Building Codes Assistance Project

[Updated August 5, 2009]

On April 7, a bill (SB 59) was introduced in the Delaware Senate intending to make the state eligible for federal money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) by mandating the adoption and enforcement of the most recent versions the national model energy codes, the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007.  COMcheck and REScheck software (and ENERGY STAR software as an alternative) would be allowed to show compliance. Subsequent versions of the two model energy codes would be reviewed for updates every three years.

The bill also directs the Delaware Energy Office to establish a program for zero net energy capable buildings, with the goal of all new residential construction being so by December 31, 2025 and all new commercial construction being so by December 31, 2030.  

The legislation would become effective July 1, 2010. From January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010 sellers of new construction shall notify buyers of an option to purchase the construction built to the ICC/IECC 2009 code standard.

STATUS: On May 12, the bill was amended and passed 19-2 by the state Senate. On June 3, the House Energy Committee, held a hearing on the bill during which the it was reported out of committee on its merits to the full Senate. On June 18, the House approved the bill by a 29-10 vote. 

**On July 29, SB 59 was signed by Governor Jack Markell, substantially increasing the stringency of the state's building energy codes (currently, the 2000 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-1999).

More information on SB 59: Bill Home Page | Text (engrossed)| Senate Amendment 3 | House Energy Comm.

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