DATE: August 11, 2015
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Chris Bridgewater, Director BNS
SUBJECT:
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Consideration of Ordinance 2015-18 to Amend Title 12, Chapter 10 of the Franklin Municipal Code to Amend the International Residential Code, 2012 Edition, Section R408.3 Unvented Crawl Spaces (08/25/15 WS; 9/8/15 BOMA 1st Reading 7-0 ) SECOND AND FINAL READING
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Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide information to the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) concerning amending the requirement in the 2012 International Residential Code to provide an opening that communicates the crawlspace and the living space for closed crawl spaces.
Background
Closed crawl spaces that have a vapor barrier that is tightly sealed at the seams and to the foundation elements greatly reduce moisture, mold, radon, and wood rot issues and Building and Neighborhood Services would like to encourage these installations by allowing the builders a wider range of options in making these systems functional. Many homeowners do not like having an opening in the floor that leads to the crawlspace, usually located in a closet, and tend to close them up. The opening is intended to allow a very small amount of air (about 50 cfm, or half a register’s width) but this amount is neglible. Having an opening also limits the use of spray foam insulation which is a material in wide use for this function and works very well in this location. It is the intent of BNS to allow builders to choose the best option in making these systems functional while the International Code Council improves its regulations.
Financial Impact
No financial impact anticipated.
Recommendation
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Staff recommends approval of the proposed ordinance.