Cal. Civ. Code § 110-11-1-.34

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2015 Edition with 2020, 2022, 2022 Additional and 2023 Georgia State Amendments

In Force

Verified 10/27/2026 · Next check 11/3/2026

effective 10/27/2026Georgia Energy & Water Benchmarking

Operative Text

Cal. Civ. Code § 110-11-1-.34

GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD ENERGY
CODE

(INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
WITH GEORGIA STATE SUPPLEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS)

The INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE, 2015
Edition, published by the International Code Council, when used in conjunction
with these Georgia State Supplements, Amendments and any other Georgia State
Amendments, shall constitute the official Georgia State Minimum
Standard Energy Code.

GEORGIA STATE SUPPLEMENTS AND
AMENDMENTS

SCOPE:

Each chapter of these Georgia State Supplements and
Amendments corresponds with a chapter of the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC).

Commercial Provisions
Chapter 1: Scope and Administration Chapter 2: Definitions Chapter 3: General Requirements Chapter 4: Commercial Energy EfficiencyCompliance Pathways for Commercial and High-Rise
Residential Construction: Any of those delineated in this chapter; orCOMcheck1 Chapter 5: Existing Buildings Chapter 6: Referenced StandardsResidential Provisions
Chapter 1: Scope and AdministrationChapter 2: DefinitionsChapter 3: General RequirementsChapter 4: Residential Energy EfficiencyCompliance Pathways for Low-Rise Residential
Construction:Any of those delineated in this chapter; or REScheck1Chapter 5: Existing BuildingsChapter 6: Referenced StandardsAppendices RA, RB, RC and RDThroughout the appendices, there is information that
may be helpful in meeting and understanding the Georgia State Minimum
Standard Energy Code. In cases of conflict, refer to the
IECC for clarification.

REScheck and COMcheck are computer programs
developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratories for the U.S. Department of
Energy (D.O.E.) to assist in demonstration of compliance with the
IECC. They may be obtained free of charge from the D.O.E.
online at www.energycodes.gov. When
following the REScheck compliance pathway, select the 2015 IECC as the code
version. When following the COMcheck compliance pathway, select either IECC
2015 or ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2013.
The 'Mandatory' requirements of the IECC
apply to all compliance methods.

Where these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments conflict
with either the IECC or ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard
90.1, these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments shall take
precedence.

Air infiltration accounts for substantial heat loss,
heat gain and moisture migration in a building. Proper sealing around all
doors, windows and other envelope penetrations through the walls, ceiling and
foundation is as important to code compliance as are proper insulation R-values
and component U-factors.

It is not the intention of this code to abridge safety or
health. Where the IECC and these Georgia State Supplements and
Amendments conflict with other mandatory State Minimum Standard
Codes, the IECC and these Georgia State Supplements
and Amendments shall be enforced as written, provided that safety, health or
environmental requirements of other mandatory State Minimum Standard
Codes are not abridged.

APPENDICES:

Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically
referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community
Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.

This space intentionally left blank

RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Where required by Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code,
R6 Flexible Duct combined with an approved continuous Radiant Barrier as part
of the roof assembly may be substituted for the required R8 Flexible
Duct.

The use of this substitution will be valid until June 30,
2023 at the discretion of the authority having jurisdiction. (Effective
September 1, 2022).

CHAPTER 4

[RE] RESIDENTIAL ENERGY
EFFICIENCY

SECTION R402 BUILDING

THERMAL ENVELOPE

* Revise Table 402.1.2 'Insulation and Fenestration
Requirements by Componenta' header 'Floor R-Value' and add new
footnote 'j' to read as follows:

TABLE R402.1.2

INSULATION AND FENESTRATION
REQUIREMENTS BY COMPONENT3

Climate Zone

Fenestration
U-Factorb

SkylightbU-Factor

Glazed Fenestration
SHGCb,e

Ceiling
R-Value

Wood Frame Wall
R-Value

Attic Kneewall
R-Value1

Mass Wall
R-Value

Floor
R-Valuej

WallcR-Value

SlabdR-Value & Depth

Crawlc
Space Wall R-Value

0. 35

0.65

0.27

4/6

0.35

0.55

0.27

8/13

5/13f

5/13

4 except marine

0.35

0.55

0.27

8/13

10/13

j: Cantilevered floors over outside air shall be R-30 and the
band area above the supporting wall shall be blocked; penetrations of blocking
shall be air sealed.

(Effective January 1, 2023)

* Revise Table 402.1.4 'Equivalent
U-Factorsa' header 'Floor
U-Value' and add new footnote 'd' to read as follows:

TABLE R402.1.4

EQUIVALENT
U-FACTORSa

Climate Zone

Fenestration
U-Factor

Skylight
U-Factor

Ceiling
U-Factor

Frame Wall
U-Factor

Mass Wall
U-Factorb

Floor U
-Factord

Basement Wall
U-Factor

Crawl Space Wall
U-Factor

0.35

0.65

0.030

0.084

0.165

0.064

0.360

0.477

0.35

0.55

0.030

0.084

0.098

0.047

0.091c

0.136

4 except marine

0.35

0.55

0.030

0.084

0.098

0.047

0.059

0.065

d: Cantilevered floors over outside air shall be U-0.035 and
the band area above the supporting wall shall be blocked; penetrations of
blocking shall be air sealed.

(Effective January 1, 2023)

* Revise Underfloor Insulation in Appendix RA Georgia
Insulation Installation - Passing Grade Details (p.45) to read
as follows:

Underfloor insulation that makes up portions of
the building thermal envelope shall be installed to Passing Grade
quality.

Two criteria affect installed insulation grading:
voids/ gaps (in which no insulation is present in a portion of the
overall insulated surface) and compression/incomplete fill (in
which the insulation does not fully fill out or extend to the desired depth).
Cantilevered floors over outside air shall be R-30 and the band area above the
supporting wall shall be blocked; penetrations of blocking shall be air
sealed.

(Effective January 1, 2023)

GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD ENERGY
CODE

(INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
WITH GEORGIA STATE SUPPLEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS)

GEORGIA STATE SUPPLEMENTS AND
AMENDMENTS

SCOPE:

Each chapter of these Georgia State Supplements and
Amendments corresponds with a chapter of the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC).

Commercial Provisions
Chapter 1: Scope and AdministrationChapter 2: DefinitionsChapter 3: General RequirementsChapter 4: Commercial Energy EfficiencyCompliance Pathways for Commercial and High-Rise
Residential Construction:Any of those delineated in this chapter; orCOMcheck1Chapter 5: Existing BuildingsChapter 6: Referenced StandardsResidential Provisions
Chapter 1: Scope and AdministrationChapter 2: DefinitionsChapter 3: General RequirementsChapter 4: Residential Energy EfficiencyCompliance Pathways for Low-Rise Residential
Construction: Any of those delineated in this chapter; orREScheck1Chapter 5: Existing BuildingsChapter 6: Referenced StandardsAppendices RA, RB, RC and RDThroughout the appendices, there is information that
may be helpful in meeting and understanding the Georgia State Minimum
Standard Energy Code. In cases of conflict, refer to the
IECC for clarification.

Where these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments conflict
with either the IECC or ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard
90.1, these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments shall take
precedence.

APPENDICES:

Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically
referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community
Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.

This space intentionally left blank

RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS

* Add a new section "Important Note" beneath the "Residential
Provisions" heading in the Georgia State Supplements and Amendments to the
International Energy Conservation Code (2015 Edition) as follows:

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The use of this substitution will be valid until June 30,
2023 at the discretion of the authority having jurisdiction. (Effective
September 1, 2022).

GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD ENERGY
CODE

(INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
WITH GEORGIA STATE SUPPLEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS)

GEORGIA STATE SUPPLEMENTS AND
AMENDMENTS

SCOPE:

Each chapter of these Georgia State Supplements and
Amendments corresponds with a chapter of the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC).

Commercial Provisions
Chapter 1: Scope and AdministrationChapter 2: DefinitionsChapter 3: General RequirementsChapter 4: Commercial Energy EfficiencyCompliance Pathways for Commercial and High-Rise
Residential Construction:Any of those delineated in this chapter; orCOMcheck1Chapter 5: Existing BuildingsChapter 6: Referenced StandardsResidential Provisions
Chapter 1: Scope and AdministrationChapter 2: DefinitionsChapter 3: General RequirementsChapter 4: Residential Energy EfficiencyCompliance Pathways for Low-Rise Residential
Construction:Any of those delineated in this chapter; orREScheck1Chapter 5: Existing BuildingsChapter 6: Referenced StandardsAppendices RA, RB, RC and RDThroughout the appendices, there is information that
may be helpful in meeting and understanding the Georgia State Minimum
Standard Energy Code. In cases of conflict, refer to the
IECC for clarification.

Where these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments conflict
with either the IECC or ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard
90.1, these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments shall take
precedence.

APPENDICES:

Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically
referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community
Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.

This space intentionally left blank

RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 4 [RE] RESIDENTIAL ENERGY
EFFICIENCY

SECTION R402 BUILDING THERMAL
ENVELOPE

*Add new Section R402.1.2.1 'Indirectly conditioned attics'
to read as follows:

R402.1.2.1

(N1102.1.2.1) Indirectly conditioned attics. Where table N1102.1.2
(R402.1.2) requires R-38 or Table N1102.1.4 (R402.1.4) requires a U-factor of
0.030, an air impermeable insulation installed to the underside or directly
above the roof deck with a U-factor of 0.05 or R-value of R-20 shall be deemed
equivalent to the provisions in N1102.2.1 (R402.2.1), with the following
requirements:

The house shall attain a
blower door test result 3 ACH50

The house shall require a whole house mechanical ventilation system that does
not solely rely on a negative pressure strategy (must be positive, balanced or
hybrid)

Where insulation is
installed below the roof deck and the exposed portion of roof rafters are not
already covered by the R-20 depth of the air-impermeable insulation, the
exposed portion of the roof rafters shall be wrapped (covered) by minimum R-3
unless directly covered by drywall / finished ceiling. Roof rafters are not
required to be covered by minimum R-3 if a continuous insulation is installed
above the roof deck.

Indoor
heating, cooling and ventilation equipment (including ductwork) shall be inside
the building thermal envelope.
(Effective January 1, 2022)

*Add new Section R402.2.9.1 'Rim joist insulation' to read as
follows:

R402.2.9.1

Rim joist insulation.
Insulation provided at the interior rim joist area shall be removable to allow
access for pest control inspections.
(Effective January 1, 2022)

*Add new Section R402.2.11.1 'Crawl space walls part 2' to
read as follows:

R402.2.11.1

Crawl space walls part 2. Insulation provided at the interior rim
joist area shall be removable to allow access for pest control inspections.
(Effective January 1, 2022)

GEORGIA STATE MINIMUM STANDARD ENERGY
CODE

(INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
WITH GEORGIA STATE SUPPLEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS)

The INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE, 2015
Edition, published by the International Code Council, when used in conjunction
with these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments and any other Georgia State
Amendments, shall constitute the official Georgia State Minimum
Standard Energy Code.

GEORGIA STATE SUPPLEMENTS AND
AMENDMENTS

SCOPE:

Each chapter of these Georgia State Supplements and
Amendments corresponds with a chapter of the International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC).

Commercial Provisions
Chapter 1: Scope and Administration Chapter 2: Definitions Chapter 3: General Requirements Chapter 4: Commercial Energy Efficiency Compliance Pathways for Commercial and High-Rise
Residential Construction: Any of those delineated in this chapter; orCOMcheck1 Chapter 5: Existing Buildings Chapter 6: Referenced StandardsResidential Provisions
Chapter 1: Scope and Administration Chapter 2: Definitions Chapter 3: General Requirements Chapter 4: Residential Energy Efficiency Compliance Pathways for Low-Rise Residential
Construction: Any of those delineated in this chapter; orREScheck1 Chapter 5: Existing Buildings Chapter 6: Referenced Standards Appendices RA, RB, RC and RD Throughout the appendices, there is information that
may be helpful in meeting and understanding the Georgia State Minimum
Standard Energy Code. In cases of conflict, refer to the
IECC for clarification.

REScheck and
COMcheck are computer programs developed by Pacific Northwest
National Laboratories for the U.S. Department of Energy (D.O.E.) to assist in
demonstration of compliance with the IECC. They may be
obtained free of charge from the D.O.E. online at
www.energycodes.gov. When following
the REScheck compliance pathway, select the 2015 IECC as the code version. When
following the COMcheck compliance pathway, select either IECC 2015 or
ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2013.
The 'Mandatory' requirements of the IECC
apply to all compliance methods.

Where these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments conflict
with either the IECC or ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard
90.1, these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments shall take
precedence.

APPENDICES:

Appendices are not enforceable unless they are specifically
referenced in the body of the code or adopted by the Department of Community
Affairs or the authority having jurisdiction.

This space intentionally left blank.

COMMERCIAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1 [CE]

SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

SECTION C101

SCOPE AND GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS

*Delete Section C101.1 'Title' without substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add new Section C101.6 'Requirements for high-efficiency
cooling towers' to read as follows:

C101.6

Requirements for high-efficiency
cooling towers. Cooling towers installed in new construction shall be in
compliance with ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 Standard.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION C104

INSPECTIONS

*Delete SECTION C104 'INSPECTIONS' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION C107

FEES

*Delete SECTION C107 'FEES' without substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION C108

STOP WORK ORDER

*Delete SECTION C108 'STOP WORK ORDER' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION C109

BOARD OF APPEALS

*Delete SECTION C109 'BOARD OF APPEALS' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 2 [CE]

DEFINITIONS

SECTION C202

GENERAL DEFINITIONS

*Revise the definition for 'COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP)
- COOLING', to read as follows:

COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP) - COOLING. The
ratio of the rate of heat removal to the rate of energy input, in consistent
units, for a complete refrigerating system or some specific portion of that
system under designated operating conditions.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete definition of 'CONDITIONED SPACE' and substitute the
following:

SPACE. An enclosed space within a building. The
classifications of spaces are as follows for the purpose of determining
building envelope requirements:

(a)

Conditioned space: a cooled space, heated space, or indirectly
conditioned space is defined as follows:

(1)

Cooled space: an enclosed space within a building that is cooled
by a cooling system whose sensible output capacity exceeds 5
Btu/h·ft2 of floor area.

(2)

Heated space: an enclosed
space within a building that is heated by a heating system whose output
capacity relative to the floor area is greater than or equal to 5
Btu/h·ft2.

(3)

Indirectly conditioned
space: an enclosed space within a building that is not a heated space or
a cooled space, containing un-insulated ducts, or containing the heating
equipment or which is heated or cooled indirectly by being connected to
adjacent space(s), provided that air from heated or cooled spaces is
transferred (naturally or mechanically) into the space. Unvented Attic
Assemblies meeting the requirements of the IRC are an approved indirectly
conditioned space.

(b)

Semi-heated space: an enclosed space within a building that is
heated by a heating system whose output capacity is greater than or equal to
3.4 Btu/Lft2 of floor area but is not a conditioned
space.

(c)

Unconditioned
space: an enclosed space within a building that is not a conditioned
space or a semi-heated space. Crawl spaces, attics, and parking garages with
natural or mechanical ventilation are not considered enclosed spaces.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add definition of 'COOLING TOWER' to read as follows:

COOLING TOWER. A building heat removal device
used to transfer process waste heat to the atmosphere.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

* Delete definition of 'ON-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY', and
substitute the following:

ON-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY. Energy systems that
are located on the building site, are installed on the building's side of the
utility service provider's meter, produce energy primarily intended for use in
the building and not solely for export to utilities, and produce energy derived
from any of the following sources: solar radiation, wind, waves, tides, biogas,
biomass or the internal heat of the earth. Energy systems that derive energy
from solar radiation shall be modeled in the orientation of the energy
system.

The following description only pertains to energy systems
that derive energy from solar radiation and are owned by a third-party. The
Georgia Solar Power Free-Market Financing Act of 2015 (commonly referred to as
"HB 57") allows a customer to purchase solar electricity generated by a solar
system owned by a third-party so long as certain criteria are met. Two key
criteria are that the law only authorizes solar systems that generate
electricity fueled by sunlight and that the solar system must be installed on
property owned or occupied by the entity purchasing the system's electricity.
The definition of "property" extends to all adjacent contiguous tracts of land
utilized by the entity purchasing the solar system's electricity. "Building
Site" in C202 is defined as a contiguous area of land that is under the
ownership or control of one entity. While this definition of "building site" is
similar to HB 57's definition of "property," the key difference is that HB 57
focuses on the entity purchasing the solar system's electricity. When modeling
a solar system that is owned by a third-party, it is best to refer to HB 57 to
determine whether all criteria have been met.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

This space intentionally left blank.

CHAPTER 4 [CE] COMMERCIAL

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

SECTION C402

BUILDING ENVELOPE
REQUIREMENTS

*Revise Table C402.1.3 'Opaque Thermal Envelope Insulation
Component Minimum Requirements, R-Value
Methoda' Climate Zone 4 except
Marine, for unheated slabs to read as follows:

TABLE C402.1.3

OPAQUE THERMAL ENVELOPE
INSULATION COMPONENT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS, R-VALUE
METHODa

Climate Zone

4 EXCEPT MARINE

(remainder of table left unchanged)

All other

Group R

Slab-on-grade floors

Unheated slabs

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION C403

BUILDING MECHANICAL
SYSTEMS

*Delete Section C403.2.3 'HVAC equipment performance
requirements' and substitute to read as follows:

C403.2.3

HVAC equipment performance
requirements. Equipment shall meet the minimum efficiency requirements
of Tables 6.8.1-1, 6.8.1-2, 6.8.1-3, 6.8.1-4, 6.8.1-5, 6.8.1-6, 6.8.1-7,
6.8.1-9, 6.8.1-10, 6.8.1-11, 6.8.1-12, and 6.8.1-13 of ASHRAE Standard 90.1
when tested and rated in accordance with the applicable test procedure.
Plate-type liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers shall meet the minimum requirements
of Table 6.8.1-8 of ASHRAE Standard 90.1. The efficiency shall be verified
through certification under an approved certification program
or, where a certification program does not exist, the equipment efficiency
ratings shall be supported by data furnished by the manufacturer. Where
multiple rating conditions or performance requirements are provided, the
equipment shall satisfy all stated requirements. Where components, such as
indoor or outdoor coils, from different manufacturers are used, calculations
and supporting data shall be furnished by the designer that demonstrates that
the combined efficiency of the specified components meets the requirements
herein.
The above referenced tables of ASHRAE 90.1, HVAC equipment
performance tables are available to download for free from DCA's webpage
located at: https://dca.ga.gov/node/3522/documents/2085
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section C403.2.8 'Kitchen Exhaust Systems' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Table C403.2.8 'MAXIMUM NET EXHAUST FLOW RATE, CFM
PER LINEAR FOOT OF HOOD LENGTH' without substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section C403.2.9 'Duct and plenum insulation and
sealing' and substitute to read as follows:

C403.2.9

Duct and plenum insulation and
sealing. Supply and return air ducts and plenums shall be insulated with
a minimum of R-6 insulation where located in unconditioned spaces and where
located outside the building with a minimum of R-8 insulation in
Climate Zones 2 through 4. Where located within a building
envelope assembly, the duct or plenum shall be separated from the building
exterior or unconditioned or exempt spaces by a minimum of R-8 insulation in
Climate Zones 2 through 4.
Exceptions:

Where located within equipment.

Where the design temperature difference
between the interior and exterior of the duct or plenum is not greater than
15°F (8°C).
Ducts, air handlers and filter boxes shall be sealed. Joints
and seams shall comply with section C403.2.9.2 of these Georgia State
Supplements and Amendments.

Exceptions:

Air-impermeable spray foam product shall
be permitted to be applied without additional joint seals.

For ducts having a static pressure
classification of less than 2 inches of water column (500 Pa), additional
closure systems shall not be required for continuously welded joints and seams,
and locking-type joints and seams of other than the snap-lock and button-lock
types.

Where a duct connection
is made that is partially inaccessible, three screws or rivets shall be equally
spaced on the exposed portion of the joint so as to prevent a hinge
effect.

Sealing that would void
product listings is not required. (Effective January 1, 2020)
*Add new Section C403.2.9.2 'Joints, Seams and Connections'
to read as follows:

C403.2.9.2

Joints, Seams and
Connections. All longitudinal and transverse joints, seams and
connections in metallic and nonmetallic ducts shall be constructed as specified
in SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and
Flexible and NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards.
All joints, longitudinal and transverse seams, and connections in ductwork
shall be securely fastened and sealed with welds, gaskets, mastics (adhesives),
masticplus-embedded-fabric systems or tapes. Without exception all closure
systems shall have mastic applied that is at least 0.08 inches (2 mm) thick.
Closure systems used to seal flexible air ducts and flexible
air connections shall comply with UL 181B and shall be marked "181B-FX" for
pressure-sensitive tape or "181B-M" for mastic. Duct connections to flanges of
air distribution systems equipment shall be sealed and mechanically fastened.
Mechanical fasteners for use with flexible non-metallic air ducts shall comply
with UL 181B and shall be marked 181B-C. Crimp joints for round metallic ducts
shall have a contact lap of not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) and shall be
mechanically fastened by means of not less than three sheet-metal screws or
rivets equally spaced around the joint.

Closure systems used to seal metal ductwork shall be
installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Round metallic ducts
shall be mechanically fastened by means of at least three sheet metal screws or
rivets spaced equally around the joint. Unlisted duct tape shall not be
permitted as a sealant on any duct.

Exceptions:

Spray polyurethane foam shall be permitted
to be applied without additional joint seals.

Where a duct connection is made that is
partially inaccessible, three screws or rivets shall be equally spaced on the
exposed portion of the joint so as to prevent a hinge effect.

Continuously welded and locking-type
longitudinal joints and seams in ducts operating at static pressure less than 2
inches (51 mm) of water column (500 Pa) pressure classification shall not
require additional closure systems.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section C403.3 'Economizers (Prescriptive)' to read
as follows:

C403.3

Economizers
(Prescriptive).Revise Section C403.3, Economizers (Prescriptive), to delete
the last sentence of exception 2 and add exception number 10, Computer Room
Applications, at the end.

10.

Computer
Room Applications.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section C403.4.2.6 'Pump isolation' to add a new
sentence at the end to read as follows:

C403.4.2.6

Pump isolation.
Chilled water plants including more than one chiller shall have the capability
to reduce flow automatically through the chiller plant when a chiller is shut
down. Chillers piped in series for the purpose of increased temperature
differential shall be considered as one chiller.
Boiler plants including more than one boiler shall have the
capability to reduce flow automatically through the boiler plant when a boiler
is shut down. Flow isolation shall allow time for adequate thermal dissipation
of residual heat to prevent relief before isolating boiler(s).

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION C407

TOTAL BUILDING PERFORMANCE

*Delete Section C407.3 'Performance-based compliance' and
substitute to read as follows:

C407.3

Performance-based
compliance. Compliance based on total building performance requires that
a proposed building (proposed design) be shown to have an
annual energy cost that is less than or equal to the annual energy cost of the
standard re ference design. Energy prices shall be taken from
a source approved by the code official, such
as the Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration's State
Energy Price and Expenditure Report. Code officials shall be permitted
to require time-of-use pricing in energy cost calculations.
The reduction in annual energy cost of the proposed
design associated with on-site renewable energy shall
be not more than 5% of the total annual energy cost. The amount of renewable
energy purchased from off-site sources shall be the same in the
standard reference design and the proposed
design.

Exception: Jurisdictions that require site
energy (1 kWh = 3413 Btu) rather than energy cost as the metric of
comparison.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section C407.4.2 'Additional documentation' to add a
new item 6 to read as follows:

C407.4.2

Additional
documentation.

Documentation of the
reduction in annual energy use associated with on-site renewable energy.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION C408

SYSTEM COMMISSIONING

*Revise Section C408 'System Commissioning' to read as
follows:

Strike the words "commission" and "commissioning" wherever
they appear and replace with "functional performance testing" throughout the
entire Section C408 SYSTEM COMMISSIONING as required.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section C408.2.4.1 'Acceptance of report' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 6 [CE]

REFERENCED STANDARDS

*Revise Chapter 6 'Referenced Standards' to add the following
new Standards to read as follows:

UL LLC

333 Pfingsten Road

Northbrook, IL 60062-2096

Standard reference number

Title

Referenced in code section number

181-2013

Factory-made Air Ducts and Air Connectors-with
Revisions through May 2003
........................................................

C403.2.9.2

181A-2013

Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts and Air
Connectors-with Revisions through December 1998................

C403.2.9.2

181B-2013

Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and
Air Connectors-with Revisions through August
2003.................

C403.2.9.2

(Standards not listed to remain unchanged)

This space intentionally left blank.

RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1 [RE]

SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

SECTION R101

SCOPE AND GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS

*Delete Section R101.1 'Title' without substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION R103

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

*Delete SECTION R103 'CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION R104

INSPECTIONS

*Delete SECTION R104 'INSPECTIONS' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION R107

FEES

*Delete SECTION R107 'FEES' without substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION R108

STOP WORK ORDER

*Delete SECTION R108 'STOP WORK ORDER' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION R109

BOARD OF APPEALS

*Delete SECTION R109 'BOARD OF APPEALS' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 2 [RE]

DEFINITIONS

*Add definition of 'ATTIC KNEEWALL' to read as
follows:

ATTIC KNEEWALL. Any vertical or near-vertical
wall in the building envelope that has conditioned space on one side and
unconditioned attic space on the other side. If the envelope features the
insulation installed along the sloped ceiling, the vertical wall is considered
an interior wall and thus does not require insulation.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add new definition of 'CERTIFIED DUCT AND ENVELOPE TIGHTNESS
(DET) VERIFIER' to read as follows:

CERTIFIED DUCT AND ENVELOPE TIGHTNESS (DET)
VERIFIER. A certified DET verifier shall be a certified Home Energy
Rating Systems (HERS) rater, or be a Building Performance Institute (BPI)
Analyst, or be an Infiltration Duct Leakage (IDL) Certified, or successfully
complete a certified DET verifier course that is approved by the Georgia
Department of Community Affairs.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete definition of 'CONDITIONED SPACE' and substitute to
read as follows:

SPACE. An enclosed space within a building. The
classifications of spaces are as follows for the purpose of determining
building envelope requirements:

(a)

Conditioned space: a cooled space, heated space, or indirectly
conditioned space is defined as follows:

(1)

Cooled space: an enclosed space within a building that is cooled
by a cooling system whose sensible output capacity exceeds 5
Btu/h·ft2 of floor area.

(2)

Heated space: an enclosed
space within a building that is heated by a heating system whose output
capacity relative to the floor area is greater than or equal to 5
Btu/h·ft2.

(3)

(b)

Semi-heated space: an enclosed space within a building that is
heated by a heating system whose output capacity is greater than or equal to
3.4 Btu/h·ft2 of floor area but is not a conditioned
space.

(c)

* Add definition of 'ON-SITE RENEWABLE ENERGY' to read as
follows:

The following description only pertains to energy systems
that derive energy from solar radiation and are owned by a third-party. The
Georgia Solar Power Free-Market Financing Act of 2015 (commonly referred to as
"HB 57") allows a customer to purchase solar electricity generated by a solar
system owned by a third-party so long as certain criteria are met. Two key
criteria are that the law only authorizes solar systems that generate
electricity fueled by sunlight and that the solar system must be installed on
property owned or occupied by the entity purchasing the system's electricity.
The definition of "property" extends to all adjacent contiguous tracts of land
utilized by the entity purchasing the solar system's electricity. "Building
Site" in R202 is defined as a contiguous area of land that is under the
ownership or control of one entity. While this definition of "building site" is
similar to HB 57's definition of "property," the key difference is that HB 57
focuses on the entity purchasing the solar system's electricity. When modeling
a solar system that is owned by a third-party, it is best to refer to HB 57 to
determine whether all criteria have been met.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 4 [RE] RESIDENTIAL

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

SECTION R401

GENERAL

*Revise Section R401.2 'Compliance' to read as
follows:

R401.2

Compliance. Projects
shall comply with all provisions of Chapter 4 labeled "Mandatory" and one of
the following:

Sections R401 through
R404.

Section R405.

Section R406.

The most recent version of REScheck, keyed
to the 2015 IECC.
*Revise Section R401.3 'Certificate (Mandatory)' by revising
first sentence and adding at end as follows:

R401.3

Certificate (Mandatory).
A permanent certificate shall be completed by the builder or registered design
professional and posted on or near the electrical distribution panel or air
handler. Where located on ...
(Middle of section left unchanged) ... water heating
equipment. Refer to Appendix RD for the Mandatory Compliance Certificate that
shall be used. (Remainder of section left unchanged)

(Effective January 1, 2020)

The above referenced form, Mandatory Compliance Certificate
is available to download for free from DCA's webpage located at:
https://dca.ga.gov/node/3522/documents/2090

SECTION R402

BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE

*Revise Table R402.1.2 'Insulation and Fenestration
Requirements by Componenta' as follows:

TABLE R402.1.2

INSULATION AND FENESTRATION
REQUIREMENTS BY COMPONENT3

Climate Zone

Fenestration
U-Factorb

Skylight
U-Factorb

Glazed Fenestration
SHGCb,e

Ceiling
R-Value

Wood Frame Wall
R-Value

Attic Kneewall
R-Valuei

Mass Wall
R-Value

Floor
R-Value

Basementc
Wall R-Value

SlabdR-Value & Depth

Crawl
Spacec Wall R-Value

0. 35

0.65

0.27

4/6

0.35

0.55

0.27

8/13

5/13f

5/13

4 except marine

0.35

0.55

0.27

8/13

10/13

(Remainder of footnotes left unchanged) (Effective January 1,
2020)

*Revise Table R402.1.4 'Equivalent
U-Factorsa' as follows:

TABLE R402.1.4

EQUIVALENT
U-FACTORS3

Climate Zone

Fenestration
U-Factor

Skylight
U-Factor

Ceiling
U-Factor

Frame Wall
U-Factor

Mass Wall
U-Factorb

Floor
U-Factor

Basement Wall
U-Factor

Crawl Space Wall
U-Factor

0.35

0.65

0.030

0.084

0.165

0.064

0.360

0.477

0.35

0.55

0.030

0.084

0.098

0.047

0.091c

0.136

4 except marine

0.35

0.55

0.030

0.084

0.098

0.047

0.059

0.065

Table footnote left unchanged

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add a new Section R402.1.6 'Compliance Alternative
Constraints (Mandatory)' to read as follows:

R402.1.6

Compliance Alternative
Constraints (Mandatory). Where Compliance Alternative Pathways are used,
the minimum R-values, maximum U-factors, and maximum SHGCs for thermal envelope
components in projects complying under this code (including the use of
REScheck) shall be according to Table 402.1.6. Compliance Alternative Pathways
include Total UA Alternative, Simulated Performance Alternative, and Energy
Rating Index Alternative.
*Add a new Table R402.1.6, 'Minimum Insulation
R-Values for Envelope Components When Trade-offs Are Used' to
read as follows:

Table R402.1.6

MINIMUM INSULATION
R-VALUES FOR ENVELOPE COMPONENTS WHEN TRADE-OFFS ARE
USED

Climate Zone

Wooda
Framed Walls

Massaa, b
Wall

Attic a, c
Kneewall

Basementa
Wall

Crawla
Wall

Floor Over Unheated
Spaces

Ceilings with Attic
Space

Vaulted c,
d Unvented Attic Roofline Air-impermeable

Vaulted c,
d Unvented Attic Roofline Air-permeable

Cathedralized c,
d Vented Ceiling Roofline Air-permeable

20+5*

20+15*

Window U -Factor 0.5 max with SHGC
0.30 max

* Air -impermeable as per IRC 806.5

a: Weather-stripped hinged vertical doors (minimum
R-5 insulation or maximum U-0.20), weather-stripped hatches/scuttle hole covers
(minimum R-19 insulation or maximum U-0.05), or weather-stripped and
disappearing/ pull-down stairs (minimum R-5 insulation or maximum U-0.20) shall
be deemed to meet the minimum insulation R-values of the
corresponding envelope element.

b: Any mass wall (masonry, CMU, etc.)

c: Attic kneewall for the purpose of this code is
defined as any vertical or near vertical wall in the building envelope that has
conditioned space on one side and attic space on the other side.

Exception: When the building roofline is insulated,
the former kneewall is classified as an interior wall.

d: Examples of air-impermeable insulation include
spray foam and rigid foam board. Examples of air-permeable insulation include
fiberglass batts and cellulose. See 'Roofline Installed Insulation Options' in
Appendix RA, of these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments for
details.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section R402.2.1 'Ceilings with attic spaces' to read
as follows:

R402.2.1

Ceilings with attic spaces. Where Section R402.1.2 would require
R-38 insulation in the ceiling, installing R-30 over 100 percent of the ceiling
area requiring insulation shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for R-38
wherever the full height of uncompressed R-30 insulation extends completely
over the wall top plate at the eaves. This reduction shall not apply to the
U-factor alternative approach in Section R402.1.4 and the total UA alternative
in Section R402.1.5.
For HVAC attic platforms used for locating and servicing
equipment, R-19 (maximum U-Factor 0.047) shall be deemed to
meet the requirements of R-38 (maximum U-Factor 0.027) in the
ceiling. R-19 is deemed acceptable for up to 32 square feet of attic decking
per HVAC system. R-19 shall be deemed acceptable for a maximum 32 inch wide
passage to the HVAC system as referenced under M1305.1.2 of the International
Residential Code.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section R402.2.3 'Eave baffle' and substitute to read
as follows:

R402.2.3

Eave baffle. For air permeable insulation in vented attics,
baffles shall be installed adjacent to soffit and eave vents. A minimum of a
1-inch of space shall be provided between the insulation and the roof sheathing
and at the location of the vent. The baffle shall extend over the top of the
insulation inward until it is at least 4 inches vertically above the top of the
insulation. Any solid material such as cardboard or thin insulating sheathing
shall be permissible as the baffle. (See Appendix RA for further
clarification.)
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section R402.2.4 'Access hatches and doors' and
substitute to read as follows:

R402.2.4

Access hatches and
doors. Access doors from conditioned spaces to unconditioned spaces
(e.g. attics, unconditioned basements and crawl spaces) shall be
weather-stripped and insulated in accordance with the following insulation
values:

Hinged vertical doors shall have a
maximum U-Factor of U-0.20 (R-5 minimum);

Hatches/scuttle hole covers shall have a
maximum U-Factor of U-0.05 (R-19 minimum); and

Pull down stairs shall have a maximum
U-Factor of U-0.20 with a minimum of 75 percent of the panel
area having (R-5 minimum) insulation.
Access shall be provided to all equipment which prevents
damaging or compressing the insulation. A wood framed or equivalent baffle or
retainer is required to be provided when loose fill insulation is installed,
the purpose of which is to prevent the loose fill insulation from spilling into
the living space when the attic access is opened, and to provide a permanent
means of maintaining the installed R-value of the loose fill
insulation.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section R402.2.11 'Crawl space walls' and substitute
to read as follows:

R402.2.11

Crawl space walls. As
an alternative to insulating floors over crawl spaces, crawl space walls shall
be permitted to be insulated when the crawl space is not vented to the outside.
Crawl space wall insulation shall be permanently fastened to the wall and
extend downward from the floor to within 9 inches (229 mm) of the finished
interior grade adjacent to the foundation wall. A 3-inch (76 mm)
inspection/view strip immediately below the floor joists shall be provided to
permit inspections for termites. Exposed earth in unvented crawl space
foundations shall be covered with a continuous Class 1 vapor retarder in
accordance with the International Building Code. All joints of
the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (152 mm) and be sealed or taped.
The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend at least 6 inches (152 mm) up the
stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the stem wall.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section R402.3.4 'Opaque door exemption' to read as
follows:

R402.3.4

Opaque door exemption. One side-hinged opaque door assembly up to
24 square feet (2.22 m2) in area is exempted from
the U-factor requirement in Section R402.1.4. This exemption
shall not apply to Attic Access Doors or the U-factor
alternative approach in Section R402.1.4 and the total UA alternative in
Section R402.1.5.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise R402.4.1.1 'Installation' to read as follows:

R402.4.1.1

Installation. The
components of the building thermal envelope shall be installed in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions and the criteria listed on page 1 of
Appendix RA of the 2020 Georgia State Supplements and Amendments, as applicable
to the method of construction. Where required by the code
official, an approved third party shall inspect all
components and verify compliance. See Appendix RA 'AIR BARRIER AND INSULATION
INSTALLATION COMPONENT GUIDE' of these Georgia State Supplements and Amendments
for a graphical representation of the items listed above.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section R402.4.1.2 'Testing' to read as
follows:

R402.4.1.2

Testing. All one and two-family dwelling units shall be tested and
verified to less than five air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50) for
Climate Zones 2, 3, and 4. Testing shall be conducted in accordance with ASTM E
779 or ASTM E 1827 or ANSI/RESNET/ICC 380 and reported at a pressure of 0.2
inch w.g. (50 Pascals). A written report of the results of the test shall be
signed by the party conducting the test and provided to the code
official. Testing shall be performed at any time after creation of all
penetrations of the building thermal envelope. Testing shall
be conducted by a certified duct and envelope tightness (DET)
verifier.
(Remainder of section left unchanged)

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add a new Section R402.4.1.3 'Low-rise R-2 multifamily
testing' to read as follows:

R402.4.1.3

Low-rise R-2 multifamily
testing. Low-rise R-2 multifamily dwellings shall be tested to less than
7 air changes per hour at 50 Pascals (ACH50).
As an alternative to ACH50, compliance for Low-rise R-2
dwellings may be attained by achieving an Envelope Leakage Ratio at 50 Pascals
(ELR50) of less than 0.35 (ELR50 0.35, where ELR50 = CFM50 / Envelope Shell
Area, in square feet).

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add a new Section R402.4.1.3.1 'Low-rise multifamily testing
protocol (Optional)' to read as follows:

R402.4.1.3.1

Low-rise multifamily
testing protocol (Optional). Where a residential building is classified
as R-2, envelope testing may (optionally) employ either one or both of the
following testing protocols:

Utilize
multiple fans in adjacent units (commonly referred to as Guarded Blower Door
testing) to minimize effect of leakage to adjacent units (not
required).

Envelope testing of
less than 100 percent shall be acceptable assuming a maximum sampling protocol
of 1 in 4 units per floor (if sampled unit passes, the remaining up to three
units are deemed to comply; if sampled unit fails, it must be sealed and
retested and the remaining up to three units shall also be tested).
(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION R403

SYSTEMS

*Revise Section R403.1.2 'Heat pump supplementary heat
(Mandatory)' to add a new sentence at the end to read as follows:

R403.1.2

Heat pump supplementary heat
(Mandatory). Heat pumps having supplementary electric-resistance heat
shall have controls that, except during defrost, prevent supplemental heat
operation when the heat pump compressor can meet the heating load. Except in
emergency heating mode, the supplementary electric-resistance heat in heat pump
systems installed in new construction may not energize unless the outdoor
temperature is below 40o F
(4oC).
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add new Section R403.1.2.3 'Primary heat source' to read as
follows:

R403.1.2.3

Primary heat source. For new dwelling unit central HVAC systems,
or replacement HVAC systems installed in dwelling units that were originally
permitted after January 1, 1996, electric-resistance heat shall not be used as
the primary heat source. Primary heat source is defined as the heat source for
the original dwelling unit system.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section R403.3.2 'Sealing (Mandatory)' to read as
follows:

R403.3.2

Sealing (Mandatory). Ducts, air handlers and filter boxes shall be
sealed. Joints and seams shall comply with Section R403.3.6 of these Georgia
State Supplements and Amendments.
Exceptions:

Air-impermeable spray foam product shall
be permitted to be applied without additional joint seals.

Where a duct connection
is made that is partially inaccessible, three screws or rivets shall be equally
spaced on the exposed portion of the joint so as to prevent a hinge
effect.

Sealing that would void
product listings is not required.
*Revise Section R403.3.3 'Duct testing (Mandatory)' to read
as follows:

R403.3.3

Duct testing
(Mandatory). Ducts shall be pressure tested to determine air leakage by
one of the following methods:

Rough-in
test: Total leakage shall be measured with a pressure differential of 0.1 inch
w.g. (25 Pa) across the system, including the manufacturer's air handler
enclosure. All registers shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the
test.

Post-construction test:
Total leakage shall be measured with a pressure differential of 0.1 inch w.g.
(25 Pa) across the entire system, including the manufacturer's air handler
enclosure. Registers shall be taped or otherwise sealed during the test.

Exceptions:

A duct air leakage test shall not be
required where the ducts and air handlers are located entirely within the
building thermal envelope.

Duct
tightness testing is not required for existing duct systems unless more than
50% of the duct system is modified.

If the air handler, furnace or evaporator
coil is replaced on an existing system, all joints, seams and connections from
equipment to duct system and duct system connections to plenums within 5 feet
from the new work shall meet the sealing requirements of this code and be
verified by a visual inspection by the state licensed conditioned air
contractor or by a DET Verifier.
A report of the results of the test shall be signed by the
party conducting the test and provided to the owner or the owner's agent and,
if requested, to the code Official.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section R403.3.4 'Duct leakage (Prescriptive)' to
read as follows:

R403.3.4

Duct leakage
(Mandatory). The total leakage of the ducts, where measured by one of
the following methods in accordance with Section R403.3.3 shall be as follows:

Rough-in test: The total leakage shall be
less than or equal to 6 cubic feet per minute (113.3 L/min) per 100 square feet
(9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area where the air
handler is installed at the time of the test.

Post-construction test: Total leakage
shall be less than or equal to 6 cubic feet per minute (113.3 L/min) per 100
sq. feet (9.29 m2) of conditioned floor area.

Exceptions:

A duct air leakage test shall not be
required where the ducts and air handlers are located entirely within the
building thermal envelope.

Duct
tightness testing is not required for existing duct systems unless more than
50% of the duct system is modified.

*Add a new Section R403.3.6 'Joints, seams and connections'
to read as follows:

R403.3.6

Joints, seams and
connections. All longitudinal and transverse joints, seams and
connections in metallic and nonmetallic ducts shall be constructed as specified
in SMACNA HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and
Flexible and NAIMA Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standards.
All joints, longitudinal and transverse seams, and connections in ductwork
shall be securely fastened and sealed with welds, gaskets, mastics (adhesives),
masticplus-embedded-fabric systems or tapes. Without exception all closure
systems shall have mastic applied that is at least 0.08 inches (2 mm) thick.
Closure systems used to seal flexible air ducts and flexible
air connections shall comply with UL 181B and shall be marked "181B-FX" for
pressure-sensitive tape or "181B-M" for mastic. Duct connections to flanges of
air distribution systems equipment shall be sealed and mechanically fastened.
Mechanical fasteners for use with flexible non-metallic air ducts shall comply
with UL 181B and shall be marked 181B-C. Crimp joints for round metallic ducts
shall have a contact lap of not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm) and shall be
mechanically fastened by means of not less than three sheet-metal screws or
rivets equally spaced around the joint.

Exceptions:

Spray polyurethane foam shall be permitted
to be applied without additional joint seals.

Where a duct connection is made that is
partially inaccessible, three screws or rivets shall be equally spaced on the
exposed portion of the joint so as to prevent a hinge effect.

*Revise Section R403.5.4 'Drain water heat recovery units' to
read as follows:

R403.5.4

Drain water heat recovery
units. Drain water heat recovery units shall comply with CSA B55.2 or
IAPMO PS 92. Vertical drain water heat recovery units shall be tested in
accordance with CSA B55.1 and have a minimum effectiveness of 42 percent when
tested in accordance with CSA B55.1. Sloped drain water heat recovery units
shall be tested in accordance with IAPMO IGC 346 and have a minimum rated
effectiveness of 42 percent when tested in accordance with IAPMO IGC 346 at the
minimum slope specified in the Georgia plumbing code. Potable water-side
pressure loss of vertical drain water heat recovery units shall be less than 3
psi (20.7 kPa) for individual units connected to one or two showers. Potable
water-side pressure loss of vertical drain water heat recovery units shall be
less than 2 psi (13.8 kPa) for individual units connected to three or more
showers. Potable water-side pressure loss of sloped drain water heat recovery
units shall be less than 4 psi (20.7 kPa).
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section R403.6 'Mechanical Ventilation' to read as
follows:

R403.6

Mechanical ventilation (Mandatory). Where required, the building
shall be provided with ventilation that meets the requirements of the
International Residential Code or International
Mechanical Code, as applicable, or with ASHRAE 62.2-2016,
Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise
Residential Buildings (in entirety) or with other approved means of
ventilation. Outdoor air intakes and exhausts shall have automatic or gravity
dampers that close when the ventilation system is not operating.
(Remainder of section left unchanged)

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section R403.7 'Equipment sizing and efficiency
rating (Mandatory)' by adding the following sentence at the end:

R403.7

Equipment sizing and
efficiency rating (Mandatory). (The beginning of the section left
unchanged) For automatically modulating capacity heating and cooling equipment,
the system shall be deemed to comply with appropriate portions of Manual S
provided the lowest output capacity of the equipment is less than the peak
design load as determined by Manual J.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Add new Section R403.13 'Electric power attic ventilators'
to read as follows:

R403.13

Electric powered attic ventilators. In new construction, electric
powered attic ventilators shall not be connected to the Service supply premise
wiring system. Solar photovoltaic (PV) powered attic ventilators shall be
permitted.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION R406

ENERGY RATING INDEX

COMPLIANCE ALTERNATIVE

*Revise Section R406.3 'Energy Rating Index' to read as
follows:

R406.3

Energy Rating Index. The Energy Rating Index (ERI) shall be determined
in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301 except for buildings constructed in
accordance with the International Residential Code, where the ERI reference
design ventilation rate shall be in accordance with the following:
Ventilation rate = (0.01 x total square foot area of house) +
(7.5 (Nbr + 1))

Equation 4-1 where,

Ventilation rate is defined in units of cubic feet per minute
Nbr = Number of bedrooms

The ERI shall consider all energy used in the
residential building including on-site renewable
energy. Energy used to recharge or refuel a vehicle for on-road (and
off-site) transportation purposes shall not be included in the ERI
reference design or the rated design.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section R406.3.1 'ERI reference design' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Table R406.4 'MAXIMUM ENERGY RATING INDEX' to read as
follows:

TABLE R406.4

MAXIMUM ENERGY RATING
INDEX

Climate
Zone

ENERGY RATING
INDEX

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise Section R406.6.1 'Compliance software tools' to read
as follows:

R406.6.1

Compliance software tools. The ERI shall be determined using
Approved Software Rating Tools in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section R406.7 'Calculation software tools' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Delete Section R406.7.1 'Minimum capabilities' without
substitution.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise and rename Section R406.7.2 'Specific approval' to
read as follows:

R406.6.4

Specific approval. Performance analysis tools meeting the
applicable sections of Section R406 shall be approved.
Documentation demonstrating the approval of performance analysis tools in
accordance with Section R406.6.1 shall be provided to the code
official. The code official shall approve tools for a
specified application or limited scope.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

*Revise and rename Section R406.7.3 'Input values' to read as
follows:

R406.6.5

Input values. Where calculations require input values not
specified by Sections R402, R403, R404 and R405, those input values shall be
taken from ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 5 [RE]

EXISTING BUILDINGS

SECTION R502

ADDITIONS

*Revise Section R502.1.1.2 'Heating and cooling systems' to
delete the exception and substitute to read as follows:

R502.1.1.2

Heating and cooling
systems. New heating, cooling and duct systems that are part of the
addition shall comply with Sections R403.1, R403.2, R403.3, R403.5 and R403.6.
Exception: Duct tightness testing is not
required for existing duct systems unless more than 50% of the existing duct
system is modified.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

SECTION R503

ALTERATIONS

*Revise Section R503.1.2 'Heating and cooling systems' to
read as follows:

R503.1.2

Heating and cooling systems. New heating, cooling and duct systems
that are part of the alteration shall comply with Sections R403.1, R403.2,
R403.3 and R403.6.
Exception: Duct tightness testing is not
required for existing duct systems unless more than 50% of the existing duct
system is modified.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

CHAPTER 6 [RE]

REFERENCED STANDARDS

*Revise Chapter 6 'Referenced Standards' to add the following
new Standards to read as follows:

UL LLC

333 Pfingsten Road

Northbrook, IL 60062-2096

Standard reference number

Title

Referenced in code section number

181 - 2013

Factory-made Air Ducts and Air Connectors-with
Revisions through May 2003 ............................

R403.3.6

181A - 2013

Closure Systems for Use with Rigid Air Ducts and Air
Connectors-with Revisions through December 1998
........................................

R403.3.6

181B - 2013

Closure Systems for Use with Flexible Air Ducts and
Air Connectors-with Revisions through August
2003.......................

R403.3.6

ASHRAE

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air-Conditioning Engineers,

Inc. 1791 Tullie Circle, NE

Atlanta, GA 30329-2305

Standard reference number

Title

Referenced in code section number

ASHRAE 62.2 - 2016

Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-
Rise Residential Buildings.........................

R403.6

ANSI/RESNE T/ICC 301

Residential Energy Services Network, Inc. P.O. Box
4561. Oceanside, CA 92052-4561 International Code Council, 500 New Jersey
Avenue, NW, 6th Floor. Washington, D.C. 20001

Standard reference number

Title

Referenced in code section number

ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2014

Standard for the Calculation and Labeling of the
Energy Performance of Low-Rise Residential Buildings using an Energy Rating
Index....................................................................................

R406

IAPMO PS 92

IAPMO

4755 E. Philadelphia St.

Ontario, CA 91761 - USA

Standard reference number

Title

Referenced in code section number

IAPMO PS 92-2013

Heat Exchangers and Indirect Water
Heaters............................................................

R403.5.4

IAPMO IGC 346

Test Method for Measuring the Performance of Drain
Water Heat Recovery Units...............

R403.5.4

(Standards not listed to remain unchanged)

APPENDICES

Throughout these appendices there is information that may be
helpful in meeting and understanding the Georgia State Minimum Standard
Energy Code. In cases of conflict, refer to the 2015
International Energy Conservation Code for clarification.

APPENDIX RA

*Delete APPENDIX RA 'RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE FOR WORST-CASE
TESTING OF ATMOSPHERIC VENTING SYSTEMS UNDER R402.4 OR R405 CONDITIONS
<=5ACH50', entirely and substitute with new APPENDIX RA 'AIR SEALING KEY
POINTS'.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

APPENDIX RC

*Add new APPENDIX RC 'THIRD PARTY VERIFICATION'.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

APPENDIX RD

*Add new APPENDIX RD 'MANDATORY COMPLIANCE
CERTIFICATE'.

(Effective January 1, 2020)

The above referenced form, Mandatory Compliance Certificate
is available to download for free from DCA's webpage located at:
https://dca.ga.gov/node/3522/documents/2090

Appendix RA

Air Sealing and Insulation Key
Points

Air Barrier and Insulation Installation
Component Guide

COMPONENT

AIR BARRIER CRITERIA

INSULATION INSTALLATION
CRITERIA

General requirements

A continuous air barrier shall be installed in the
building envelope.

The exterior thermal envelope contains a continuous
air barrier.

Breaks or joints in the air barrier shall be
sealed.

Air-permeable insulation shall not be used as a
sealing material.

Ceiling/attic

The air barrier in any dropped ceiling/soffit shall
be aligned with the insulation and any gaps in the air barrier shall be sealed.
Access openings, drop down stairs or knee wall doors to unconditioned attic
spaces shall be sealed.

The insulation in any dropped ceiling/soffit shall be
aligned with the air barrier.

Walls

The junction of the foundation and sill plate shall
be sealed.

The junction of the top plate and the top of exterior
walls shall be sealed.

Knee walls shall be sealed.

Cavities within corners and headers of frame walls
shall be insulated by completely filling the cavity with a material having a
thermal resistance of R-3 per inch minimum.

Exterior thermal envelope insulation for framed walls
shall be installed in substantial contact and continuous alignment with the air
barrier.

Windows, skylights and doors

The space between window/door jambs and framing, and
skylights and framing shall be sealed.

Rim joists

Rim joists shall include the air
barrier.

Rim joists shall be insulated.

Floors (including above garage and cantilevered
floors)

The air barrier shall be installed at any exposed
edge of insulation.

Floor framing cavity insulation shall be installed to
maintain permanent contact with the underside of subfloor decking, or floor
framing cavity insulation shall be permitted to be in contact with the top side
of sheathing, or continuous insulation installed on the underside of floor
framing and extends from the bottom to the top of all perimeter floor framing
members.

Crawl space walls

Exposed earth in unvented crawl spaces shall be
covered with a Class I vapor retarder with overlapping joints
taped.

Where provided instead of floor insulation (unvented
crawl spaces), insulation shall be permanently attached to the crawlspace
walls.

Shafts, penetrations

Duct shafts, utility penetrations, and flue shafts
opening to exterior or unconditioned space shall be sealed.

Capped chases shall be insulated to surrounding
ceiling R-values (maintain clearance from combustion
flues).

Narrow cavities

Batts in narrow cavities shall be cut to fit, or
narrow cavities shall be filled by insulation that on installation readily
conforms to the available cavity space.

Garage separation

Air sealing shall be provided between the garage and
conditioned spaces.

Band area shall be blocked, sealed and
insulated.

Recessed lighting

Recessed light fixtures installed in the building
thermal envelope shall be sealed to the drywall.

Recessed light fixtures installed in the building
thermal envelope shall be air tight and IC rated.

Plumbing and wiring

Wiring and plumbing penetrations shall be
sealed.

Batt insulation shall be cut neatly to fit around
wiring and plumbing in exterior walls, or insulation that on installation
readily conforms to available space shall extend behind piping and
wiring.

Shower/tub on exterior wall

The air barrier installed at exterior walls adjacent
to showers and tubs shall separate them from the showers and
tubs.

Exterior walls adjacent to showers and tubs shall be
insulated.

Electrical/phone box on exterior
walls

The air barrier shall be installed behind electrical
or communication boxes or airsealed boxes shall be installed.

HVAC register boots

HVAC register boots shall be sealed to the subfloor
or drywall.

Boots in unconditioned spaces shall be insulated.
Recommend insulating boots in conditioned spaces for condensation
control.

Concealed sprinklers

When required to be sealed, concealed fire sprinklers
shall only be sealed in a manner that is recommended by the manufacturer.
Caulking or other adhesive sealants shall not be used to fill voids between
fire sprinkler cover plates and walls or ceilings.

Blocking between framing (e.g. beneath knee walls,
cantilevered floors, garage separation walls)

Blocking shall be sealed to framing.

Insulation shall be in contact with
blocking.

Common walls

Air barrier is installed in common wall between
dwelling units.

Fireplaces

New wood-burning fireplaces shall have tight-fitting
flue dampers or doors, and outdoor combustion air.

Fireplace chase insulation shall be restrained to
stay in place.

Disclaimer: This document was created by Southface
and is intended solely to help graphically demonstrate the air leakage and
insulation provisions of the 2015 IECC (2020 Georgia Energy Code). It does not
cover all air sealing locations, materials or techniques. Other code provisions
may be applicable as well.

Air sealing key points

Appendix RA

Georgia Insulation Installation -Passing Grade Details

Wall and ceiling insulation that makes up
portions of the building thermal envelope shall be installed to Passing Grade
quality.

Voids/Gaps

* Voids or gaps in the insulation are < 1 % of overall
component surface area (only occasional and very small gaps allowed for Passing
Grade)

Compression/Incomplete Fill

* Compression/Incomplete Fill for both air permeable
insulation (e.g., fiberglass, cellulose) and air impermeable
insulation (e.g., spray polyurethane foam) must be less than 1 inch in
depth or less than 30% of the intended depth, whichever is more stringent. The
allowable area of compression/incomplete fill must be less than 2% of the
overall insulated surface to achieve a Passing Grade.

* Any compression/incomplete fill with a depth
greater than the above specifications (up to 1 " or 30% of the intended depth,
whichever is more stringent) shall not achieve a Passing Grade.

Additional Wall Insulation
Requirements

* All vertical air permeable insulation shall be installed in
substantial contact with an air barrier on all six (6) sides.

Exception:
Unfinished basements, rim/band joist cavity insulation and fireplaces
(insulation shall be restrained to stay in place).

For unfinished basements, air permeable insulation and
associated framing in a framed cavity wall shall be installed less than 1/4"
from the basement wall surface.

* Attic knee wall details - Attic knee walls shall be
insulated to a total R-value of at least R-18 through any combination of cavity
and continuous insulation. Air permeable insulation shall be installed with a
fully sealed attic-side air barrier (e.g., OSB with seams caulked, rigid
insulation with joints taped, etc.). Attic knee walls with air impermeable
insulation shall not require an additional attic-side air barrier.

Underfloor insulation that makes up portions of
the building thermal envelope shall be installed to Passing Grade
quality.

Voids/Gaps

* Voids or gaps in the insulation are minimal for Passing
Grade (< 2% of overall component surface area)

Compression/incomplete Fill

* Compression/incomplete Fill for both air permeable
insulation (e.g., fiberglass, cellulose) and air impermeable
insulation (e.g., spray polyurethane foam) must be less than 1 inch in
depth or less than 30% of the intended depth, whichever is more stringent. The
allowable area of compression/incomplete fill must be less than 10% of the
overall insulated surface to achieve a Passing Grade.

* Any compression/incomplete fill with a depth
greater than the above specifications (up to 1" or 30% of the intended depth,
whichever is more stringent) shall not achieve a Passing Grade.

* Air-permeable underfloor insulation shall be permanently
installed against the subfloor decking. Adequate insulation supports (e.g.,
wire staves) for air permeable insulation shall be installed at least every
18-24".

Exception: The floor framing-cavity insulation shall be
permitted to be in contact with the topside of sheathing or continuous
insulation installed on the bottom side of floor framing where combined with
insulation that meets or exceeds the minimum wood frame wall R-value and that
extends from the bottom to the top of all perimeter floor framing
members.

Appendix RA

Wall Insulation key points

Appendix RA

Ceiling Insulation key points

Appendix RA

Floor Insulation key points

APPENDIX RC

THIRD PARTY VERIFICATION

SECTION RC101

GENERAL

RC101.1

Scope. The provisions of
this appendix govern the requirements for third-party verification of this
code.

RC101.2

Adoption.
The authority having jurisdiction may adopt this appendix to utilize
third-party verification of this code.
SECTION RC102

DEFINITIONS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFIER. An independent person or
firm responsible for conducting inspections and/or testing and plan review to
verify a project's compliance with the provisions of this code.

SECTION RC103

QUALIFICATIONS

RC103.1

General. It shall be the
responsibility of the permit holder to retain a qualified third-party
verifier. The third-party verifier shall not be an
employee of the owner or builder or have a financial interest in the
project.

RC103.2

Residential
buildings. Third-party verifiers shall have one of the following minimum
qualifications to conduct inspections or plan review for the energy efficiency
provisions of residential buildings as defined by this code:

Accredited HERS Rater

ICC Residential Energy Inspector/Plans
Examiner Certification

EarthCraft House Technical Advisor

Building Performance Institute (BPI)
Analyst

Equivalent
qualifications as approved by the local code officialException: Where the specific provisions of this
code require additional qualifications.

RC103.3

Commercial buildings.
Third-party verifiers shall have one of the following minimum qualifications to
conduct inspections or plan review for the energy efficiency provisions of
commercial buildings as defined by this code:

ICC Commercial Energy Inspector and ICC
Commercial Plans Examiner Certifications

Equivalent qualifications as approved by
the local code officialException: Where the specific provisions of this
code require additional qualifications.

SECTION RC104

INSPECTIONS

RC104.1

General. Construction or
work, conducted under the provisions of this code, for which a permit is
required shall be subject to inspection by a third-party
verifier.

RC104.2

Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the permit holder or
their duly authorized agent to notify the third-party verifier
when work is ready for inspection and to provide access to and means for
inspection of such work required by this code.

RC104.3

Fees. The permit holder
shall be responsible for all fees charged by the third-party
verifier.

RC104.4

Residential buildings. A minimum of two inspections shall be
conducted for each residential building. The first inspection shall be
conducted prior to the closing-up of building cavities; and shall include
verification of compliance with the following: insulation, fenestration, air
sealing and duct insulation and sealing. The second inspection shall be
conducted after the building has been substantially completed and prior to
issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The second inspection shall include
verification of compliance with any portions of this code not verified during
the first inspection.

RC104.5

Commercial buildings. A minimum number of inspections as
determined by the third-party verifier shall be conducted to
ensure verification of compliance with the provisions of Chapter 5 of this code
or ASHRAE 90.1.

RC104.6

Re-inspection. A building shall be re-inspected when determined
necessary by the third-party verifier or local code
official.

RC104.7

Approval report. Inspection and verification reports shall be
submitted by the third party verifier to the local
code official.
(Effective January 1, 2020)

Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim

Plain English

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 110-11-1 § 110-11-1-.34 establishes Georgia's official minimum energy code by adopting the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with state-specific supplements and amendments. The rule sets insulation R-values, air-sealing standards, duct-leakage limits, blower-door testing requirements, and equipment efficiency standards for both residential and commercial construction. Georgia's amendments take precedence over the base IECC wherever the two conflict, and certain appendices are enforceable only when specifically referenced or adopted by the authority having jurisdiction.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on October 27, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Under Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 110-11-1 § 110-11-1-.34, operators of new residential construction generally ensure that building envelopes meet prescribed insulation R-values and U-factors, that duct systems are pressure-tested and sealed to the required leakage thresholds, and that blower-door testing is conducted by a certified DET verifier. Compliant operators also post a mandatory compliance certificate near the electrical panel or air handler and confirm that HVAC equipment meets the efficiency ratings referenced in the Georgia amendments. For commercial projects, cooling towers and HVAC equipment must satisfy ASHRAE 90.1 performance standards as incorporated by the code.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Residents of newly constructed homes in Georgia benefit from Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 110-11-1 § 110-11-1-.34, which requires builders to meet air-sealing, insulation, and duct-tightness standards intended to reduce energy loss and improve indoor comfort. If a home appears to lack required insulation, proper duct sealing, or a posted compliance certificate, a tenant may raise these concerns with the local building or code enforcement office that has jurisdiction over the project. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help identify whether a violation of the energy code may be relevant to a housing complaint or lease dispute.

General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.

Generated October 27, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.

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Source:https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/110-11-1

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Cal. Civ. Code § 110-11-1-.34

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2015 Edition with 2020, 2022, 2022 Additional and 2023 Georgia State Amendments

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