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County staff proposes Manual J requirement for HVAC permits; commissioners debate REScheck for older homes
Summary
Building official John Senn told commissioners the county plans to require Manual J calculations for HVAC permits and is working with cities to update ordinances; commissioners debated whether to require REScheck for some residential permits, noting potential cost and enforcement concerns for older manufactured homes.
John Senn, Jefferson County building official, told the board at the Jan. 8 workshop that the county will require Manual J calculations as part of proposed HVAC permitting changes and is coordinating with cities to update ordinances to allow the county to process HVAC permits.
"Manual J will be required," Senn said. He added that the county is working with cities and updating contracts so the county can handle some HVAC permitting if the cities approve ordinance changes.
Commissioners and staff discussed whether to require REScheck (a residential energy-compliance check) for some permits. Brian Lightheart, a building inspector, raised concerns about whether a REScheck requirement would increase costs for homeowners; he and others noted potential difficulty applying the requirement to older manufactured homes or simple shop structures. Kevin Larsen and Jared Arnell emphasized the need for flexibility in enforcement and to avoid making existing homes unlivable; Senn cautioned about government liability but supported allowing some latitude.
No formal motion or vote on adopting REScheck or the precise scope of Manual J exemptions was recorded at the workshop; staff said they will work with cities and return with ordinance language and contract updates for future consideration.
