by Osman Parvez
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Considering a scrape-off, remodel, or new construction project in Boulder? There’s a upcoming workshop you should attend for proposed changes to the Green Points program and building codes.

What: Workshop on changes to building codes and green points
When: 2 to 4 pm, October 23, 2007
Where: East Boulder Community Center (5660 Sioux Drive)
Proposed Changes effective: January, 2008

Proposed changes include three mandatory measures:

1. New, tiered energy efficiency thresholds above 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for new construction

2. A home energy audit of the existing structure and the installation of compact fluorescent light (CFLs) bulbs in 50 percent of existing fixtures for remodels and additions.

3. A required percentage of waste diversion for demolition of existing structures and recycling construction waste on new building sites.

The city also wants to adopt by reference and locally amend the following construction codes:

2006 International Building Code (IBC)
2006 International Residential Code (IRC)
2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
2006 International Fire Code (IFC)
2006 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
2006 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
2006 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
2005 National Electrical Code (NEC)

NOTE: Boulder City Council is scheduled to consider adoption of these codes and updates to the Green Points program at their Oct. 16 and Nov. 13 meetings. Public comment on these proposed code options will be accepted at the Nov. 13 council meeting.

The codes proposed for adoption by reference are available for public review at the Planning and Development Services Center, 1739 Broadway, 3rd floor. For more detailed information on the Green Points program updates, visit www.bouldergreenpoints.com.

For additional information, contact city of Boulder Senior Plans Examiner Kirk Moors at (303) 441-3172, the city’s Chief Building Official Neil Poulsen at (303) 441-4189, or Elizabeth Vasatka in the Office of Environmental Affairs at (303) 441-1964 or vasatkae@bouldercolorado.gov.

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