQUIVALENT R-VALUEa |
| Steel Truss Ceilingsb | |
| R-30 | R-38 or R-30 + 3 or R-26 + 5 |
| R-38 | R-49 or R-38 + 3 |
| R-49 | R-38 + 5 |
| Steel Joist Ceilingsb | |
| R-30 | R-38 in 2 × 4 or 2 × 6 or 2 × 8 R-49 in any framing |
| R-38 | R-49 in 2 × 4 or 2 × 6 or 2 × 8 or 2 × 10 |
| Steel-Framed Wall, 16" on center | |
| R-13 | R-13 + 4.2 or R-19 + 2.1 or R-21 + 2.8 or R-0 + 9.3 or R-15 + 3.8 or R-21 + 3.1 |
| R-13 + 3 | R-0 + 11.2 or R-13 + 6.1 or R-15 + 5.7 or R-19 + 5.0 or R-21 + 4.7 |
| R-20 | R-0 + 14.0 or R-13 + 8.9 or R-15 + 8.5 or R-19 + 7.8 or R-19 + 6.2 or R-21 + 7.5 |
| R-20 + 5 | R-13 + 12.7 or R-15 + 12.3 or R-19 + 11.6 or R-21 + 11.3 or R-25 + 10.9 |
| R-21 | R-0 + 14.6 or R-13 + 9.5 or R-15 + 9.1 or R-19 + 8.4 or R-21 + 8.1 or R-25 + 7.7 |
| Steel Framed Wall, 24" on center | |
| R-13 | R-0 + 9.3 or R-13 + 3.0 or R-15 + 2.4 |
| R-13 + 3 | R-0 + 11.2 or R-13 + 4.9 or R-15 + 4.3 or R-19 + 3.5 or R-21 + 3.1 |
| R-20 | R-0 + 14.0 or R-13 + 7.7 or R-15 + 7.1 or R-19 + 6.3 or R-21 + 5.9 |
| R-20 + 5 | R-13 + 11.5 or R-15 + 10.9 or R-19 + 10.1 or R-21 + 9.7 or R-25 + 9.1 |
| R-21 | R-0 + 14.6 or R-13 + 8.3 or R-15 + 7.7 or R-19 + 6.9 or R-21 + 6.5 or R-25 + 5.9 |
| Steel Joist Floor | |
| R-13 | R-19 in 2 × 6, or R-19 + 6 in 2 × 8 or 2 × 10 |
| R-19 | R-19 + 6 in 2 × 6, or R-19 + 12 in 2 × 8 or 2 × 10 |
| a Cavity insulation R-value is listed first, followed by continuous insulation R-value. |
| b. Insulation exceeding the height of the framing shall cover the framing. |
Where Section R402.1.2 would require continuous insulation on exterior walls and structural sheathing covers 40 percent or less of the gross area of all exterior walls, the continuous insulation R-value shall be permitted to be reduced by an amount necessary to result in a consistent total sheathing thickness, but not more than R-3, on areas of the walls covered by structural sheathing. This reduction shall not apply to the U-factor alternative approach in Section R402.1.4 and the total UA alternative in Section R402.1.5.
Floor framing-cavity insulation shall be installed to maintain permanent contact with the underside of the subfloor decking.
Exception: The floor framing-cavity insulation shall be permitted to be in contact with the topside of sheathing or continuous insulation installed on the bottom side of floor framing where combined with insulation that meets or exceeds the minimum wood frame wall R-value in Table 402.1.2 and that extends from the bottom to the top of all perimeter floor framing members.
Exception: The floor framing-cavity insulation shall be permitted to be in contact with the topside of sheathing or continuous insulation installed on the bottom side of floor framing where combined with insulation that meets or exceeds the minimum wood frame wall R-value in Table 402.1.2 and that extends from the bottom to the top of all perimeter floor framing members.
Walls associated with conditioned basements shall be insulated from the top of the basement wall down to 10 feet (3048 mm) below grade or to the basement floor, whichever is less. Walls associated with unconditioned basements shall meet this requirement unless the floor overhead is insulated in accordance with Sections R402.1.2 and R402.2.8.
Upcodes Diagrams
As an alternative to insulating floors over crawl spaces, crawl space walls shall be permitted to be insulated when the crawl space is not vented to the outside. The band joist shall be insulated and
air sealed in accordance with Table N1102.4.1.1 (R402.4.1.1). A
3 inch (76mm) inspection/view strip shall be provided immediately
below the floor joists to permit inspections for termites. Crawl space wall insulation shall be permanently fastened to the wall and extend downward from the bottom of the inspection/view strip to within 9 inches(229mm) of the finished interior grade adjacent to the foundation wall. Exposed earth in unvented crawl space foundations shall be covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder in accordance with Section R408 of the International Residential Code. All joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (153 mm) and shall extend up the stem
wall not less than 6 inches (153mm) and shall be attached to the stem wall.
Insulation shall not be required on the horizontal portion of the foundation that supports a masonry veneer.
Sunrooms enclosing conditioned space shall meet the insulation requirements of this code.
Exception: For sunrooms with thermal isolation, and enclosing conditioned space, the following exceptions to the insulation requirements of this code shall apply:
- The minimum ceiling insulation R-values shall be R-19 in Climate Zones 1 through 4 and R-24 in Climate Zones 5 through 8.
- The minimum wall R-value shall be R-13 in all climate zones. Walls separating a sunroom with a thermal isolation from conditioned space shall meet the building thermal envelope requirements of this code.
In addition to the requirements of Section R402, fenestration shall comply with Sections R402.3.1 through R402.3.5.
An area-weighted average of fenestration products shall be permitted to satisfy the U-factor requirements.
An area-weighted average of fenestration products more than 50-percent glazed shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements.
Dynamic glazing shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements of Table R402.1.2 provided the ratio of the higher to lower labeled SHGC is greater than or equal to 2.4, and the dynamic glazing is automatically controlled to modulate the amount of solar gain into the space in multiple steps. Dynamic glazing shall be considered separately from other fenestration, and area-weighted averaging with other fenestration that is not dynamic glazing shall not be permitted.
Dynamic glazing shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements of Table R402.1.2 provided the ratio of the higher to lower labeled SHGC is greater than or equal to 2.4, and the dynamic glazing is automatically controlled to modulate the amount of solar gain into the space in multiple steps. Dynamic glazing shall be considered separately from other fenestration, and area-weighted averaging with other fenestration that is not dynamic glazing shall not be permitted.
Exception: Dynamic glazing is not required to comply with this section when both the lower and higher labeled SHGC already comply with the requirements of Table R402.1.2.
Up to 15 square feet (1.4 m2) of glazed fenestration per dwelling unit shall be permitted to be exempt from U-factor and SHGC requirements in Section R402.1.2. This exemption shall not apply to the U-factor alternative approach in Section R402.1.4 and the Total UA alternative in Section R402.1.5.
One side-hinged opaque door assembly up to 24 square feet (2.22 m2) in area is exempted from the U-factor requirement in Section R402.1.2. This exemption shall not apply to the U-factor alternative approach in Section R402.1.4 and the total UA alternative in Section R402.1.5.
Sunrooms enclosing conditioned space shall meet the fenestration requirements of this code.
Exception: For sunrooms with thermal isolation and enclosing conditioned space in Climate Zones 2 through 8, the maximum fenestration U-factor shall be 0.45 and the maximum skylight U-factor shall be 0.70.
New fenestration separating the sunroom with thermal isolation from conditioned space shall meet the building thermal envelope requirements of this code.The building thermal envelope shall be constructed to limit air leakage in accordance with the requirements of Sections R402.4.1 through R402.4.5.
The building thermal envelope shall comply with Sections R402.4.1.1 and R402.4.1.2. The sealing methods between dissimilar materials shall allow for differential expansion and contraction.
The components of the building thermal envelope as listed in Table R402.4.1.1 (Table N1102.4.1.1) shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the criteria listed in Table R402.4.1.1 (Table N1102.4.1.1), as applicable to the method of construction.
TABLE R402.4.1.1 AIR BARRIER AND INSULATION INSTALLATION
TABLE R402.4.1.1 AIR BARRIER AND INSULATION INSTALLATION
| COMPONENT | AIR BARRIER CRITERIA | INSULATION INSTALLATION CRITERIA |
| General requirements | A continuous air barrier shall be installed in the building envelope. The exterior thermal envelope contains a continuous air barrier. Breaks or joints in the air barrier shall be sealed. |
Air-permeable insulation shall not be used as a sealing material. |
| Ceiling/attic | The air barrier in any dropped ceiling/soffit shall be aligned with the insulation and any gaps in the air barrier shall be sealed. Access openings, drop down stairs or knee wall doors to unconditioned attic spaces shall be sealed. |
The insulation in any dropped ceiling/soffit shall be aligned with the air barrier. |
| Walls | The junction of the foundation and sill plate shall be sealed. The junction of the top plate and the top of exterior walls shall be sealed. Knee walls shall be sealed. |
Cavities within corners and headers of frame walls shall be insulated by completely filling the cavity with a material having a thermal resistance of R-3 per inch minimum. Exterior thermal envelope insulation for framed walls shall be installed in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. |
| Windows, skylights and doors | The space between window/door jambs and framing, and skylights and framing shall be sealed. |
|
| Rim joists | Rim joists shall include the air barrier. | Rim joists shall be insulated. |
| Floors (including above garage and cantilevered floors) |
The air barrier shall be installed at any exposed edge of insulation. |
Floor framing cavity insulation shall be installed to maintain permanent contact with the underside of subfloor decking, or floor framing cavity insulation shall be permitted to be in contact with the top side of sheathing, or continuous insulation installed on the underside of floor framing and extends from the bottom to the top of all perimeter floor framing members. |
| Crawl space walls | Exposed earth in unvented crawl spaces shall be covered with a Class I vapor retarder with overlapping joints taped. |
Where provided instead of floor insulation, insulation shall be permanently attached to the crawlspace walls. |
| Shafts, penetrations | Duct shafts, utility penetrations, and flue shafts opening to exterior or unconditioned space shall be sealed. |
|
| Narrow cavities | Batts in narrow cavities shall be cut to fit, or narrow cavities shall be filled by insulation that on installation readily conforms to the available cavity space. |
|
| Garage separation | Air sealing shall be provided between the garage and conditioned spaces. |
|
| Recessed lighting | Recessed light fixtures installed in the building thermal envelope shall be sealed to the drywall. |
Recessed light fixtures installed in the building thermal envelope shall be air tight and IC rated. |
| Plumbing and wiring | Batt insulation shall be cut neatly to fit around wiring and plumbing in exterior walls, or insulation that on installation readily conforms to available space shall extend behind piping and wiring. |
|
| Shower/tub on exterior wall | The air barrier installed at exterior walls adjacent to showers and tubs shall separate them from the showers and tubs. |
Exterior walls adjacent to showers and tubs shall be insulated. |
| Electrical/phone box on exterior walls | The air barrier shall be installed behind electrical or communication boxes or air-sealed boxes shall be installed. |
|
| HVAC register boots | HVAC register boots that penetrate building thermal envelope shall be sealed to the subfloor or drywall. |
|
| Concealed sprinklers | When required to be sealed, concealed fire sprinklers shall only be sealed in a manner that is recommended by the manufacturer. Caulking or other adhesive sealants shall not be used to fill voids between fire sprinkler cover plates and walls or ceilings. |
- In addition, inspection of log walls shall be in accordance with the provisions of ICC-400.
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 Pascals). Testing shall be performed at any time after creation of all penetrations of the building thermal envelope.
During testing:
During testing:
- Exterior windows and doors, fireplace and stove doors shall be closed, but not sealed, beyond the intended weather-stripping or other infiltration control measures;
- Dampers including exhaust, intake, makeup air, backdraft and flue dampers shall be closed, but not sealed beyond intended infiltration control measures;
- Interior doors, if installed at the time of the test, shall be open;
- Exterior doors for continuous ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators shall be closed and sealed;
- Heating and cooling systems, if installed at the time of the test, shall be turned off; and
- Supply and return registers, if installed at the time of the test, shall be fully open.
New wood-burning fireplaces shall have tight-fitting flue dampers or doors, and outdoor combustion air. Where using tight-fitting doors on factory-built fireplaces listed and labeled in accordance with UL 127, the doors shall be tested and listed for the fireplace. Where using tight-fitting doors on masonry fireplaces, the doors shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 907.
Windows, skylights and sliding glass doors shall have an air infiltration rate of no more than 0.3 cfm per square foot (1.5 L/s/m2), and swinging doors no more than 0.5 cfm per square foot (2.6 L/s/m2), when tested according to NFRC 400 or AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 by an accredited, independent laboratory and listed and labeled by the manufacturer.
Exception: Site-built windows, skylights and doors.
Exception: Site-built windows, skylights and doors.
In Climate Zones 3 through 8, where open combustion air ducts provide combustion air to open combustion fuel burning appliances, the appliances and combustion air opening shall be located outside the building thermal envelope or enclosed in a room, isolated from inside the thermal envelope. Such rooms shall be sealed and insulated in accordance with the envelope requirements of Table R402.1.2, where the walls, floors and ceilings shall meet not less than the basement wall R-value requirement. The door into the room shall be fully gasketed and any water lines and ducts in the room insulated in accordance with Section R403. The combustion air duct shall be insulated where it passes through conditioned space to a minimum of R-8.
Exceptions:
Exceptions:
- Direct vent appliances with both intake and exhaust pipes installed continuous to the outside.
- Fireplaces and stoves complying with Section R402.4.2 and Section R1006 of the International Residential Code.
Recessed luminaires installed in the building thermal envelope shall be sealed to limit air leakage between conditioned and unconditioned spaces. All recessed luminaires shall be IC-rated and labeled as having an air leakage rate not more than 2.0 cfm (0.944 L/s) when tested in accordance with ASTM E 283 at a 1.57 psf (75 Pa) pressure differential. All recessed luminaires shall be sealed with a gasket or caulk between the housing and the interior wall or ceiling covering.
The area-weighted average maximum fenestration U-factor permitted using tradeoffs from Section R402.1.5 or R405 shall be 0.48 in Climate Zones 4 and 5 and 0.40 in Climate Zones 6 through 8 for vertical fenestration, and 0.75 in Climate Zones 4 through 8 for skylights. The area-weighted average maximum fenestration SHGC permitted using tradeoffs from Section R405 in Climate Zones 1 through 3 shall be 0.50.
At least one thermostat shall be provided for each separate heating and cooling system.
Heat pumps having supplementary electric-resistance heat shall have controls that, except during defrost, prevent supplemental heat operation when the heat pump compressor can meet the heating load.
Hot water boilers that supply heat to the building through one- or two-pipe heating systems shall have an outdoor setback control that lowers the boiler water temperature based on the outdoor temperature.
Supply and return ducts in attics shall be insulated to a minimum of R-8 where 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter and greater and R-6 where less than 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter. Supply and return ducts in other portions of the building shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6 where 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter or greater and R-4.2 where less than 3 inches (76 mm) in diameter.
Exception: Ducts or portions thereof located completely inside the building thermal envelope.
Exception: Ducts or portions thereof located completely inside the building thermal envelope.
Ducts, air handlers and filter boxes shall be sealed. Joints and seams shall comply with either the International Mechanical Code or International Residential Code, as applicable.
Exceptions:
- Air-impermeable spray foam products shall be permitted to be applied without additional joint seals.
- For ducts having a static pressure classification of less than 2 inches of water column (500 Pa), additional closure systems shall not be required for continuously welded joints and seams, and locking-type joints and seams of other than the snap-lock and button-lock types.
Air handlers shall have a manufacturer's designation for an air leakage of no more than 2 percent of the design air flow rate when tested in accordance with ASHRAE 193.
Ducts shall be pressure tested to determine air leakage by one of the following methods:
A written report of the results of the test shall be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the code official.
- Rough-in test: Total leakage shall be measured with a pressure differential of 0.1 inch w.g. (25 Pa) across the system, including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure if installed at the time of the test. All registers shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test.
- Postconstruction test: Total leakage shall be measured with a pressure differential of 0.1 inch w.g. (25 Pa) across the entire system, including the manufacturer's air handler enclosure. Registers shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test.
A written report of the results of the test shall be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the code official.
The total leakage of the ducts, where measured in accordance with Section R403.3.3, shall be as follows:
- 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 conditioned 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.
- Post-construction test: Total leakage to the outside shall be less than or equal to 4 cubic feet per minute (113.3 L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area.
Building framing cavities shall not be used as ducts or plenums.
Mechanical system piping capable of carrying fluids above 105°F (41°C) or below 55°F (13°C) shall be insulated to a minimum of R-3.
Piping insulation exposed to weather shall be protected from damage, including that caused by sunlight, moisture, equipment maintenance and wind, and shall provide shielding from solar radiation that can cause degradation of the material. Adhesive tape shall not be permitted.
Heated water circulation systems shall be in accordance with Section R403.5.1.1. Heat trace temperature maintenance systems shall be in accordance with Section R403.5.1.2. Automatic controls, temperature sensors and pumps shall be accessible. Manual controls shall be readily accessible.
Heated water circulation systems shall be provided with a circulation pump. The system return pipe shall be a dedicated return pipe or a cold water supply pipe. Gravity and thermo-syphon circulation systems shall be prohibited. Controls for circulating hot water system pumps shall start the pump based on the identification of a demand for hot water within the occupancy. The controls shall automatically turn off the pump when the water in the circulation loop is at the desired temperature and when there is no demand for hot water.
Electric heat trace systems shall comply with IEEE 515.1 or UL 515. Controls for such systems shall automatically adjust the energy input to the heat tracing to maintain the desired water temperature in the piping in accordance with the times when heated water is used in the occupancy.
A water distribution system having one or more recirculation pumps that pump water from a heated water supply pipe back to the heated water source through a cold water supply pipe shall be a demand recirculation water system. Pumps shall have controls that comply with both of the following:
- The control shall start the pump upon receiving a signal from the action of a user of a fixture or appliance, sensing the presence of a user of a fixture or sensing the flow of hot or tempered water to a fixture fitting or appliance.
- The control shall limit the temperature of the water entering the cold water piping to 104°F (40°C).
Insulation for hot water pipe with a minimum thermal resistance (R-value) of R-3 shall be applied to the following:
- Piping 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) and larger in nominal diameter.
- Piping serving more than one dwelling unit.
- Piping located outside the conditioned space.
- Piping from the water heater to a distribution manifold.
- Piping located under a floor slab.
- Buried piping.
- Supply and return piping in recirculation systems other than demand recirculation systems.
Drain water heat recovery units shall comply with CSA B55.2. Drain water heat recovery units shall be tested in accordance with CSA B55.1. Potable water-side pressure loss of drain water heat recovery units shall be less than 3 psi (20.7 kPa) for individual units connected to one or two showers. Potable water-side pressure loss of drain water heat recovery units shall be less than 2 psi (13.8 kPa) for individual units connected to three or more showers.
The building shall be provided with ventilation that meets the requirements of the International Residential Code or International Mechanical Code, as applicable, or with other approved means of ventilation. Outdoor air intakes and exhausts shall have automatic or gravity dampers that close when the ventilation system is not operating.
When installed to function as a whole house mechanical ventilation system fans shall meet the efficacy requirements of Table R403.6.1.
For SI: 1 cfm = 28.3 L/min.
Exception: Where whole-house mechanical ventilation fans are integral to tested and listed HVAC equipment, they shall be powered by an electronically commutated motor.
| FAN LOCATION | AIR FLOW RATE MINIMUM (CFM) |
MINIMUM EFFICACYa (CFM/WATT) |
AIR FLOW RATE MAXIMUM (CFM) |
| Range hoods | Any | 2.8 cfm/watt | Any |
| In-line fan | Any | 2.8 cfm/watt | Any |
| Bathroom, utility room | 10 | 1.4 cfm/watt | < 90 |
| Bathroom, utility room | 90 | 2.8 cfm/watt | Any |
- When tested in accordance with HVI Standard 916
Heating and cooling equipment shall be sized in accordance with ACCA Manual S based on building loads calculated in accordance with ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling calculation methodologies. New or replacement heating and cooling equipment shall have an efficiency rating equal to or greater than the minimum required by federal law for the geographic location where the equipment is installed.
Systems serving multiple dwelling units shall comply with Sections C403 and C404 of the IECC—Commercial Provisions in lieu of Section R403.
Not less than 75 percent of the lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures at the time of inspection shall be high-efficacy lamps or not less than 75 percent of the permanently installed lighting fixtures shall contain only high efficacy lamps.
Fuel gas lighting systems shall not have continuously burning pilot lights.
This section establishes criteria for compliance using simulated energy performance analysis. Such analysis shall include heating, cooling and service water heating energy only.
Compliance with this section requires that the mandatory provisions identified in Section R401.2 be met. All supply and return ducts not completely inside the building thermal envelope shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6.
Compliance based on simulated energy performance requires that a proposed residence (proposed design) be shown to have an annual energy cost that is less than or equal to the annual energy cost of the standard reference design. Energy prices shall be taken from a source such as the Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration's State Energy Price and Expenditure Report. Building officials-shall be permitted to require time-of-use pricing in energy cost calculation.
Documentation verifying that the methods and accuracy of the compliance software tools conform to the provisions of this section shall be provided to the code official.
Compliance software tools shall generate a report that documents that the proposed design complies with Section R405.3. A compliance report on the proposed design shall be submitted with the application for the building permit. Upon completion of the building, a compliance report based on the as-built condition of the building shall be submitted to the code official before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Batch sampling of buildings to determine energy code compliance for all buildings in the batch shall be prohibited.
Compliance reports shall include information in accordance with Sections R405.4.2.1 and R405.4.2.2. Where the proposed design of a building could be built on different sites where the cardinal orientation of the building on each site is different, compliance of the proposed design for the purposes of the application for the building permit shall be based on the worst-case orientation, worst-case configuration, worst-case building air leakage and worst-case duct leakage. Such worst-case parameters shall be used as inputs to the compliance software for energy analysis.
Compliance reports shall include information in accordance with Sections R405.4.2.1 and R405.4.2.2. Where the proposed design of a building could be built on different sites where the cardinal orientation of the building on each site is different, compliance of the proposed design for the purposes of the application for the building permit shall be based on the worst-case orientation, worst-case configuration, worst-case building air leakage and worst-case duct leakage. Such worst-case parameters shall be used as inputs to the compliance software for energy analysis.
A compliance report submitted with the application for building permit shall include the following:
- Building street address, or other building site identification.
- A statement indicating that the proposed design complies with Section R405.3.
- An inspection checklist documenting the building component characteristics of the proposed design as indicated in Table R405.5.2(1). The inspection checklist shall show results for both the standard reference design and the proposed design with user inputs to the compliance software to generate the results.
- A site-specific energy analysis report that is in compliance with Section R405.3.
- The name of the individual performing the analysis and generating the report.
- The name and version of the compliance software tool.
A compliance report submitted for obtaining the certificate of occupancy shall include the following:
- Building street address, or other building site identification.
- A statement indicating that the as-built building complies with Section R405.3.
- A certificate indicating that the building passes the performance matrix for code compliance and listing the energy saving features of the buildings.
- A site-specific energy analysis report that is in compliance with Section R405.3.
- The name of the individual performing the analysis and generating the report.
- The name and version of the compliance software tool.
The code official shall be permitted to require the following documents:
- Documentation of the building component characteristics of the standard reference design.
- A certification signed by the builder providing the building component characteristics of the proposed design as given in Table R405.5.2(1).
- Documentation of the actual values used in the software calculations for the proposed design.
Except as specified by this section, the standard reference design and proposed design shall be configured and analyzed using identical methods and techniques.
The standard reference design and proposed design shall be configured and analyzed as specified by Table R405.5.2(1). Table R405.5.2(1) shall include, by reference, all notes contained in Table R402.1.2.
TABLE R405.5.2(1) SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE STANDARD REFERENCE AND PROPOSED DESIGNS
TABLE R405.5.2(1)—continued SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE STANDARD REFERENCE AND PROPOSED DESIGNS
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.93 m2, 1 British thermal unit = 1055 J, 1 pound per square foot = 4.88 kg/m2, 1 gallon (US) = 3.785 L, °C = (°F-32)/1.8, 1 degree = 0.79 rad.
TABLE R405.5.2(2) DEFAULT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EFFICIENCIES FOR PROPOSED DESIGNSa
For SI: 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.47 L/s, 1 square foot = 0.093 m2, 1 pound per square inch = 6895 Pa, 1 inch water gauge = 1250 Pa.
TABLE R405.5.2(1) SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE STANDARD REFERENCE AND PROPOSED DESIGNS
| BUILDING COMPONENT | STANDARD REFERENCE DESIGN | PROPOSED DESIGN |
| Above-grade walls | Type: mass wall if proposed wall is mass; otherwise wood frame. | As proposed |
| Gross area: same as proposed | As proposed | |
| U-factor: as specified in Table R402.1.4 | As proposed | |
| Solar absorptance = 0.75 | As proposed | |
| Emittance = 0.90 | As proposed | |
| Basement and crawl space walls | Type: same as proposed | As proposed |
| Gross area: same as proposed | As proposed | |
| U-factor: from Table R402.1.4 (as amended), with insulation layer on interior side of walls | As proposed | |
| Above-grade floors | Type: wood frame | As proposed |
| Gross area: same as proposed | As proposed | |
| U-factor: as specified in Table R402.1.4 | As proposed | |
| Ceilings | Type: wood frame | As proposed |
| Gross area: same as proposed | As proposed | |
| U-factor: as specified in Table R402.1.4 | As proposed | |
| Roofs | Type: composition shingle on wood sheathing | As proposed |
| Gross area: same as proposed | As proposed | |
| Solar absorptance = 0.75 | As proposed | |
| Emittance = 0.90 | As proposed | |
| Attics | Type: vented with aperture = 1 ft2 per 300 ft2 ceiling area | As proposed |
| Foundations | Type: same as proposed | As proposed |
| Foundation wall area above and below grade and soil characteristics: same as proposed | As proposed | |
| Opaque doors | Area: 40 ft2 | As proposed |
| Orientation: North | As proposed | |
| U-factor: same as fenestration from Table R402.1.4 | As proposed | |
| Vertical fenestration other than opaque doors | Total areag = (a)The proposed glazing area, where the proposed glazing area is less than 15 percent of the conditioned floor area (b)15 percent of the conditioned floor area, where the proposed glazing area is 15 percent or more of the conditioned floor area | As proposed |
| Orientation: equally distributed to four cardinal compass orientations (N, E, S & W). | As proposed | |
| U-factor: as specified in Table R402.1.4 | As proposed | |
| SHGC: as specified in Table R402.1.2 except that for climates with no requirement (NR) SHGC = 0.40 shall be used. | As proposed | |
| Interior shade fraction: 0.92-(0.21 × SHGC for the standard reference design) | 0.92-(0.21 × SHGC as proposed) | |
| External shading: none | As proposed | |
| Skylights | None | As proposed |
| Thermally isolated sunrooms | None | As proposed |
| Air exchange rate | Air leakage rate of 5 air changes per hour in climate zones 2 and 3 at a pressure of 0.2 inches w.g (50 Pa). The mechanical ventilation rate shall be in addition to the air leakage rate and the same as in the proposed design, but no greater than 0.01 × CFA + 7.5 × (Nbr + 1) where: CFA = conditioned floor area Nbr = number of bedrooms Energy recovery shall not be assumed for mechanical ventilation. | For residences that are not tested, the same air leakage rate as the standard reference design. For tested residences, the measured air exchange ratea. The mechanical ventilation rateb shall be in addition to the air leakage rate and shall be as proposed. |
TABLE R405.5.2(1)—continued SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE STANDARD REFERENCE AND PROPOSED DESIGNS
| BUILDING COMPONENT | STANDARD REFERENCE DESIGN | PROPOSED DESIGN |
| Mechanical ventilation | None, except where mechanical ventilation is specified by the proposed design, in which case: Annual vent fan energy use: kWh/yr = 0.03942 × CFA + 29.565 × (Nbr + 1) where: CFA = conditioned floor area Nbr = number of bedrooms | As proposed |
| Internal gains | IGain = 17,900 + 23.8 × CFA + 4104 × Nbr (Btu/day per dwelling unit) | Same as standard reference design. |
| Internal mass | An internal mass for furniture and contents of 8 pounds per square foot of floor area. | Same as standard reference design, plus any additional mass specifically designed as a thermal storage element but not integral to the building envelope or structure. |
| Structural mass | For masonry floor slabs, 80 percent of floor area covered by R-2 carpet and pad, and 20 percent of floor directly exposed to room air. | As proposed |
| For masonry basement walls, as proposed but with insulation required by Table R402.1.4 located on the interior side of the walls | As proposed | |
| For other walls, for ceilings, floors, and interior walls, wood frame construction | As proposed | |
| Heating systemsc, d |
Fuel type: same as proposed design Efficiencies: Electric: air-source heat pump with prevailing federal minimum standards Nonelectric furnaces: natural gas furnace with prevailing federal minimum standards Nonelectric boilers: natural gas boiler with prevailing federal minimum standards Capacity: sized in accordance with Section N1103.6 | As proposed As proposed As proposed As proposed As proposed |
| Cooling systemsc, e | Fuel Type: Electric Efficiency: In accordance with prevailing federal minimum standards Capacity: sized in accordance with Section N1103.6 | As proposed As proposed As proposed |
| Service water heatingc, d, e, f | Fuel type: same as proposed design Efficiency: In accordance with prevailing federal minimum standards Use: gal/day = 30 10 x Nbr Tank temperature: 120° F | As proposed
As proposed Same as standard reference |
| Thermal distribution systems | Duct insulation: From Section R403.2.1 A thermal distribution system efficiency (DSE) of 0.88 shall be applied to both the heating and cooling system efficiencies for all systems other than tested duct systems. For tested duct systems, the leakage rate shall be 4 cfm (113.3 L/min) per 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area at a pressure of differential of 0.1 inches w.g. (25 Pa). | As tested or as specified in Table R405.5.2(2) if not tested. Duct insulation shall be as proposed. |
| Thermostat | Type: Manual, cooling temperature setpoint = 75°F; Heating temperature setpoint = 72°F | Same as standard reference |
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.93 m2, 1 British thermal unit = 1055 J, 1 pound per square foot = 4.88 kg/m2, 1 gallon (US) = 3.785 L, °C = (°F-32)/1.8, 1 degree = 0.79 rad.
- Where required by the code official, testing shall be conducted by an approved party. Hourly calculations as specified in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, or the equivalent shall be used to determine the energy loads resulting from infiltration.
- The combined air exchange rate for infiltration and mechanical ventilation shall be determined in accordance with Equation 43 of 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, page 26.24 and the "Whole-house Ventilation" provisions of 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, page 26.19 for intermittent mechanical ventilation.
- For a proposed design with multiple heating, cooling or water heating systems using different fuel types, the applicable standard reference design system capacities and fuel types shall be weighted in accordance with their respective loads as calculated by accepted engineering practice for each equipment and fuel type present.
- For a proposed design without a proposed heating system, a heating system with the prevailing federal minimum efficiency shall be assumed for both the standard reference design and proposed design.
- For a proposed design home without a proposed cooling system, an electric air conditioner with the prevailing federal minimum efficiency shall be assumed for both the standard reference design and the proposed design.
- For a proposed design with a nonstorage-type water heater, a 40-gallon storage-type water heater with the prevailing federal minimum energy factor for the same fuel as the predominant heating fuel type shall be assumed. For the case of a proposed design without a proposed water heater, a 40-gallon storage-type water heater with the prevailing federal minimum efficiency for the same fuel as the predominant heating fuel type shall be assumed for both the proposed design and standard reference design.
- For residences with conditioned basements, R-2 and R-4 residences and townhouses, the following formula shall be
used to determine glazing area:
AF = As × FA × F
where:
and where:AF = Total glazing area As = Standard reference design total glazing area. FA = (Above-grade thermal boundary gross wall area)/(above-grade boundary wall area + 0.5 × below-grade boundary wall area). F = (Above-grade thermal boundary wall area)/(above-grade thermal boundary wall area + common wall area) or 0.56, whichever is greater. Thermal boundary wall is any wall that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space or ambient conditions.Above-grade thermal boundary wall is any thermal boundary wall component not in contact with soil.Below-grade boundary wall is any thermal boundary wall in soil contact.Common wall area is the area of walls shared with an adjoining dwelling unit.L and CFA are in the same units.
TABLE R405.5.2(2) DEFAULT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EFFICIENCIES FOR PROPOSED DESIGNSa
| DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM CONFIGURATION AND CONDITION | FORCED AIR SYSTEMS | HYDRONIC SYSTEMSb |
| Distribution system components located in unconditioned space | — | 0.95 |
| Untested distribution systems entirely located in conditioned spacec | 0.88 | 1 |
| "Ductless" systemsd | 1 | — |
For SI: 1 cubic foot per minute = 0.47 L/s, 1 square foot = 0.093 m2, 1 pound per square inch = 6895 Pa, 1 inch water gauge = 1250 Pa.
- Default values given by this table are for untested distribution systems, which must still meet minimum requirements for duct system insulation.
- Hydronic systems shall mean those systems that distribute heating and cooling energy directly to individual spaces using liquids pumped through closed-loop piping and that do not depend on ducted, forced airflow to maintain space temperatures.
- Entire system in conditioned space shall mean that no component of the distribution system, including the air-handler unit, is located outside of the conditioned space.
- Ductless systems shall be allowed to have forced airflow across a coil but shall not have any ducted airflow external to the manufacturer's air-handler enclosure.
Calculation procedures used to comply with this section shall be software tools capable of calculating the annual energy consumption of all building elements that differ between the standard reference design and the proposed design and shall include the following capabilities:
- Computer generation of the standard reference design using only the input for the proposed design. The calculation procedure shall not allow the user to directly modify the building component characteristics of the standard reference design.
- Calculation of whole-building (as a single zone) sizing for the heating and cooling equipment in the standard reference design residence in accordance with Section R403.6.
- Calculations that account for the effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures and part-load ratios on the performance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment based on climate and equipment sizing.
- Printed code official inspection checklist listing each of the proposed design component characteristics from Table R405.5.2(1) determined by the analysis to provide compliance, along with their respective performance ratings (R-value, U-factor, SHGC, HSPF, AFUE, SEER, EF are some examples).
Performance analysis tools meeting the applicable provisions of Section R405 shall be permitted to be approved. Tools are permitted to be approved based on meeting a specified threshold. The
Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board shall be permitted to approve tools for a specified application or limited scope.
This section establishes criteria for compliance using an Energy Rating Index (ERI) analysis.
Compliance with this section requires that the provisions identified in Sections R401 through R404 labeled as "mandatory" and Section R403.5.3 be met. The building thermal envelope shall be greater than or equal to levels of efficiency and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient in Table 402.1.1 or 402.1.3 of the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.
Exception: Supply and return ducts not completely inside the building thermal envelope shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6.
Exception: Supply and return ducts not completely inside the building thermal envelope shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6.
The Energy Rating Index (ERI) shall be a numerical integer value that is based on a linear scale constructed such that the ERI reference design has an Index value of 100 and a residential building that uses no net purchased energy has an Index value of 0. Each integer value on the scale shall represent a 1-percent change in the total energy use of the rated design relative to the total energy use of the ERI reference design. The ERI shall consider all energy used in the residential building.
The ERI reference design shall be configured such that it meets the minimum requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code prescriptive requirements.
The proposed residential building shall be shown to have an annual total normalized modified load less than or equal to the annual total loads of the ERI reference design.
The proposed residential building shall be shown to have an annual total normalized modified load less than or equal to the annual total loads of the ERI reference design.
Compliance based on an ERI analysis requires that the rated design be shown to have an ERI less than or equal to a score of 70 in both zones 2 and 3 when compared to the ERI reference design.
Verification of compliance with Section R406 shall be completed by an approved third party.
Documentation of the software used to determine the ERI and the parameters for the residential building shall be in accordance with Sections R406.6.1 through R406.6.3.
Documentation verifying that the methods and accuracy of the compliance software tools conform to the provisions of this section shall be provided to the code official.
Compliance software tools shall generate a report that documents that the ERI of the rated design complies with Sections R406.3 and R406.4. The compliance documentation shall include the following information:
- Address or other identification of the residential building.
- An inspection checklist documenting the building component characteristics of the rated design. The inspection checklist shall show results for both the ERI reference design and the rated design, and shall document all inputs entered by the user necessary to reproduce the results.
- Name of individual completing the compliance report.
- Name and version of the compliance software tool.
The code official shall be permitted to require the following documents:
- Documentation of the building component characteristics of the ERI reference design.
- A certification signed by the builder providing the building component characteristics of the rated design.
- Documentation of the actual values used in the software calculations for the rated design.
Calculation procedures used to comply with this section shall be software tools capable of calculating the ERI as described in Section R406.3, and shall include the following capabilities:
- Computer generation of the ERI reference design using only the input for the rated design.
The calculation procedure shall not allow the user to directly modify the building component characteristics of the ERI reference design. - Calculation of whole building, as a single zone, sizing for the heating and cooling equipment in the ERI reference design residence in accordance with Section R403.7.
- Calculations that account for the effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures and part-load ratios on the performance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment based on climate and equipment sizing.
- Printed code official inspection checklist listing each of the rated design component characteristics determined by the analysis to provide compliance, along with their respective performance ratings.
Performance analysis tools meeting the applicable sections of Section R406 shall be approved. Tools are permitted to be approved based on meeting a specified threshold for a jurisdiction. The code official shall approve tools for a specified application or limited scope.