al-al-6a85f676b4c2f2cf68c937c8: 465-X-10 — Alabama Residential Building Code

J. Seth Gowan

(334) 242-2230 information@hblb.alabama.gov

J. Se Gowan

Seth Gowan (Signature of officer authorized to promulgate and adopt rules or his or her deputy) HOME BUILDERS LICENSURE BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE CODE CHAPTER 465-X-10 ALABAMA RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE TABLE OF CONTENTS 465-X-10-.01 Purpose 465-X-10-.02 Alabama Residential Building Code Fund 465-X-10-.03 Alabama Residential Building Code Fund 465-X-10-.04 Alabama Residential Building Code Advisory Council Membership, Meetings, Responsibilities and Authority. 465-X-10-.05 Alabama Residential Building Code 465-X-10-.06 The 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) with the following amendments, deletions and modifications pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975 §§34-14A-12, 34-14A-12.1 and 34-14A-12.2 465-X-10-.07 The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with the following amendments, deletions and modifications pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, Sections 34-14A-12, 34-14A-12.1 and 34-14A-12.2 465-X-10-.08 Roof Construction Standards 465-X-10-.01 Purpose. The Alabama Residential Building Code Division is established within the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board and to be responsible for the implementation and action upon recommendations made by the Alabama Residential Building Code Advisory Council and ratified by the Board. Author: J. Seth Gowan, Lauren Kloess Latham, Lannie Smith. Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975. §§ 34-14A-11, 34-14A-41, 34-14A-42, and 34-14A-43. History: New Rule: Published ______; effective ______. 465-X-10-.02 Alabama Residential Building Code Fund.

1. The Board Executive Director may employ staff as necessary to

carry out the responsibilities of the division as recommended 10-1 by the council and ratified by the Board for the administration and implementation of the code.

2. Staff may include a division administrator, programs support

personnel, and any other personnel necessary.

3. The division shall take action upon recommendations made by

the Alabama Residential Building Code Advisory Council and ratified by the Board.

4. The Board, through the division may coordinate with the State

Energy Office to identify and apply for funds from federal grant programs and other applicable funding sources authorized by law; or may also assist local jurisdictions in participation of programs and obtaining funding related to the residential building and energy code.

5. The division shall use funds distributed to the Alabama

Residential Building Code Fund as established pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975 § 34-14A-44 for the purpose of administering the Alabama Residential Building Code.

6. Subject to availability of funds and upon request from a

local jurisdiction, the division may provide matching funds to local jurisdictions that have applied for federal funds from federal grant programs and other applicable funding sources authorized by law to support local adoption and implementation of the Alabama Residential Building Code.

7. The division shall work with the State Energy Office to

ensure that all applicable federal regulations regarding the residential energy code are met.

8. The division shall be responsible for the administration of

council recommendations conditioned upon Board adoption. Author: J. Seth Gowan, Lauren Kloess Latham, Lannie Smith Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975. §§ 34-14A-11, 34-14A-41, 34-14A-42, and 34-14A-43. History: New Rule: Published ______; effective ______. 465-X-10-.03 Alabama Residential Building Code Fund.

1. The Alabama Residential Building Code Fund is established for

the purpose of the administration of the Residential Building Code division, to include implementation and administration of the Alabama Residential Building Code as recommended by the Council and ratified by the Board.

2. The fund may be used for personnel costs related to division

responsibilities for the administration, implementation and promotion of the Alabama Residential Building Code and subject to the availability of funds.

3. Any unencumbered balance of up to 25 percent appropriated for

a fiscal year shall carryover to the next fiscal year within 10-2 the fund, and any unencumbered balance over 25 percent at the end of a fiscal year shall revert to the State General Fund. Author: J. Seth Gowan, Lauren Kloess Latham, Lannie Smith Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975. §§ 34-14A-11, 34-14A-41, 34-14A-42, and 34-14A-43. History: New Rule: Published ______; effective ______. 465-X-10-.04 Alabama Residential Building Code Advisory Council Membership, Meetings, Responsibilities and Authority..

2. The council shall conduct the first meeting by March 1, 2025,

to elect a chair, vice-chair and any other officers it deems necessary.

3. The administrator of the division shall serve as ex-officio

secretary of the council to keep record of the proceedings and perform other duties as directed by the council.

4. The council shall submit to the Board for adoption, the

proposed Alabama Residential Building Code by October 1, 2025, to be either accepted or rejected by the Board.

5. The council shall set the published edition(s) of the

International Residential Code (hereinafter the “IRC”) and International Energy Conservation Code, (hereinafter the “IECC”) with any amendments, deletions, or modifications for establishing the Alabama Residential Building Code and thereafter publish through administrative rules the amendments, deletions, or modifications the Alabama Residential Building Code.

6. The council shall publish through administrative rules the

amendments, deletions, or modifications of provisions for roof construction standards from either the coastal Construction Code Supplement or the Inland Construction Code Supplement.

7. The council shall publish through administrative rules the

amendments, deletions or modifications of provisions and standards related to energy efficiency in residential construction.

8. After Board final adoption of the first established Alabama

Residential Building Code, the council may meet as necessary at the call of the chair or request of the Board through its executive director.

9. The council may be authorized to meet for the following:

a. Considerations of amendments to the Alabama Residential Building Code. 10-3 b. Adoption of rules, procedures and functions of the council and division. c. Evaluation, studies and assessment at the request of the Board and for the division on the needs and impact of the Alabama Residential Building Code. d. Develop a public information plan for communication with local governments, residential home builders and residents of the state on the importance of the Alabama Residential Building Code. e. The council may create committees for these tasks. Author: J. Seth Gowan, Lauren Kloess Latham, Lannie Smith. Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975. §§ 34-14A-11, 34-14A-41, 34-14A-42, and 34-14A-43. History: New Rule: Published ______; effective ______. 465-X-10-.05 Alabama Residential Building Code.

1. The Alabama Residential Building Code (hereinafter the

“ARBC”) shall consist of the 2024 International Residential Code, (hereinafter the “IRC”), the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code, (hereinafter the “IECC”) with amendments, deletions, and modifications as adopted for application and enforcement in the state of Alabama, inclusive of provisions from the Coastal Construction Code Supplement, the Inland Construction Code Supplement for sealed roof deck and construction, as well as other source standards for related energy efficiency pertaining to residential construction.

2. The ARBC, inclusive of the 2024 IRC and 2024 IECC with

adopted amendments, deletions, and modifications shall apply to all residential construction and improvement.

3. Beginning January 1, 2027, the ARBC inclusive of the 2024 IRC

and 2024 IECC with modifications shall apply to all residential construction., or if applicable, a local jurisdiction’s residential building code shall apply.

4. The ARBC, inclusive of the 2024 IRC with adopted amendments,

deletions, and modifications, may not supersede local residential building codes adopted and enforce prior to January 1, 2027, provided however, any adoptions, amendments or modifications, made by a local jurisdiction, thereafter, shall meet at least the current ARBC and AREC.

5. The AREC shall be enforced by local jurisdictions that have

adopted energy code provisions for residential construction and improvements.

7. Local jurisdictions may amend local standards of the building

code as local conditions require, but adoption or amendment 10-4 of energy code provisions may not exceed the AREC unless local conditions or compliance with federal mandate requires such. Author: J. Seth Gowan, Lauren Kloess Latham, Lannie Smith. Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975. §§ 34-14A-11, 34-14A-41, 34-14A-42, and 34-14A-43. History: New Rule: Published ______; effective ______. 465-X-10-.06 The 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) with the following amendments, deletions and modifications pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975 §§34-14A-12, 34-14A-12.1 and 34-14A-12.2.

1. R202: Definitions

a. [RB] AIR-PERMEABLE INSULATION. Insulation material that permits the passage of air through its structure and is not intended to function as an air barrier material. Air- permeable insulation includes, but is not limited to, fiberglass (batts or loose-fill), cellulose, and mineral wool insulation. Materials that achieve air impermeability through testing and listing in accordance with recognized standards shall not be classified as air-permeable insulation. b. [RB] FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE. The distance measured from the building face to one of the following:

3. To an imaginary line between two buildings on

the lot. The distance shall be measured at a right angle from the face of the wall. c. [RB] WINDBORNE DEBRIS REGION. Areas within hurricane-prone regions located in accordance with one of the following: 10-5

1. Within 1 mile (1.61 km) of the coastal mean

high-water line where the ultimate design wind speed, V, is 130 mph (58 m/s) or greater.

2. In areas where the ultimate design wind speed,

V, is 140 mph (63.6 m/s) or greater; or Hawaii. 2. R302.1 Exterior walls. Construction, projections, openings, and penetrations of exterior walls of dwellings, and accessory buildings shall comply with Table R302.1(1); or dwellings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section P2904 shall comply with Table R302.1(2). a. For the purposes of determining fire separation distance, dwellings on the same lot shall be assumed to have an imaginary line between them. Where a new dwelling is to be erected on the same lot as an existing dwelling, the location of the assumed imaginary line with relation to the existing dwelling shall be such that the existing dwelling meets requirements of this section. Exceptions:

1. Walls, projections, openings or penetrations in walls

perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.

3. Detached tool sheds and storage sheds, playhouses and similar

structures exempted from permits are not required to provide wall protection based on location on the lot. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not extend over the lot line.

4. Detached garages accessory to a dwelling unit located within

2 feet (610 mm) of a lot line are permitted to have roof eave projections not exceeding 4 inches (102 mm).

5. Foundation vents installed in compliance with this code are

permitted. b. Delete Tables R302.1(1) and R302.1(2) and replace with new table. 10-6 Exterior Wall Element Minimum Fire Minimum Fire Resistance Ratings Separation Distance Walls Fire- 1-hour—tested in 0-feet resistance accordance with ASTM rated E119, UL 263, or Section 703.3 of the International Building Code with exposure from both sides. Not Fire- 0-hours 3-feet resistance a rated Projections Not allowed N/A < 2-feet Fire- 1-hour on the 2-feet resistance underside, or heavy a rated timber, or fire- retardant treated wood. b, c Not fire- 0-hours 3-feet resistance rated Openings in Not allowed N/A <3-feet Walls Unlimited 0-hours 3-feet a Penetrations All Comply with R302.4. < 3-feet None required 3-feet a Table R302.1 Exterior Walls For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. N/A = Not Applicable a. For residential subdivisions and townhouses where all dwellings are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler 10-7 system installed in accordance with Section P2904, the fire separation distance for exterior walls not fire-resistance rated and for fire-resistance-rated projections shall be permitted to be reduced to 0 feet, and unlimited unprotected openings and penetrations shall be permitted, where the adjoining lot provides an open setback yard that is 6 feet or more in width on the opposite side of the property line. b. The fire-resistance rating shall be permitted to be reduced to 0 hours on the underside of the eave overhang if fireblocking is provided from the wall top plate to the underside of the roof sheathing. The fire-resistance rating shall be permitted to be reduced to 0 hours on the underside of the rake overhang where vent openings that communicate with the attic are not installed in the overhang or gable wall. 3. R302.5.1 Opening protection. Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted. Other openings between the garage and residence shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than 1 3/8 inches (35 mm) in thickness, solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 1 3/8 inches (35 mm) thick, or 20- minute fire-rated doors. 4. Delete Section R306.3.6.1 entirely. 5. Delete Section R309 entirely.

7. R316.2 Minimum dimensions. A habitable attic shall have a

floor area in accordance with Section R312 and a ceiling height in accordance with Section R313.

8. R316.3 Story above grade plane. A habitable attic shall be

considered a story above grade plane. 10-8 Exceptions: A habitable attic shall not be considered to be a story above grade plane provided that the habitable attic meets all the following:

1. The aggregate area of the habitable attic is not greater than

one-third of the floor area of the story below.

2. The occupiable space is enclosed by the roof assembly above,

knee walls, if applicable, on the sides and the floor ceiling assembly below.

3. The floor of the habitable attic does not extend beyond the

exterior walls of the story below. 9. R316.4 Means of egress. The means of egress for habitable attics shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section R318. 10. R318.7.5 Stair treads and risers. Stair treads and risers shall meet the requirements of this section. For the purposes of this section, dimensions and dimensioned surfaces shall be exclusive of carpets, rugs or runners. 11. R321.1.1 Where required. Guards shall be provided for those portions of open-sided walking surfaces, including floors, stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 18 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side. Insect screening shall not be considered as a guard. 12. R403.1.6 Foundation anchorage. Wood sill plates and wood walls supported directly on continuous foundations shall be anchored to the foundation in accordance with this section. Cold-formed steel framing shall be anchored directly to the foundation or fastened to wood sill plates anchored to the foundation. Anchorage of cold-formed steel framing and sill plates supporting cold-formed steel framing shall be in accordance with this section and Section R505.3.1 or R603.3.1. 10-9 Wood sole plates at all exterior walls on monolithic slabs, wood sole plates of braced wall panels at building interiors on monolithic slabs and all wood sill plates shall be anchored to the foundation with minimum 1/2inch diameter (12.7 mm) anchor bolts spaced a maximum of 6 feet (1829 mm) on center or approved anchors or anchor straps spaced as required to provide equivalent anchorage to 1/2-inch-diameter (12.7 mm) anchor bolts. Bolts shall extend a minimum of 7 inches (178 mm) into concrete or grouted cells of concrete masonry units. The bolts shall be located in the middle third of the width of the plate. A nut and washer shall be tightened on each anchor bolt. There shall be a minimum of two bolts per plate section with one bolt located not more than 12 inches (305 mm) or less than seven bolt diameters from each end of the plate section. Interior bearing wall sole plates on monolithic slab foundations that are not part of a braced wall panel shall be positively anchored with approved fasteners. Sill plates and sole plates shall be protected against decay and termites where required by Sections R304 and R305. Anchor bolts shall be permitted to be located while concrete is still plastic and before it has set. Where anchor bolts resist placement or the consolidation of concrete around anchor bolts is impeded, the concrete shall be vibrated to ensure full contact between the anchor bolts and concrete. Exceptions:

1. Walls 24 inches (610 mm) total length or shorter connecting

offset braced wall panels shall be anchored to the foundation with a minimum of one anchor bolt located in the center third of the plate section and shall be attached to adjacent braced wall panels at corners as shown in Item 9 of Table R602.3(1).

2. Connection of walls 12 inches (305 mm) total length or

shorter connecting offset braced wall panels to the foundation without anchor bolts shall be permitted. The wall shall be attached to adjacent braced wall panels at corners as shown in Item 9 of Table R602.3(1).

3. Where the basic wind speed in accordance with Figure

R301.2(4)A does not exceed 115 miles per hour (51 m/s), the seismic design category is A or B and Method GB in accordance with Section R602.10 is used for a braced wall line on the interior of the dwelling, anchor bolts shall not be required for the wood sole plates of the braced wall panels. Positive anchorage with approved fasteners shall be provided. 13. M1301.3.1 A2L Refrigerant Systems. Equipment utilizing A2L refrigerants shall comply with Section M1401.7. 10-10 14. M1401.7 A2L Refrigerant Systems. Mechanical systems utilizing A2L refrigerants shall be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with this section, ASHRAE 15, ASHRAE 34, the equipment manufacturer’s listing, and applicable provisions of this code. 15. M1401.7.1 Applicability. This section shall apply to all direct refrigeration and comfort cooling systems utilizing A2L refrigerants serving dwelling units or accessory spaces in residential occupancies regulated by the IRC. 16. M1401.7.2 Shaft and Enclosure Requirements Refrigerant piping for direct systems utilizing A2L refrigerants shall not be required to be installed within a fire-resistance-rated shaft or enclosure where all of the following conditions are met:

2. The piping system is listed and installed in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. The system serves dwelling units or accessory spaces

regulated by this code. 17. M1401.7.3 Shaft Ventilation Exception. Where refrigerant piping utilizing A2L refrigerants is installed in a vertical shaft, ventilation of the shaft shall not be required where all of the following conditions are met:

3. The piping is protected from physical damage.

10-11 18. M1401.7.4 Refrigerant Charge Limits. The maximum refrigerant charge permitted in occupied spaces shall comply with ASHRAE 15 and the equipment manufacturer’s listing. 19. M1401.7.5 Leak Detection and Mitigation. Where required by ASHRAE 15 or the equipment listing, A2L systems shall be provided with approved refrigerant detection and mitigation measures, including automatic shutdown, ventilation, or alarms. 20. M1401.7.6 Prohibited Locations. A2L refrigerant equipment shall not be installed in locations prohibited by the manufacturer’s listing or ASHRAE 15. 21. M1401.7.7 Listing and Labeling. Equipment utilizing A2L refrigerants shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL, ETL, or other approved standards and installed in accordance with the listing. 22. E3901.4.2 Island and peninsular countertops and work surfaces.

1. At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each

island countertop space with a long dimension of 24 inches (610 mm) or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) or greater. [210.52(C)(2)]

2. Not less than one receptacle outlet shall be installed at

each peninsular countertop long dimension space having a long dimension of 24 inches (610 mm) or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) or greater. A peninsular countertop is measured from the connected perpendicular wall. [210.52(C)(3)] 23. E3901.4.3 Receptacle outlet location. Receptacle outlets shall be located not more than 20 inches (508 mm) above the countertop or work surface. Receptacle outlet assemblies installed in countertops and work surfaces shall be listed for use in countertops or work surfaces. Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances fastened in place, appliance garages, sinks or range tops as addressed in the exception to Section E3901.4.1, or appliances occupying dedicated space shall not be considered as these required outlets. [210.52(C)(5)] 10-12 Exception: Receptacle outlets shall be permitted to be mounted not more than 12 inches (305 mm) below the countertop or work surface in construction designed for the physically impaired and for island and peninsular countertops or work surface where the surface is flat across its entire surface and there are no means to mount a receptacle within 20 inches (508 mm) above the countertop, such as in an overhead cabinet. Receptacles mounted below the countertop or work surface in accordance with this exception shall not be located where the countertop or work surface extends more than 6 inches (152 mm) beyond its support base. [210.52(C)(5) Exception] 24. Delete Section E3902.12 entirely. 25. AMEND IRC CHAPTER 44 (REFERENCED STANDARDS) a. ASHRAE 15 – Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems 26. Appendix BB is hereby adopted. Appendix BB Tiny Houses. a. Section BB101 General BB101.1 Scope. This appendix shall be applicable to tiny houses used as single dwelling units. Tiny houses shall comply with this code except as otherwise stated in this appendix. b. Section BB102 Definitions i. BB102.1 General. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this appendix, have the meanings shown herein. Refer to Chapter 2 of this code for general definitions. ii. EGRESS ROOF ACCESS WINDOW. A skylight or roof window designed and installed to satisfy the emergency escape and rescue opening requirements of Section R319.2. iii. LANDING PLATFORM. A landing provided as the top step of a stairway accessing a loft. 10-13 iv. LOFT. A floor level located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the main floor, open to the main floor on one or more sides with a ceiling height of less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) and used as a living or sleeping space. v. TINY HOUSE. A dwelling that is 400 square feet (37 m ) or less in floor area excluding lofts. c. Section BB103 Ceiling Height i. BB103.1 Minimum ceiling height. Habitable space and hallways in tiny houses shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm). Bathrooms, toilet rooms and kitchens shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 4 inches (1930 mm). Obstructions including, but not limited to, beams, girders, ducts and lighting, shall not extend below these minimum ceiling heights. ii. Exception: Ceiling heights in lofts are permitted to be less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm). d. Section BB104 Lofts i. BB104.1 Minimum loft area and dimensions. Lofts used as a sleeping or living space shall meet the minimum area and dimension requirements of Sections BB104.1.1 through BB104.1.3. ii. BB104.1.1 Minimum area. Lofts shall have a floor area of not less than 35 square feet (3.25 m ). iii. BB104.1.2 Minimum horizontal dimensions. Lofts shall be not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) in any horizontal dimension. iv. BB104.1.3 Height effect on loft area. Portions of a loft with a sloped ceiling measuring less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the finished floor to the finished ceiling shall not be considered as contributing to the minimum required area for the loft. See Figure BB104.1.3. Exception: Under gable roofs with a minimum slope of 6 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (50 percent slope), portions of a loft with a sloped ceiling measuring less than 16 inches (406 mm) from the finished floor to the finished ceiling shall not be 10-14 considered as contributing to the minimum required area for the loft. FIGURE BB104.1.3 HEIGHT EFFECT ON LOFT AREA For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. v. BB104.2 Loft access and egress. The access to and primary egress from lofts shall be of any type described in Sections BB104.2.1 through BB104.2.5. The loft access and egress element along its required minimum width shall meet the loft where its ceiling height is not less than 3 feet (914 mm). vi. BB104.2.1 Stairways. Stairways accessing lofts shall comply with this code or with Sections BB104.2.1.1 through BB104.2.1.7. vii. BB104.2.1.1 Width. Stairways accessing a loft shall not be less than 17 inches (432 mm) in clear width at or above the handrail. The width below the handrail shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm). viii. BB104.2.1.2 Headroom. The headroom above stairways accessing a loft shall be not less than 6 feet 2 inches (1880 mm), as measured vertically, from a sloped line connecting the tread, landing or landing platform nosings in the center of their width and vertically from the landing platform along the center of its width. ix. BB104.2.1.3 Treads and risers. Risers for stairs accessing a loft shall be not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not more than 12 inches (305 mm) in height. Tread depth and riser height shall be calculated in accordance with one of the following formulas:

2. The riser height shall be 15 inches (381 mm) minus three-

fourths of the tread depth. x. BB104.2.1.4 Landings. Intermediate landings and landings at the bottom of stairways shall comply with Section R318.7.6, except that the depth in the direction of travel shall be not less than 24 inches (610 mm). xi. BB104.2.1.4 Landing platforms. The top tread and riser of stairways accessing lofts shall be constructed as a landing platform where the loft ceiling height is less than 6 feet 2 inches (1880 mm) where the stairway meets the loft. The landing platform shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm) in width and in depth measured horizontally from and perpendicular to the nosing of the landing platform. The landing platform riser height to the loft floor shall be not less than 16 inches (406 mm) and not greater than 18 inches (457 mm). xii. BB104.2.1.6 Handrails. Handrails shall comply with Section R318.7.8. xiii. BB104.2.1.7 Stairway guards. Guards at open sides of stairways, landings and landing platform shall comply with Section R321.1. xiv. BB104.2.2 Ladders. Ladders accessing lofts shall comply with Sections BB104.2.1 and BB104.2.2.2. xv. BB104.2.2.1 Size and capacity. Ladders accessing lofts shall have a rung width of not less than 12 inches (305 mm), and 10-inch (254 mm) to 14-inch (356 mm) spacing between rungs. Ladders shall be capable of supporting a 300-pound (136 kg) load on any rung. Rung spacing shall be uniform within 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). xvi. BB104.2.2.2 Incline. Ladders shall be installed at 70 to 80 degrees from horizontal. xvii. BB104.2.3 Alternating tread devices. Alternating tread devices accessing lofts shall comply with Sections R318.7.12.1 and R318.7.12.2. The clear width at and below the handrails shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm). xviii. BB104.2.4 Ship’s ladders. Ship’s ladders accessing lofts shall comply with Sections R318.7.13.1 and R318.7.13.2. The clear width at and below handrails shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm). xix. BB104.2.5 Loft guards. Loft guards shall be located along the open sides of lofts. Loft guards shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height or one-half of the clear height to the ceiling, whichever is less. Loft guards shall comply with Section R321.1.3 and Table R301.5 for their components. 10-16 e. Section BB105 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings i. BB105.1 General. Tiny houses shall meet the requirements of Section R319 for emergency escape and rescue openings. ii. Exception: Egress roof access windows in lofts used as sleeping rooms shall be deemed to meet the requirements of Section R319 where installed such that the bottom of the opening is not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the loft floor, provided the egress roof access window complies with the minimum opening area requirements of Section R319.2.1. f. Section BB106 Energy Conservation deleted. 27. Appendix BO is hereby adopted. Appendix BO Existing Buildings and Structures a. Section BO101 Purpose and Intent BO101.1 General. The purpose of these provisions is to encourage the continued use or reuse of legally existing buildings and structures. Structural elements and systems shall comply with Section R102.6.1 and the provisions of this appendix. Repairs, alterations, additions and relocation of existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this code for new construction, except as modified by this appendix. b. Section BO102 Compliance i. BO102.1 General. The work shall not cause the building or structure to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building; shall not cause an existing mechanical or plumbing system to become unsafe, hazardous, insanitary or overloaded; and unless expressly permitted by these provisions, shall not make the building any less compliant with this code or to any previously approved alternative arrangements than it was before the work was undertaken. 10-17 ii. BO102.2 Identification of work. The work shall be clearly identified on the permits issued under these provisions. iii. BO102.3 Structural. Structural elements and systems that are altered, repaired or replaced shall comply with Section R102.6.1 and the structural provisions of this appendix. The work performed shall not cause the structure to become less compliant with this code than it was before the work was undertaken. iv. BO102.3.1 Design loads. The minimum design loads for the structure shall be the loads applicable at the time the building was constructed. The minimum design loads for new structural components shall comply with this code. Structural elements that are uncovered during the course of the alteration and that are found to be unsafe shall be repaired in accordance with Section R102.6.1. v. BO102.4 Smoke alarms. Smoke alarms shall be provided where required by Section R310.2.2. vi. BO102.5 Carbon monoxide alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided where required by Section R311.2.2. vii. BO102.6 Replacement windows. Where an existing window, including the sash and glazed portion, or safety glazing is replaced, the replacement window or safety glazing shall comply with the requirements of Sections BO102.6.1 through BO102.6.3, as applicable. viii. BO102.6.1 Energy efficiency. Replacement windows shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 11. ix. BO102.6.2 Safety glazing. Replacement glazing in hazardous locations shall comply with the safety glazing requirements of Section R324. x. BO102.6.3 Window fall protection. Window fall protection shall be installed in accordance with Section R321.2. xi. BO102.7 Flood hazard areas. Work performed in existing buildings located in a flood hazard area as established by Table R301.2 shall be subject to the provisions of Section R104.3.1. xii. BO102.8 Equivalent alternatives. Work performed in accordance with the International Existing Building Code shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this appendix. These provisions are not intended to prevent the use of any alternative material, alternative design or alternative method of construction not specifically prescribed herein, provided that any alternative has been deemed to be equivalent and its use authorized by the building official. xiii. BO102.9 More restrictive requirements. Buildings or systems in compliance with the requirements of this code for new construction shall not be required to comply with any more restrictive requirement of these provisions. 10-18 c. Section BO103 Definitions i. BO103.1 General. The terms used in this appendix, and not provided in Chapter 2, are defined as follows: DANGEROUS. Any building, structure or portion thereof that meets any of the conditions described below shall be deemed dangerous:

1. The building or structure has collapsed, has partially

collapsed, has moved off its foundation or lacks the necessary support of the ground.

2. There exists a significant risk of collapse, detachment or

dislodgement of any portion, member, appurtenance or ornamentation of the building or structure under permanent, routine or frequent loads; under actual loads already in effect; or under snow, wind, rain, flood, earthquake aftershock or other environmental loads when such loads are imminent. d. Section BO104 Repairs i. BO104.1 General. Repairs shall comply with the applicable provisions of this code for new construction or as permitted by this appendix. ii. BO104.2 Materials. Materials used during repairs shall comply with this section. iii. BO104.2.1 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials permitted by this code for new construction shall be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and alterations, provided that unsafe conditions are not created. Hazardous materials shall not be used where this code would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location. iv. BO104.2.2 Existing materials. Materials already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the building official to be unsafe. v. BO104.2.3 Plumbing materials and supplies. The following plumbing materials and supplies shall not be used:

3. Solder having more than 0.2 percent lead in the repair of

potable water systems. vi. BO104.3 Water closets. Where any water closet is replaced with a newly manufactured water closet, the replacement water closet shall comply with the requirements of Section P2903.2. vii. BO104.4 Electrical. Repair or replacement of existing electrical wiring and equipment shall comply with Chapters 34 through 43. viii. BO104.5 Structural. Repaired structural elements and systems shall comply with Section R102.6.1 and the structural provisions of this appendix. e. Section BO105 Alterations i. BO105.1 General. Alterations to existing buildings shall comply with the provisions of this code for new construction, except as permitted by Sections BO105.2 through BO105.8. Engineered design in accordance with Section R301.1.3 shall be permitted to meet the requirements of this section. Alterations shall not cause the existing building to become less compliant with the provisions of this code for new construction than the existing building was prior to the work. ii. BO105.2 Newly constructed elements. Newly constructed elements, components and systems shall comply with the requirements of this code. Exceptions:

1. Added openable windows are not required to comply

with the light and ventilation requirements of Section R325.

2. Newly installed electrical equipment shall comply

with the requirements of Section BO105.5. iii. BO105.3 Nonconformities. The work shall not increase the extent of noncompliance or create nonconformity to those requirements that did not previously exist. iv. BO105.4 Structural. Altered structural elements and systems shall comply with Section R102.6.1 and the structural provisions of this appendix. v. BO105.4.1 Decreased structural capacity. Where an alteration causes a decrease in capacity in any structural component, that structural component shall be shown to comply or shall be altered to comply with the applicable provisions of Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8. vi. BO105.4.2 Increased design loads. Where an alteration causes an increase in loads as described in this section, the existing structural components that support the increased 10-20 load, including the foundation, shall be shown to comply or shall be altered to comply with the applicable provisions of Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8. Existing structural components that do not provide support for the increased loads shall not be required to comply with this section. vii. BO105.4.2.1 Dead load increase. Dead load shall be considered to be increased for purposes of this section when the weight of materials used for the alteration exceeds the weight of the materials replaced, or when new materials or elements are added. Exceptions:

1. Buildings in which the increase in dead load is due

entirely to the addition of a second layer of roof covering weighing 3 pounds per square foot (psf) 2 (0.1437 kN/m ) or less over an existing single layer of roof covering.

2. Installation of rooftop-mounted photovoltaic (PV)

panel systems weighing 4 psf (0.1915 kN/m ) or less over an existing single layer of roof covering. These exceptions shall not be applied simultaneously. viii. BO105.4.2.2 Live load increase. An increase in live load shall be determined based on Table R301.5. ix. BO105.4.2.3 Snow load increase. Snow load shall be considered to be increased for purposes of this section when alteration of the roof configuration creates new areas that accumulate drifted snow. x. BO105.4.2.4 Wind load increase. Wind load shall be considered to be increased for purposes of this section when the exposed surface area of any exterior elevation subject to wind pressure is increased by more than 5 percent. xi. BO105.4.2.5 Seismic load increase. Seismic load shall be considered to be increased for purposes of this section in existing buildings assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D , 0 D or D where new materials replace lighter-weight materials 1 2 in one of the following conditions:

1. Concrete tile or tile roof covering of similar

weight is installed on more than 50 percent of the total roof area.

2. Brick veneer or cladding of similar weight is

installed on walls above the second story. xii. BO105.4.3 Unreinforced masonry parapets. Unreinforced masonry parapets located in Seismic Design Category D2 shall have 10-21 wall anchors installed at the roofline and additional bracing installed above the roofline whenever a reroofing permit is issued and work involves removal of roofing materials from more than 25 percent of the roof area. Such masonry bracing and wall anchors shall be of an approved design, unless an evaluation demonstrates compliance of the existing bracing and anchorage. Exception: Bracing above the roofline shall not be required where the maximum height of unbraced unreinforced masonry does not exceed a height-to-width ratio of 2.5. Height shall be measured from the top of the parapet down to the highest existing brace or anchor point attached to the structure. xiii. BO105.5 Electrical equipment and wiring. Electrical equipment and wiring shall comply with this section. xiv. BO105.5.1 Materials and methods. Newly installed electrical equipment and wiring relating to work done in any work area, including in newly installed partitions and ceilings, shall comply with the materials and methods requirements of Chapters 34 through 43. xv. BO105.5.2 Electrical service. Service to the dwelling unit shall be not less than 100 ampere, three-wire capacity, and service equipment shall be dead front having no live parts exposed that could allow accidental contact. Type “S” fuses shall be installed where fused equipment is used. Exception: Existing service of 60 ampere, three-wire capacity, and feeders of 30 ampere or larger two- or three- wire capacity shall be accepted if adequate for the electrical load being served. xvi. BO105.5.3 Additional electrical requirements. Where the work area includes any of the following areas within a dwelling unit, the requirements of Sections BO105.5.3.1 through BO105.5.3.5 shall apply. xvii. BO105.5.3.1 Enclosed areas. Enclosed areas other than closets, kitchens, basements, garages, hallways, laundry areas and bathrooms shall have not fewer than two duplex receptacle outlets, or one duplex receptacle outlet and one ceiling- or walltype lighting outlet. xviii. BO105.5.3.2 Kitchen and laundry areas. Kitchen areas shall have not fewer than two duplex receptacle outlets. Laundry areas shall have not fewer than one duplex receptacle outlet located near the laundry equipment and installed on an independent branch circuit. xix. BO105.5.3.3 Ground-fault circuit interruption. Ground-fault circuit interruption shall be provided on newly installed receptacle outlets if required by Chapters 34 through 43. 10-22 xx. BO105.5.3.4 Lighting outlets. Not less than one lighting outlet controlled by a listed wall-mounted device shall be provided in every bathroom, hallway, stairway, attached garage and detached garage with electric power to illuminate outdoor entrances and exits, and in utility rooms and basements where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring service. The wall-mounted control device shall be located near an entrance to the room. xxi. BO105.5.3.5 Clearance. Clearance for electrical service equipment shall be provided in accordance with Chapters 34 through 43. xxii. BO105.6 Ventilation. Reconfigured spaces intended for occupancy and spaces converted to habitable or occupiable space in any work area shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Section R325. xxiii. BO105.7 Ceiling height. Where a habitable attic or habitable space is created in an existing building, ceiling heights shall be not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm). Bathrooms, toilet rooms and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 4 inches (1930 mm). Exceptions:

1. For rooms with sloped ceilings, the required floor

area of the room shall have a ceiling height of not less than 5 feet (1524 mm), and not less than 50 percent of the required floor area shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2134 mm).

2. At beams, girders, ducts or other obstructions, the

ceiling height shall be not less than 6 feet 4 inches (1930 mm) from the finished floor. xxiv. BO105.8 Stairs, handrails and guards. Stairs, handrails and guards shall comply with this section. xxv. BO105.8.1 Stair width. Existing basement stairs and handrails not otherwise being altered or modified shall be permitted to maintain their current clear width at, above and below existing handrails. xxvi. BO105.8.2 Stair headroom. Headroom height on existing basement stairs being altered or modified shall not be reduced below the existing stairway finished headroom. Existing basement stairs not otherwise being altered shall be permitted to maintain the current finished headroom. xxvii. BO105.8.3 Stair landing. Landings serving existing basement stairs being altered or modified shall not be reduced below the existing stairway landing depth and width. Existing basement stairs not otherwise being altered shall be permitted to maintain the current landing depth and width. 10-23 xxviii. BO105.8.4 Stair treads and risers. An existing stairway shall not be required to comply with Section R318.7.5 where the existing space and construction does not allow a reduction in pitch or slope. Where risers are added to an existing stair, the tread and riser dimension of the added risers shall match the existing stair. xxix. BO105.8.5 Stairway illumination. Stairways within the work area shall be provided with illumination in accordance with Section R325.7. xxx. BO105.8.6 Handrails and guards. If a stair or any portion of a stair is altered, a handrail and guard, where required, shall be provided in accordance with Sections R318 and R320. f. Section BO106 Addition i. BO106.1 General. Where existing buildings with the addition are within the scope of this code, additions shall comply with this section and other applicable provisions of this code for new construction or as permitted by this appendix. Engineered design in accordance with Section R301.1.3 shall be permitted to meet the requirements of this section. ii. BO106.2 Structure for horizontal additions. Where an addition involves new construction attached to an existing building, the new construction shall meet all of the structural requirements of this code for new construction. Alterations to the existing building shall comply with the requirements governing alterations within this code. In wood light-frame additions, connection of the structural components shall be permitted to be provided using wall top plates and addition studs that abut the existing building. Wall top plates shall be lapped and spliced in accordance with Section R602.3.2. Abutting studs shall be fastened in accordance with Table R602.3(1). Exception: The addition structure shall be permitted to be connected to the existing building in accordance with accepted engineering practice. iii. BO106.3 Structure for vertical additions. Where an addition involves new construction that adds a story to any part of the existing building or vertically increases the height of any part of the existing building, the new construction and the existing building together shall be shown to comply with, or altered to comply with, all of the structural requirements of this code for new construction. Exception: Where the new structure and the existing structure together are evaluated in accordance with accepted engineering practice and are shown to be sufficient to 10-24 support the combined loads from the new structure and existing structure, no structural alterations are required. g. Section BO107 Relocated Buildings i. BO107.1 General. Residential buildings or structures moved into or within the jurisdiction are not required to comply with the requirements for new construction under this code, provided they comply with all of the following conditions:

1. The building shall be safe for human occupancy as

determined by the International Fire Code and the International Property Maintenance Code.

2. Any repair, alteration or change of use undertaken

within the relocated structure shall comply with the requirements of this code applicable to the work being performed.

3. Any field fabricated elements shall comply with the

applicable requirements of this code. h. Section BO108 Referenced Standards i.BO108.1 General. See Table BO108.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, the standard title and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.TABLE ii.BO108.1 REFERENCED STANDARDS STANDARD ACRONYM STANDARD NAME SECTION HEREIN REFERENCED IEBC—24 International Existing BO102.8 Building Code® IFC—24 ® BO107.1 International Fire Code IPMC—24 International Property BO107.1 ® Maintenance Code 10-25 Author: J. Seth Gowan, Lauren Kloess Latham, Lannie Smith Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975. §§ 34-14A-11, 34-14A-12.1, 34-14A-12.2, 34-14A-12.3, 34-14A-41, 34-14A-42, and 34-14A-43. History: New Rule: Published ______; effective ______. 465-X-10-.07 The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with the following amendments, deletions and modifications pursuant to Code of Ala. 1975, Sections 34-14A-12, 34-14A-12.1 and 34-14A-12.2. (1) SECTION R202 DEFINITIONS a. COMMUNITY RENEWABLE ENERGY FACILITY (CREF). A facility that produces energy from renewable energy resources and that is qualified as a community energy facility under applicable jurisdictional statutes and rules. b. FINANCIAL RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT (FPPA). A financial arrangement between a renewable electricity generator and a purchaser wherein the purchaser pays or guarantees a price to the generator for the project’s renewable generation. Also known as a “financial power purchase agreement” and “virtual power purchase agreement.” c. PHYSICAL RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT (PPPA). A contract for the purchase of renewable electricity from a specific renewable electricity generator by a purchaser of renewable electricity. 2. R104.1.1 Above code programs. The code official or other AHJ shall be permitted to deem a national, state or local energy- efficiency program to exceed the energy efficiency required by this code. Buildings approved in writing by such an energy- efficiency program shall be considered to be in compliance with this code where such buildings also meet the requirements identified in Table R405.2 and the proposed total building thermal envelope thermal conductance (TC) shall be less than or 10-26 equal to the total building thermal envelope TC using the prescriptive U-factors and F-factors from Table R402.1.2 multiplied by 1.08 in Climate Zones 0, 1 and 2, and by 1.15 in Climate Zones 3 through 8, in accordance with Equation 1-1. The area-weighted maximum fenestration solar heat gain coefficients (SHGC) permitted in Climate Zones 0 through 3 shall be 0.30. For Climate Zones 0-2: 𝑇𝐶Proposed design ≤ 1.08 × 𝑇𝐶Prescriptive reference design R104.1.1.1 National Green Building Standard. Buildings complying with ICC 700 National Green Building Standard and achieving an equivalent energy performance as demonstrated by a third- party certification organization shall be deemed to exceed the energy efficiency required by this code. a (3)TABLE R402.1.2 MAXIMUM ASSEMBLY U-FACTORS AND FENESTARTION REQUIREMENTS Portions of table not shown remain unchanged. CLIMATE 0 1 2 3 4 except 5 and Marine 6 7 and ZONE Marine 4 8 UNHEATED 0.730.730.730.540.54 0.54 0.480.48 SLAB F-FACTOR h For SI: 1 foot – 304.8mm. h. A maximum F-factor of 0.73 shall apply in jurisdictions designated by the code official as having a very heavy termite infestation. (4) R402.1.3 INSULATION TABLE MINIMUM R-VALUES AND FENESTARTION REQUIREMENTS Portions of table not shown remain unchanged. CLIMATE ZONE 0 1 2 3 4 except 5 and 6 7 and Marine Marine 4 8 SLABd,e f R- 0 0 0 10ci, 10ci, 4 ft 10ci, 4 ft 10ci, 4 10ci, VALUE & DEPTH 2 ft ft 4ft 10-27 For SI: 1 foot – 304.8mm. f. Slab edge insulation is not required in jurisdictions designated by the code officials as having very heavy termite infestation. (5) Delete Section R402.2.1 entirely. (6) Delete Section R402.2.2 entirely. (7) R402.2.3 Attic knee wall. Wood attic knee wall assemblies that separate conditioned space from unconditioned attic spaces shall comply with Table R402.1.3 for wood frame walls. Steel attic knee wall assemblies shall comply with Section R402.2.7. Such knee walls shall have an air barrier between conditioned and unconditioned space. Exception: Where construction constraints prevent achieving a properly constructed knee wall assembly that meets the requirements of this section, the knee wall may be treated as part of the ceiling insulation system when all of the following conditions are met:

1. Insulation Alignment: The knee wall cavity is insulated to an

R-value not less than the adjacent attic insulation and is aligned with the surrounding ceiling thermal envelope.

2. Insulation Installation: Batt insulation shall be installed

so that it fully fills the cavity, maintains continuous contact with the air barrier on the conditioned side, and is fully supported on the attic side using approved netting, sheathing, or other support material to prevent displacement and air gaps.

3. Air Barrier: A continuous air barrier is installed on the

conditioned side of the knee wall and is sealed to adjoining framing or sheathing to limit airflow between conditioned and unconditioned spaces.

4. Thermal Envelope Classification: For energy compliance

purposes, knee walls treated under this alternative shall be considered part of the ceiling assembly rather than a vertical wall assembly. This reduction shall not apply to the insulation criteria in Section R402.1.2 and the component performance alternative in Section R402.1.5. 8. R402.2.3.1 Roof truss framing separating conditioned and unconditioned space. Where wood vertical roof truss framing members are used to separate conditioned space and unconditioned space, they shall comply with Table R402.1.3 for wood frame walls. Steel frame vertical roof truss framing members used to 10-28 separate conditioned space and unconditioned space shall comply with Section R402.2.7. Exception: Attic knee walls and roof truss framing that comply with all of the following:

1. The attic knee wall or roof truss framing assembly

is provided with an air barrier and is insulated to not less than R-15 in Climate Zone 3 and not less than R-20 in Climate Zones 4-6.

3. One additional credit is achieved above the minimum

number of credits required by Section R408. 9. R402.2.11 Crawl space walls. 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. Crawl space wall insulation shall be permanently fastened to the wall and extend downward from the floor to the finished grade level and then vertically and/or horizontally for at least an additional 24 inches (610 mm). Exposed earth in unvented crawl space foundations shall be covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder in accordance with the International Building Code or International Residential Code, as applicable. All joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (153 mm) and be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend not less than 6 inches (153 mm) up the stem wall and shall be attached to the stem wall. 10. TABLE R402.5.1.1 AIR BARRIER, AIR SEALING AND INSULATION a INSTALLATION COMPONENT AIR BARRIER, AIR SEALING INSULATION INSTALLATION CRITERIA CRITERIA General A continuous air barrier Air-permeable insulation requirements shall be installed in shall not be used as a the building thermal sealing material. envelope. Breaks or joints in the Air-permeable insulation must fill entire cavity air barrier shall be sealed. and be enclosed in an air barrier assembly. c Air- permeable insulation requires an 10-29 air barrier on all sides. b Ceiling/attic An air barrier shall be The insulation in any installed in any dropped dropped ceiling/soffit ceiling or soffit to shall be aligned with separate it from the air barrier. Access unconditioned space. hatches and doors shall Access openings, drop be installed and down stairs or knee wall doors to unconditioned insulated in accordance attic spaces shall be with Section R402.2.5. sealed with gasketing Eave baffles shall be materials that allow for installed in accordance repeated entrance over with Section R402.2.4. time. Walls The junction of the Cavities within corners foundation and sill and headers of frame plate shall be sealed. walls shall be insulated The junction of the top by completely filling plate and the top of the cavity with a exterior walls shall be material having a sealed. thermal resistance, R- Knee walls shall be value, of not less than sealed. R-3 per inch. Exterior building thermal envelope insulation for framed walls shall be installed in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air barrier. Knee wall Knee walls shall have an Insulation installed in air barrier between a knee wall assembly conditioned and shall be installed in unconditioned space. accordance with Section R402.2.3. Air-permeable insulation shall be enclosed inside an air barrier assembly. Windows, The rough opening gap Insulation shall not be skylights and between framing and the required in the rough doors frames of opening gap except as skylights, windows and required by the doors, shall be sealed fenestration in accordance with 10-30 fenestration manufacturer’s manufacturer’s instructions. instructions. Rim joists Rim joists shall include Rim joists shall be an air barrier. insulated so that the The junctions of the rim insulation maintains board to the sill plate permanent contact with and the rim board and the exterior rim board. b the subfloor shall be air sealed. Floors, Floor framing members Floor insulation shall including that are part of the be installed in cantilevered building thermal accordance with the floors and envelope shall be air requirements floors above sealed to maintain a garages continuous air barrier. of Section R402.2.8. Air permeable floor cavity insulation shall be enclosed. Basement, crawl Exposed earth in Crawl space insulation, space and slab unvented crawl spaces where provided instead foundations shall be covered with a of floor insulation, Class I vapor retarder/ shall be installed in air barrier in accordance with Section accordance with Section R402.2.11. R402.2.11. Conditioned basement Penetrations through foundation wall concrete foundation insulation shall be walls and slabs shall be installed in accordance air sealed. with Section R402.2.9.1. Class 1 vapor retarders Slab-on-grade floor shall not be used as an insulation shall be air barrier on below- installed in accordance grade walls and shall be with Section R402.2.10. installed in accordance with Section R702.7 of the International Residential Code. Shafts, Duct and flue shafts to Insulation shall be penetrations exterior or fitted tightly around unconditioned space utilities passing shall be sealed. through shafts and Utility penetrations of penetrations in the the air barrier shall be building thermal caulked, gasketed or 10-31 otherwise sealed and envelope to maintain shall allow for required R-value. expansion, contraction of materials and mechanical vibration. Narrow cavities Narrow cavities of 1 Batts to be installed in inch or less that are narrow cavities shall be not able to be insulated cut to fit or narrow shall be air sealed. cavities shall be filled with insulation that on installation readily conforms to the available cavity space. Garage Air sealing shall be Insulated portions of separation provided between the the garage separation garage and conditioned assembly shall be spaces. installed in accordance with Sections R303 and R402.2.8. Recessed Recessed light fixtures Recessed light fixtures lighting installed in the installed in the building thermal building thermal envelope shall be air envelope shall be sealed in accordance airtight and IC rated, with Section R402.5.4. and shall be buried in or surrounded with insulation. Plumbing, All holes created by Insulation shall be wiring or other wiring, plumbing or installed to fill the obstructions other obstructions in available space and the air barrier assembly surround wiring, shall be air sealed. plumbing, or other obstructions, unless the required R-value can be met by installing insulation and air barrier systems completely to the exterior side of the obstructions. Showers, tubs An air barrier shall Exterior framed walls and fireplaces separate insulation in adjacent to adjacent to the the building thermal showers, tubs and building envelope from the fireplaces shall 10-32 thermal shower, tub or fireplace envelope assemblies. be insulated. Electrical, Boxes, housing and Boxes, housing and communication enclosures that enclosures shall be and other penetrate the air buried in or surrounded equipment barrier shall be by insulation. boxes, housings caulked, taped, gasketed and enclosures or otherwise sealed to the air barrier element being penetrated. All concealed openings into the box, housing or enclosure shall be sealed. Alternatively, air- sealed boxes shall be installed in accordance with Section R402.5.5. HVAC register HVAC supply and return HVAC supply and return boots register boots shall be register boots located sealed to the subfloor, within a building wall covering or ceiling thermal envelope penetrated by the boot. assembly shall be buried in or surrounded by insulation. Concealed Where required to be — sprinklers 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. 10-33 Common walls or An interior air barrier Insulation materials double walls shall be provided. Air recognized in the separating sealing at the approved common wall or attached intersections with double-wall design and single-family building thermal installed in accordance dwellings or envelope shall be with the approved design townhouses provided. shall be permitted to be Where installed in a used. fire-resistance-rated wall assembly, air sealing materials shall comply with one of the following:

1. Be in accordance with

an approved design for the fire-resistance- rated assembly.

2. Be supported by

approved data that shows the assembly as installed complies with the required fire- resistance rating. Stairs Full uncompressed Insulation not required insulation value per to fill top of cavity, Table R402.1.3 Floor R- when air sealed on Value conditioned side and in contact with air barrier on ambient side. a. Inspection of log walls shall be in accordance with the provisions of ICC 400. b. Insulation full enclosure is not required in unconditioned/ ventilated attic spaces and at rim joists. Insulation full enclosure is not required on conditioned side of rim joist insulation in an enclosed floor when permanently secured against air barrier without compression. c. Insulation full enclosure is not required on ceiling insulation in unconditioned ventilated attic on unconditioned side parallel to the ceiling plane. 11. Delete R402.5.1.2.1 Unit sampling 10-34 12. R402.5.1.3 Maximum air leakage rate. When complying with Section R401.2.1, the building or dwelling unit shall have an air leakage rate not exceeding 7.0 air changes per hour when tested in accordance with Section R402.5.1.2. Where blower door testing demonstrates an air leakage rate of 5.0 air changes per hour or less, mechanical ventilation shall be provided in accordance with IRC Section M1505 or IMC Section 403 as applicable. Mechanical ventilation systems required under this section shall be a balanced system which provides equal amounts of supply and exhaust air. Such systems shall be installed per manufacturer’s installation instructions. 13. Delete Section R403.1.1 entirely. 14. R403.3.5 Ductwork location in non-conditioned attics. Ductwork located in unconditioned attic space shall be supported a minimum of 1 inch above attic insulation. 15. R403.3.7 Duct system testing. Each duct system shall be tested for air leakage in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 or ASTM E1554. Total leakage shall be measured with a pressure differential of 0.1 inch water gauge (25 Pa) across the duct system and shall include the measured leakage from the supply and return ductwork. A written report of the test results shall be signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the code official. Duct system leakage testing at either rough-in or post construction shall be permitted with or without the installation of registers or grilles. Where installed, registers and grilles shall be sealed during the test. Where registers and grilles are not installed, the face of the register boots shall be sealed during the test. 16. R403.3.8 Duct system leakage. The total measured duct system leakage shall not be greater than the values in Section R403.3.8.1 For buildings complying with Section R405 or R406, where duct system leakage to outside is tested in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 or ASTM E1554, the leakage to outside value shall not be used for compliance with this section, but shall be permitted to be used in the calculation procedures of Section R405 and R406. a. Delete Table R403.3.8 entirely. 10-35 17. R403.3.8.1 Maximum Total Duct System Leakage. The Total leakage of the ducts, where measured in accordance with Section R403.3.7, 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 (9.29m2) 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 (85L/ min) per 100 square feet (9.29m2) of conditioned floor area.

2. Post Construction Test – Total leakage to the outside shall

be less than or equal to 4 cubic feet per minute (113.3L/min) per 100 square feet (9.29m2) of conditioned floor area. All ducts, regardless of their location, inside or outside the building thermal envelope shall be tested in accordance with section R403.3.8.1 18. R403.3.9 Unit sampling. When approved by the Building Official for buildings with eight or more dwelling units or sleeping units, the duct systems in the greater of seven or 20 percent of the dwelling units or sleeping units shall be tested, including a top floor unit, a ground floor unit, a middle floor unit and the unit with the largest conditioned floor area. Where buildings have fewer than eight dwelling units or sleeping units, the duct systems in each unit shall be tested. Where the leakage of a duct system is greater than the maximum permitted duct system leakage, corrective actions shall be made to the duct system and the duct system shall be system retested until it passes. For each tested dwelling unit or sleeping unit that has a greater total duct system leakage than the maximum permitted duct system leakage, an additional three dwelling units or sleeping units, including the corrected unit, shall be tested. 19. R403.6.3 Testing. Mechanical ventilation systems shall be tested and verified to provide the minimum ventilation flow rates required by Section R403.6, in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380. 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 permanently posted with the Certificate required by R401.3. Exceptions: Kitchen range hoods that are ducted to the outside with ducting having a diameter of 6 inches (152 mm) or larger, a length of 10 10-36 feet (3028 mm) or less, and not more than two 90-degree (1.57 rad) elbows or equivalent shall not require testing. A third-party test shall not be required where the ventilation system has an integrated diagnostic tool used for airflow measurement, and a user interface that communicates the installed airflow rate. Where tested in accordance with Section R403.6.4, testing of each mechanical ventilation system is not required. 20. R404.1 Lighting equipment. Not less than 95 percent of permanently installed luminaires shall be capable of operation with an efficacy of not less than 45 lumens per watt or shall contain lamps capable of operation with an efficacy of not less than 65 lumens per watt. Exceptions: Appliance lamps. Antimicrobial lighting used for the sole purpose of disinfecting. General service lamps complying with DOE 10 CFR, Part 430.32. Luminaires with a rated electric input of not greater than 3.0 watts. 21. Delete Section R404.2.1 entirely. 22. TABLE R406.5 MAXIMUM ENERGY RATING INDEX CLIMATE ENERGY RATING INDEX NOT ENERGY RATING INDEX ZONE INCLUDING OPP WITH OPP 0-1 51 35 2 55 38 3 55 38 4 53 40 5 54 43 6 53 43 10-37 7 52 46 8 52 46 23.Delete R404.4 Renewable energy certificate (REC) documentation 24.Delete R406.7.3 Renewable energy certificate (REC) documentation 25.TABLE R408.2 CREDITS FOR ADDITIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY – REPLACE existing Table with the following: MEASURE MEASURE DESCRIPTION CLIMATE CLIMATE NUMBER ZONE 2 ZONE 3 R408.2.1.1(2) ≥ 5% reduction in total TC 1 1 R408.2.1(3) > 7.5% reduction in total TC 1 2 R408.2.1.1(4) > 10% reduction in total TC 1 2 R408.2.1.1(5) > 15% reduction in total TC 2 2 R408.2.1.1(6) > 20% reduction in total TC 4 4 R408.2.1.1(7) > 30% reduction in total TC 6 6 R408.2.1.2(1) U-factor and SHGC for vertical 1 1 fenestration per Table R408.2.1.2 R408.2.1.3(2) Roof solar reflectance index 1 0 (roof is above an unconditioned space that contains a duct system) R408.2.1.4 Reduced air leakage 1 1 R408.2.2.(1)b Ground source heat pump 14 14 R408.2.2.(2)b High Performance Cooling (Option 4 3 1) R408.2.2.(3)b High Performance Cooling (Option 4 3 2) 10-38 R408.2.2.(4)b High Performance Gas furnace 1 2 (Option 1) R408.2.2.(5)b High Performance Gas furnace 1 2 (Option 2) R408.2.2.(6)b High Performance Gas furnace 1 1 (Option 3) R408.2.2.(7)b High Performance Gas furnace and 5 4 cooling (Option 1) R408.2.2.(8)b High Performance Gas furnace and 5 5 cooling (Option 2) R408.2.2.(9)b High Performance Gas furnace and 13 11 heat pump (Option 1) R408.2.2. High Performance Heat pump with 12 11 (10)b electric resistance backup (Option 1) R408.2.3(1) Gas-fired storage water heaters 7 7 (a)d (Option 1) R408.2.3(1) Gas-fired storage water heaters 8 8 (b)d (Option 2) R408.2.3(2) Gas-fired instantaneous water 9 9 (a)d heaters (Option 1) R408.2.3(2) Gas-fired instantaneous water 10 9 (b)d heaters (Option 2) R408.2.3(3)d Electric water heaters (Option 1) 9 9 R408.2.3(4)d Electric water heaters (Option 2) 8 8 R408.2.3(5) Electric water heaters (Option 3) 8 8 (a)d R408.2.3(5) Electric water heaters (Option 4) 8 9 (b)d R408.2.3(6)d Electric water heaters (Option 5) 9 9 13 13 10-39 R408.2.3(7) Solar hot water heating system (a)d (Option 1) R408.2.3(7) Solar hot water heating system 9 9 (b)c (Option 2) R408.2.3(8)c Compact hot water distribution 2 2 R408.2.4(1)c Ductless or hydronic thermal 4 5 distribution R408.2.4(2)c 100% of duct systems in 3 4 conditioned space R408.2.4(3)c ≥ 80% of ductwork inside 3 3 conditioned space R408.2.4(4)c Reduced total duct system leakage 1 1 R408.2.5(5)c ≤ 1.0 ACH50 with ERV or HRV 0 1 installed R408.2.6a Energy efficient appliances 1 1 R408.2.7 On-site renewable energy measures 16 17 R408.2.8c Demand responsive thermostat 1 1 R408.2.8.3c Programable thermostat 1 1 R408.2.10 Whole-home lighting control 1 1 R408.2.12 Efficiency Group A: Encapsulated 10 10 Attic R408.2.13 Efficiency Group B: Vented Attic 10 10 R408.2.14 Dehumidifier 5 5 26. R408.2.2 More efficient HVAC equipment performance options. a. Heating and cooling equipment shall meet one of the following measures as applicable for the climate zone where heating and cooling efficiencies are represented by Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), Coefficient of Performance 10-40 (COP), Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER and EER2), Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF2) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2). Where multiple heating or cooling systems are installed serving different zones, credits shall be earned based on the weighted average of square footage of the zone served by the system. b. HVAC options applicable to all climate zones:

1. Ground source heat pump: Greater than or equal to

16.1 EER and 3.1 COP ground source heat pump.

5. Gas furnace (Option 2): Greater than or equal to 95

percent AFUE fuel gas furnace. c. HVAC options applicable to Climate Zones 0, 1, 2 and 3:

2. Gas furnace and cooling (Option 1): Greater than or

equal to 90 percent AFUE fuel gas furnace and 15.2 SEER2 and 10.0 EER2 air conditioner.

3. Gas furnace and cooling (Option 2): Greater than or

equal to 95 percent AFUE fuel gas furnace and 16.0 SEER2 and 10.0 EER2 air conditioner.

4. Gas furnace and heat pump (Option 1): Greater than

or equal to 90 percent AFUE fuel gas furnace and 7.8 HSPF2, 15.2 SEER2 and 10.0 EER2 air source heat pump.

5. Heat pump (Option 1): Greater than or equal to 8.0

HSPF2, 17.0 SEER2, and 11.7 EER2 air source heat pump. 27. R408.2.7 Renewable energy. Renewable energy resources shall meet the requirements of R408.2.7.1 or R408.2.7.2. 28. R408.2.7.1 On-site Renewable energy. Renewable energy resources shall be permanently installed on- site that have the rated capacity to produce not less than 1.0 watt of on-site renewable energy per square foot of conditioned floor area. 29. R408.2.7.1 On-site Renewable energy. Renewable energy resources shall be permanently installed on- site that have the rated capacity to produce not less than 1.0 watt 10-41 of on-site renewable energy per square foot of conditioned floor area. 30. R408.2.7.2 Off-site Renewable energy. Renewable energy resources whether provided from a community renewable energy facility (CREF) or contracted from a physical or financial renewable energy power purchase agreement for not less than 1.0kWh per square foot of conditioned floor area on an annual basis. 31. R408.2.7.2.1 Renewable energy contract. The renewable energy shall be delivered or credited to the building site under an energy contract with a duration of not less than 15 years. The contract shall be structured to survive a partial or full transfer of ownership of the building property. 32. R408.2.8.3 Programmable thermostat. The thermostat controlling the primary heating or cooling system of the dwelling unit shall be capable of controlling the heating and cooling system on a daily schedule to maintain different temperature set points at different times of day and different days of the week. This thermostat shall include the capability to set back or temporarily operate the system to maintain zone temperatures of not less than 55°F (13°C) to not greater than 85°F (29°C). The thermostat shall be programmed initially by the manufacturer with a heating temperature setpoint of not greater than 70°F (21°C) and a cooling temperature setpoint of not less than 78°F (26°C). 33. R408.2.12 Efficiency Group A: Encapsulated Attic All measures in this group must be met to qualify. 1.An air impermeable insulation installed to the underside or directly above the roof deck with a maximum U-factor of 0.035 or R-25. a. Where installed below the roof deck the rafters on the insulated plane shall be wrapped (covered) by minimum R-3 unless directly covered by drywall /finished ceiling. b. Roof rafters are not required to be covered by minimum R-3 if continuous insulation is installed above the roof deck. 2. Infiltration rate <2.5 ACH50 3. 100% of ducts shall be inside the building thermal envelope. 4. Indoor heating, cooling and ventilation equipment shall be inside the building thermal envelope. 10-42 (34)R408.2.13 Efficiency Group B: Vented Attic 1. Duct leakage 2% rough in total or 3% post construction total 2. Radiant barrier decking 3. WiFi enabled programmable thermostat

5. Higher efficiency equipment

a. Furnace: 92% AFUE b. Heat Pump: 15.2 Seer2, 7.8 HSPF2, 11.7 EER2 (35) R408.2.14 Dehumidifier. Independently controlled Energy Star qualified dehumidifier directly ducted to living space with minimum 8” duct and accessible controls. May be combined with or used as part of required ventilation system. (36) R502.2 Prescriptive compliance. Additions shall comply with Sections R502.2.1 through R502.2.5. R502.2.1 Building thermal envelope. New building thermal envelope assemblies that are part of the addition shall comply with Sections R402.1, R402.2, R402.4.1 through R402.4.5, and R402.5. Exceptions:

2. For buildings in climate zones 4 and 5, the maximum U-factor

of 0.060 shall be permitted to be used for wood frame walls for compliance with Table R402.1.2 where complying with one or more of the following:

1. Primary space heating serving the addition is provided by

a heat pump that meets one of the efficiencies in R408.2.2.

2. All installed water heaters serving the addition are heat

pumps that meet one of the efficiencies in R408.2.3.

3. In addition to the number of credits required by Section

R502.2.5, two additional credits from R408 are achieved.

4. Renewable energy resources are permanently installed that

have the rated capacity to produce a minimum of 1.0 watt of on-site renewable energy per square foot of the addition’s conditioned floor area. (37)R502.2.5 Additional energy efficiency credit requirements for additions. Additions shall comply with sufficient measures from Table R408.2 to achieve not less than five credits or all measures from R408.2.12, or R408.2.13. Alterations to the existing building that are not part of the addition but are 10-43 permitted with an addition shall be permitted to be used to achieve this requirement. Exceptions:

2. Additions that do not include the addition or replacement of

equipment covered in Section R403.5 or R403.7.

4. Where the addition alone or the existing building and

addition together comply with Section R405 or R406. Appendix RG is hereby adopted. APPENDIX RG – 2024 STRETCH CODE RG101.3.1 Off-site Renewable energy. This section shall be permitted to be used to meet the requirements for one of the two measures for compliance with Section RG101.3. Renewable energy resources whether provided from a community renewable energy facility (CREF) or contracted from a physical or financial renewable energy power purchase agreement for not less than 1.0kWh per square foot of conditioned floor area on an annual basis. RG101.3.1.1 Renewable energy contract. The renewable energy shall be delivered or credited to the building site under an energy contract with a duration of not less than 15 years. The contract shall be structured to survive a partial or full transfer of ownership of the building property. Author: J. Seth Gowan, Lauren Kloess Latham, Lannie Smith Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975. §§ 34-14A-11, 34-14A-12.1, 34-14A-12.2, 34-14A-12.3, 34-14A-41, 34-14A-42, and 34-14A-43. History: New Rule: Published ______; effective ______. 465-X-10-.08 Roof Construction Standards.

1. The 2024 Coastal Construction Code Supplement

shall be adopted with following modifications for application and enforcement in the state of Alabama pursuant to Ala. Code Sec 34-14A-12, 12.1, and 12.2. 10-44 a. Compliance with the Coastal Construction Code Supplement is mandatory for roofing and re- roofing of residential structures located within the Counties of Baldwin and Mobile.

2. The 2024 Construction Code Supplement shall be

adopted with following modifications for application and enforcement in the state of Alabama pursuant to Ala. Code Sec 34-14A-12, 12.1, and 12.2. a. Compliance with the Construction Code Supplement is mandatory for roofing and re-roofing of residential structures located within all counties of the State other than the Counties of Baldwin and Mobile. Author: J. Seth Gowan, Lauren Kloess Latham, Lannie Smith Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975. §§ 34-14A-11, 34-14A-12.1, 34-14A-12.2, 34-14A-12.3, 34-14A-41, 34-14A-42, and 34-14A-43. History: New Rule: Published ______; effective ______. 10-45