Imperial County Municipal Code Ch. 12 California Green Building Standards Code

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 1587, adopted December 5, 2023, rescinded and reenacted Ch. 12 to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 12 pertained to regulations of sewage disposable systems, consisted of §§ 91012.0—91012.09, and derived from Ord. No. 1487, adopted July 2, 2013.

The purpose of this code is to improve public health, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings through the use of building concepts having a reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices in the following categories:

1. Planning and design.

2. Energy efficiency.

3. Water efficiency and conservation.

4. Material conservation and resource efficiency.

5. Environmental quality.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

This code is intended to set mandatory minimum Green Building Standards and includes optional tiers that may, at the discretion of any city, county, or city and county, be applied.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, method, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternate shall be approved on a case-by-case basis where the enforcing agency finds that the proposed alternate is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code and is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in planning and design, energy, water, material conservation and resource efficiency, environmental air quality, performance, safety and the protection of life and health.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

This code contains both mandatory and voluntary green building measures.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Voluntary tiers are intended to further encourage building practices that improve public health, safety and general welfare by promoting the use of building concepts which minimize the building's impact on the environment and promote a more sustainable design.

CALGreen Tier 1.

To achieve CALGreen Tier 1, buildings must comply with the latest edition of "Savings By Design, Healtcare Modeling Procedures."

CALGreen Tier 2.

To achieve CALGreen Tier 2, buildings must exceed the latest edition of "Savings By design, Healthcare Modeling Procedures" by a minimum of 15 percent.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

The provisions of this division outline planning, design and development methods that include environmentally responsible sit selection, building design, building siting and development to protect, restore and enhance the environmental quality of the site and respect the integrity of adjacent properties.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Construction plans shall indicate how the site grading or drainage system will manage all surface water flows to keep water from entering buildings. Examples of methods to manage surface water include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Swales.

2. Water collection and disposal systems.

3. French drains.

4. Water retention gardens.

5. Other water measures which keep surface water away from buildings and aid in groundwater recharge.

Exception: Additions and alterations not altering the drainage path.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

New construction shall comply with CalGreen Code Section 4.106.4.1, 4.106.4.2, 4.106.4.3 and Division 32 of the County Land Use Ordinance to facilitate future installation and use of EV chargers. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code, Article 625.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Plumbing fixtures (water closets and urinals) and fittings (faucets and showerheads) shall comply with CalGreen Code Sections 4.303.1.1,4.303.1.2, 4.303.1.3, and 4.303.1.4. Note: Plumbing fixture installation is required prior to issuance of a certificate of final completion, certificate of occupancy, or final permit approval by the local building department.

1. Water closets: The effective flush volume of all water closets shall not exceed 1.28 gallons per flush.

2. Urinals: The effective flush volume of wall mounted urinals shall not exceed 0.125 gallons per flush.

3. Single showerhead: Showerheads shall have a maximum flow rate of not more than 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi.

4. Multiple showerheads serving one shower: When a shower is served by more than one showerhead, the combined flow rate of all showerheads and/or other shower outlets controlled by a single valve shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi, or the shower shall be designed to allow only one shower outlet to be in operation at a time.

5. Residential lavatory faucets: The maximum flow rate of residential lavatory faucets shall not exceed 1.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi. The minimum flow rate of residential lavatory faucets shall not be less than 0.8 gallons per minute at 20 psi.

6. Lavatory faucets in common and public use areas: The maximum flow rate of lavatory faucets installed in common and public use areas (outside of dwellings or sleeping units) in residential buildings shall not exceed 0.5 gallons per minute at 60 psi.

7. Metering faucets: Metering faucets when installed in residential buildings shall not deliver more than 0.2 gallons per cycle.

8. Kitchen faucets: The maximum flow rate of kitchen faucets shall not exceed 1.8 gallons per minute at 60 psi.

9. Standards for plumbing fixtures and fittings. Plumbing fixtures and fittings shall be installed in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Plumbing fixtures and fittings shall be installed in accordance with the California Plumbing Code.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Residential developments shall comply with a local water efficient landscape ordinance or the current California Department of Water Resources' Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), whichever is more stringent.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

The provisions of this chapter shall outline means of achieving material conservation and resource efficiency through protection of buildings from exterior moisture; construction waste diversion; employment of techniques to reduce pollution through recycling of materials; and building commissioning or testing, adjusting and balancing.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Recycle and/or salvage for reuse a minimum of sixty-five (65) percent of the nonhazardous construction and demolition waste in accordance with either CalGreen Code Sections 4.408.2, 4.408.3 or 4.408.4, or meet a more stringent local construction and demolition waste management ordinance.

Exceptions:

1. Excavated soil and land-clearing debris.

2. Alternate waste reduction methods developed by working with local agencies if diversion or recycle facilities capable of compliance with this item do not exist or are not located reasonably close to the jobsite.

3. The enforcing agency may make exceptions to the requirements of this section when isolated jobsites are located in areas beyond the haul boundaries of the diversion facility.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Submit a construction waste management plan in conformance with Items 1 through 5. The construction waste management plan shall be updated as necessary and shall be available during construction for examination by the enforcing agency.

1. Identify the construction and demolition waste materials to be diverted from disposal by recycling, reuse on the project or salvage for future use or sale.

2. Specify if construction and demolition waste materials will be sorted on-site (source- separated) or bulk mixed (single stream).

3. Identify diversion facilities where the construction and demolition waste material will be taken.

4. Identify construction methods employed to reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste generated.

5. Specify that the amount of construction and demolition waste materials diverted shall be calculated by weight or volume, but not by both.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Utilize a waste management company, approved by the enforcing agency, which can provide verifiable documentation that the percentage of construction and demolition waste material diverted from the landfill complies with CalGreen Code Section 4.408.1.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

At the time of final inspection, a manual, compact disc, web-based reference or other media acceptable to the enforcing agency which includes all of the following shall be placed in the building:

1. Directions to the owner or occupant that the manual shall remain with the building throughout the life cycle of the structure.

2. Operation and maintenance instruction for the following:

a. Equipment and appliances, including water-saving devices and systems, HVAC systems, photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charges, water-heating systems and other major appliances and equipment.

b. Roof and yard drainage, including gutters and downspouts.

c. Space conditioning systems, including condensers and air filters.

d. Landscape irrigation systems.

e. Water reuse systems.

3. Information from local utility, water and waste recovery providers on methods to further reduce resource consumption, including recycle programs and locations.

4. Public transportation and/or carpool options available in the area.

5. Educational material on the positive impacts of an interior relative humidity between thirty (30) percent and sixty (60) percent and what methods an occupant may use to maintain the relative humidity level in that range.

6. Information about water-conserving landscape and irrigation design and controllers which conserve water.

7. Instructions for maintaining gutters and downspouts and the importance of diverting water at least five feet away from the foundation.

8. Information on required routine maintenance measures, including, but not limited to, caulking, painting, grading around the building, etc.

9. Information about state solar energy and incentive programs available.

10. A copy of all special inspection verification required by the enforcing agency or this code.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Where five or more multifamily dwelling units are constructed on a building site, provide readily accessible area(s) that serves all buildings on the site and are identified for the depositing, storage and collection of nonhazardous materials for recycling, including (at a minimum) paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, organic waste, and metals, or meet a lawfully enacted local recycling ordinance, if more restrictive.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

The construction waste management form must be provided by ICPDS. All subcontractors shall comply with the project's construction waste management plan. All subcontractors' foremen shall sign the CWM plan acknowledgment sheet.

Subcontractors who fail to comply with the waste management plan will be subject to backcharges or withholding of payment, as deemed appropriate. For instance, subcontractors who contaminate debris boxes that have been designated for a single material type will be subject to backcharge or withheld payment, as deemed appropriate.

1. This project shall generate the least amount of waste possible by planning and ordering carefully, following all proper storage and handling procedures to reduce broken and damaged materials and reusing materials whenever possible. The majority of the waste that is generated on this jobsite will be diverted from the landfill and recycled for other use.

2. Waste prevention and recycling activities will be discussed at the beginning of weekly subcontractor meetings. As each new subcontractor comes on-site, the WMP coordinator will present him/her with a copy of the CWM plan and provide a tour of the jobsite to identify materials to be salvaged and the procedures for handling jobsite debris. All subcontractor foremen will acknowledge in writing that they have read and will abide by the CWM plan. Subcontractor acknowledgment sheet enclosed. The CWM plan will be posted at the jobsite trailer.

3. Salvage: Excess materials that cannot be used in the project, nor returned to the vendor, will be offered to site workers, the owner, or donated to charity if feasible.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

The provision of this chapter shall outline means of reducing the quantity of air contaminants that are odorous, irritating and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of a building's installers, occupants and neighbors.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Covering of duct openings and protection of mechanical equipment during construction. At the time of rough installation, during storage on the construction site and until final startup of the heating, cooling and ventilating equipment, all duct and other related air distribution component openings shall be covered with tape, plastic, sheet metal or other methods acceptable to the enforcing agency to reduce the amount of water, dust and debris, which may enter the system.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Finish materials shall comply with this section. Adhesives, sealants and caulks. Adhesives, sealants and caulks used on the project shall meet the requirements of the standards contained in the Green Code Appendix A unless more stringent local or regional air pollution or air quality management district rules apply.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Architectural paints and coatings shall comply with VOC limits in Table 1 of the ARB Architectural Suggested Control Measure unless more stringent local limits apply.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Aerosol paints and coatings shall meet the Product-weighted MIR Limits for ROC in Section 94522(a)(2).

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Verification of compliance with this section shall be provided at the request of the enforcing agency. Documentation may include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Manufacturer's product specification.

2. Field verification of on-site product containers.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

All carpet installed in the building interior shall meet the testing and product requirements of one of the following:

1. Carpet and Rug Institute's Green label Plus Program.

2. California Department of Public Health, "Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions from Indoor Sources Using Environmental Chambers," Version 1.1, February 2010 (also known as Specification 01350).

3. NSF/ANSI 140 at the Gold level.

4. Scientific Certification Systems Indoor Advantage™ Gold.

Carpet Cushion. All carpet cushion installed in the building interior shall meet the requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute's Green label program.

Carpet Adhesive. All carpet adhesive shall meet the requirements of Table 4.504.1.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Where resilient flooring is installed, at least eighty (80) percent of floor area receiving resilient flooring shall comply.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium density fiberboard composite wood products used on the interior or exterior of the building shall meet the requirements for formaldehyde as specified in ARB's Air Toxics Control measure for Composite Wood (17 CCR 93120 et seq.).

Documentation. Verification of compliance with this section shall be provided as requested by the enforcing agency.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Building materials with visible signs of water damage shall not be installed. Wall and floor framing shall not be enclosed when the framing members exceed nineteen (19) percent moisture content. Moisture content shall be verified in compliance with the following:

Moisture content shall be determined with either a probe-type or contact-type moisture meter. Equivalent moisture verification methods may be approved by the enforcing agency and shall satisfy requirements found in Section 101.8 of this code.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Heating and air-conditioning systems shall be sized, designed and have their equipment selected using the following methods:

1. The heat loss and heat gain is established according to ANSI/ACCA 2 Manual J—2016 (Residential Load calculation), ASHRAE handbooks or other equivalent design software or methods.

2. Duct systems are sized according to ANSI/ACCA 1 Manual D—2016 (Residential Duct Systems), ASHRAE handbooks or other equivalent design software or methods.

3. Select heating and cooling equipment according to ANSI/ACCA 3 Manual S—2014 (Residential Equipment Selection) or other equivalent design software or methods.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

For new buildings 10,000 square feet and over, building commissioning shall be included in the design and construction processes of the building project to verify that the building systems and components meet the owner's or owner representative's project requirements. Commissioning shall be performed in accordance with this section by trained personnel with experience on projects of comparable size and complexity. For I-occupancies that are not regulated by OSHPD or for I-occupancies that are not regulated by OSHPD or for I-occupancies and L-occupancies that are not regulated by the California Energy Code Section 100.0 Scope, all requirements in Section 5.410.2 through 5.410.2.6 shall apply.

Note: For energy-related systems under the scope (Section 100) of the California Energy Code, including heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems and controls, indoor lighting systems and controls, as well as water heating systems and controls, refer to California Energy Code Section 120.8 for commissioning requirements.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Functional performance tests shall demonstrate the correct installation and operation of each component, system and system-to-system interface in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

A systems manual and systems operations training are required, including Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements in California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8, Section 5142, and other related regulations.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Documentation of the operational aspects of the building shall be completed within the systems manual and delivered to the building owner or representative.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

A program from training of the appropriate maintenance staff for each equipment type and/or system shall be developed and documented in the commission report.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Testing and adjusting of systems shall be required for new buildings less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet or new systems to serve and addition or alteration subject to CalGreen Code Section 303.1.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Perform testing and adjusting procedures in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and applicable standards on each system.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

Provide the building owner or representative with detailed operating and maintenance instructions and copies of guaranties/warranties for each system.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

When required by the enforcing agency, the owner or the responsible entity acting as the owner's agent shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspection or other duties necessary to substantiate compliance with this code.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)

The provisions of this chapter outline planning, design and development methods that include environmentally responsible site selection, building design, building siting and development to protect, restore and enhance the environmental quality of the site and respect the integrity of adjacent properties.

The provisions of the California Green Building Standards Code shall apply to the planning, design, operation, construction, use and occupancy of every newly constructed building or structure, unless otherwise indicated in this code, throughout the state of California. It is not the intent that this ordinance substitute or be identified as meeting the certification requirements of the California Green Building Standards Code and due to the fact that Chapter 5, Nonresidential Mandatory Measures are also adopted in the county land use ordinance, is therefore, just reaffirmed here in Division 10.

(Ord. No. 1587, §§ 1, 2, 12-5-23)