701.220 - Adoption of regulations for energy conservation in buildings; exemptions; applicability and enforcement; procedures for adoption.
701.220 Adoption of regulations for energy conservation in buildings; exemptions; applicability and enforcement; procedures for adoption.
1. The Commissioner shall adopt regulations for the conservation of energy in buildings, including manufactured homes. Such regulations must include the adoption of the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code, issued by the International Code Council, and any amendments to the Code that will not materially lessen the effective energy savings requirements of the Code and are deemed necessary to support effective compliance and enforcement of the Code, and must establish the minimum standards for:
(a) The construction of floors, walls, ceilings and roofs;
(b) The equipment and systems for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning;
(c) Electrical equipment and systems;
(d) Insulation; and
(e) Other factors which affect the use of energy in a building.
Ê The regulations must provide for the adoption of the most recent version of the International Energy Conservation Code, and any amendments thereto, every third year.
2. The Commissioner may exempt a building from a standard if the Commissioner determines that application of the standard to the building would not accomplish the purpose of the regulations.
3. The regulations must authorize allowances in design and construction for sources of renewable energy used to supply all or a part of the energy required in a building.
4. The standards adopted by the Commissioner are the minimum standards for the conservation of energy and energy efficiency in buildings in this State. The governing body of a local government that is authorized by law to adopt and enforce a building code:
(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), shall incorporate the standards adopted by the Commissioner in its building code;
(b) May adopt higher or more stringent standards and must report any such higher or more stringent standards, along with supporting documents, to the Commissioner; and
(c) Shall enforce the standards adopted.
5. The Commissioner shall solicit comments regarding the adoption of regulations pursuant to this section from:
(a) Persons in the business of constructing and selling homes;
(b) Contractors;
(c) Public utilities;
(d) Local building officials; and
(e) The general public,
Ê before adopting any regulations. The Commissioner must conduct at least three hearings in different locations in the State, after giving 30 days’ notice of each hearing, before the Commissioner may adopt any regulations pursuant to this section.
(Added to NRS by 1985, 1794; A 2001, 1251, 3266; 2003, 32; 2005, 22nd Special Session, 76; 2009, 986, 1375)