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 Sachse
 Code of Ordinances
 Home Rule Charter
 Chapter 3. Building Regulations
 Article I. In General

  § 3-1.3. Residential green building program  

Latest version.

  • A. General requirements. All single-family residential, duplex residential and townhome residential development platted shall comply with the minimum standards set forth by the residential green building program for energy efficiency, water conservation and indoor air quality.

    B. Minimum standards.

    (1) Energy efficiency.

    (a) The minimum standard for energy efficiency of single-family residential structures shall be the environmental protection agency's EPA Energy Star designation as it stands or may be amended with a score of 85 or below on the Home Energy Rating Systems ("HERS") index.

    (b) Every home shall be tested by a Residential Energy Services Network ("RESNET") HERS inspector/rater who is accredited through a RESNET-approved HERS provider. The HERS provider must register with the city on an annual basis. No batch testing shall be allowed.

    (c) A return air path shall be provided for any room that can be closed off by a door (except for baths, kitchens, closets, pantries, mechanical rooms and laundry rooms). The pressure differential for said room, with doors closed and air handler operating, shall not exceed ± 3 Pascal pressure differential with respect to the main body of the home where the central air return is located.

    (d) All joints in the air distribution system shall be sealed with duct mastic or approved equivalent.

    (e) Dishwashers must be Energy Star designated and labeled.

    (f) A minimum of one programmable thermostat is required on every story.

    (2) Water conservation.

    (a) Homebuilders shall display in all model homes information provided by the city concerning the benefits of xeriscaping and water conservation practices.

    (b) Irrigation systems shall include a rain and freeze sensor and shall be installed to manufacturer's specifications.

    (c) A portable drip irrigation bag or zoned bubbler system shall be installed for each required tree.

    (3) Indoor air quality.

    (a) The minimum standard for indoor air quality of single-family residential structures shall be the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers ("ASHRAE") Standard 62.2 as it stands or may be amended.

    (b) All mechanical room walls exposed to any living area shall be insulated to R-11.

    (c) All unvented fireplaces and gas logs equipped with a fan that blows any level of combustion gases into any living space shall be prohibited.

    (d) Exterior ventilation system installed per ASHRAE standards must perform at:

    1. Kitchen—25 cubic feet per minute ("CFM") (continuous) or 100 CFM (spot).

    2. Bathroom—20 CFM (continuous) or 50 CFM (spot).

    3. Master bedroom—20 CFM.

    4. Other bedrooms—10 CFM.

    (e) All ducts supplying outdoor air must be equipped with a filter inside the return.

    (f) A furnace and/or duct-mounted electronic/electrostatic air cleaner option shall be provided for homebuyers.

    (g) All central vacuum systems shall exhaust to the outside.

    (h) HVAC plenums on the supply shall be constructed of sheet metal (duct board shall be prohibited) with external insulation (minimum R-6, if located in unconditioned space).

    (i) Vinyl wallpaper is not allowed on the inside of exterior walls or on either side of wet walls, including but not limited to those in bathrooms, kitchen or laundry rooms.

    (j) A metal drip edge shall be provided at all exposed roof decking.

(Ord. No. 3042, § 1, 3-17-08)