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Board flags potential permit and enforcement consequences if siding replacements trigger new‑construction rules
Summary
Kimberly warned that replacement exterior wall coverings exceeding two stories and 15% of wall area could force compliance with new‑construction chapters; the board discussed whether to explicitly exempt typical siding work in the local ordinance.
During the IEBC review, Kimberly highlighted a provision that could affect many retrofit projects: when replacement of exterior wall coverings involves two or more contiguous stories and more than 15% of the total wall area on any side, the work must comply with new‑construction exterior wall chapters (chapter 14 and chapter 26 of the IBC). "So possibly we could look at adding, siding as number 15 specifically... then unless it's more than 3 stories... it has to comply with chapter 14 and 26 of the IBC," Kimberly said.
The board discussed enforcement practicalities: Lawrence historically treated siding as exempt (finish work) and did not require permits for typical siding replacement. Several members warned a strict reading could require permits or even upgrades for common residential work. Staff suggested drafting explicit local exemptions or thresholds (for example, limiting triggers to larger or taller buildings) and including that language in the ordinance draft for board consideration.
