Minnesota Administrative Rules

1323.0100 ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMERCIAL ENERGY CODE.

Subpart 1.

Application.

In addition to the requirements in Minnesota Rules, part 1323.0030, the administrative provisions in this part apply.

Subp. 2.

Scope.

This code applies to commercial buildings, building sites, and the associated systems and equipment.

Subp. 3.

Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs.

Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs to an existing building, building system, or portion thereof shall conform to this code as they relate to new construction without requiring the unaltered portion(s) of the existing building or building system to comply with this code. Additions, alterations, renovations, or repairs shall not create an unsafe or hazardous condition or overload existing building systems. An addition shall be deemed to comply with this code if the addition alone complies or if the existing building and addition comply with this code as a single building.

Exceptions: The following conditions are not required to comply with this code if the energy use of the building is not increased:

1. Storm windows installed over existing fenestration.

2. Glass-only replacements in an existing sash and frame.

3. Existing ceiling, wall, or floor cavities exposed during construction, provided that these cavities are filled with insulation.

4. Construction where the existing roof, wall, or floor cavity is not exposed.

5. Reroofing for roofs not covered by section C402.2.1.2, where neither the sheathing nor the insulation is exposed. Roofs without insulation in the cavity and where the sheathing or insulation is exposed during reroofing shall be insulated either above or below the sheathing.

6. Replacement of existing doors that separate conditioned space from the exterior shall not require the installation of a vestibule or revolving door, provided, however, that an existing vestibule that separates a conditioned space from the exterior shall not be removed.

7. Alterations that replace less than 50 percent of the luminaires in a space, provided that such alterations do not increase the installed interior lighting power.

8. Alterations that replace only the bulb and ballast within the existing luminaires in a space, provided that the alteration does not increase the installed interior lighting power.

Subp. 4.

Change of occupancy or use.

Spaces undergoing a change in occupancy that would result in an increase in demand for either fossil fuel or electrical energy shall comply with this code. Where the use in a space changes from one use in Table C405.5.2(1) or (2) to another use in Table C405.5.2(1) or (2), the installed lighting wattage shall comply with section C405.5.

Subp. 5.

Change in space conditioning.

Any nonconditioned space that is altered to become conditioned space shall be required to be brought into full compliance with this code.

Subp. 6.

Compliance.

Residential buildings shall meet the provisions of IECC - Residential Provisions (RE). Commercial buildings shall meet the provisions of IECC - Commercial Provisions (CE).

Subp. 7.

Mixed occupancy.

Where a building includes both residential and commercial occupancies, each occupancy shall be separately considered and meet the applicable provisions of IECC - Commercial Provisions or IECC - Residential Provisions.

Subp. 8.

Compliance materials.

The building official is authorized to approve specific computer software, worksheets, compliance manuals, and other similar materials that meet the intent of this code.

Subp. 9.

Low-energy buildings.

The following buildings, or portions thereof, separated from the remainder of the building by building thermal envelope assemblies complying with this code shall be exempt from the building thermal envelope provisions of this code:

A.

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 (10.7 W/m²) of floor area for space conditioning purposes.

B.

Those that do not contain conditioned space.

Subp. 10.

Information on construction documents.

Construction documents shall be drawn to scale on suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted when approved by the building official. Construction documents shall indicate the location, nature, and extent of the work proposed, and show in detail pertinent data and features of the building, systems, and equipment as governed in this code. Examples of this detail include insulation materials and their R-values; fenestration U-factors and SHGCs; area-weighted U-factor and SHGC calculations; mechanical system design criteria; mechanical and service water heating system and equipment types, sizes, and efficiencies; economizer description; equipment and systems controls; fan motor horsepower (hp) and controls; duct sealing, duct sizing, duct and pipe insulation and location, terminal air or water design flow rates; electrical distribution diagram(s); lighting fixture schedule with wattage and control narrative; and air sealing details. Air sealing details shall clearly delineate the air barrier location and show continuity between roof, wall, foundation, around frames and sleeves, and at other similar openings.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 326B.02; 326B.101; 326B.106

History:

39 SR 1616

Published Electronically:

June 8, 2015