Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Permits Code Requirements topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission discusses reinstating ResCheck and adding soils evaluations to permit requirements; refers item for council input and public hearing
Summary
Planning staff recommended reinstating ResCheck energy compliance checks and adding soils evaluations to the town's permit checklist; commissioners agreed to consult the town council and consider a public hearing before making ordinance changes.
Genola planning staff and commissioners discussed proposed changes to the town's permit requirements to reinstate ResCheck energy compliance submissions and to add soils (geotechnical) evaluations for new construction.
Why it matters: ResCheck (a residential energy code compliance tool) documents window, door, insulation and HVAC efficiency for new construction; soils evaluations can identify foundation risk and help avoid post‑construction settlement problems. Staff said ResCheck had been removed previously after council questions about its purpose; Staley and Associates (building-inspection contractor) recommended returning ResCheck to the ordinance and adding soils evaluations.
Commissioners discussed practical implications: ResCheck typically applies to new building envelopes; remodels may not require full ResCheck submittals. Soils reports impose additional out‑of‑pocket costs for builders/homeowners but can reduce long‑term settlement risk; the commission suggested scheduling a public hearing and consulting the town council to confirm expectations and whether the state code already requires similar submittals.
Next steps: staff will follow up with the town council, consider a public hearing and return with recommended language and guidance on when ResCheck and soils evaluations would be required (new construction versus remodels).
