Preliminary Compliance

Prior to permitting, each jurisdiction requires the completion of a preliminary design analysis using one of the methods described below to determine if the building complies with the requirements set forth in the code. The jurisdiction also requires a signed report indicating the building has met the requirements. Each building official has the authority to determine who is qualified to perform the analysis and provide the compliance report.

The commercial provisions of the IECC establish minimum regulations for energy-efficient building using one the following preliminary compliance paths:

• Prescriptive – Choice of optionsEnvelope Tradeoff – ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007/2010 – COMCheck™
• Deemed to Comply Software – COMCheck™

Each compliance path may have mandatory, prescriptive or tradeoff requirements. Mandatory requirements must be met in every building design no matter which compliance path is chosen. Performance testing and commissioning is a mandatory requirement that may require special equipment and trained professionals to complete.

The requirements vary based on the Climate Zone in which the building is constructed. Texas has three Climate Zones (2, 3 and 4), outlined in the map below. Additionally, some cities may have additional requirements beyond those required by the codes.