Building Codes Assistance Project

On April 9, the Vermont Energy Act of 2009 (H.446) was introduced in the Vermont Legislature that would direct the Commissioner of the Department of Public Service to adopt the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 as well as develop a plan to achieve compliance with these codes in 90% of new building space within eight years (as directed by the federal stimulus legislation ARRA, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).

The bill directs the Department of Public Service to complete rulemaking on the adoption of the 2009 IECC for residential buildings (new construction and renovations of more than 500 square feet) and either the 2009 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2007 for commercial buildings by January 1, 2011, effective immediately upon final adoption.

Every three years after that date, the Department of Public Service shall update the residential and commerical codes to incorporate the most recent versions of the IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1, with an effective date within three months of final adoption.

By September 1, 2011, the Commissioner must also issue a plan to achieve 90% compliance by February 1, 2017.  The Commissioner must also establish training and enforcement programs as well as a system to annually measure the compliance rate by June 30, 2012.

STATUS: The House approved the bill 88-44 on April 2, with the Senate passing it 16-10 on May 5.  After concurrence by both chambers on the conference committee report, the enacted bill was sent to Governor Jim Douglas on May 21 and became law (Act No. 0045) without his signature on May 27.

More information on H.446: Bill Home Page | Text (as enacted) | VT Dept. of Public Service

****

BCAP Vermont Code Status Page