CHAPTER 11 ENERGY EFFICIENCY
N1101.13 (R401.2) Compliance. Amend Section to read: Projects shall comply with one of the following:
1. Sections N1101.14 through N1104.
2. Section N1105 and the provisions of Sections N1101.14 through N1104 indicated as “Mandatory.”
3. The energy rating index (ERI) approach in Section N1106. Projects shall not include onsite renewable energy
systems in their preliminary rating design and score.
N1101.13.1 (R401.2.1) Required ERI approach. All of the following are required to comply with N1101.13, item
3. Floor area calculations for purposes of this section shall be defined as the floor area within the
inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building under consideration, exclusive of vent shafts
and courts, without deduction for corridors, stairways, ramps, closets, the thickness of interior walls,
columns or other features, attached garages, and crawlspaces 6 feet 4 inches in height or greater,
measured from grade/floor to bottom of joist/floor assembly above.:
1. New single‐family dwellings over 3,600 square feet of floor area or greater.
2. New two‐family dwellings whose aggregate floor area is 4,000 or greater.
3. New townhomes.
N1101.15 (R401.4) Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (Mandatory). Add Section N1101.15 (R401.4) to read: San
Miguel County’s Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP) is designed to help offset the effects of outdoor
energy consumption that contribute to the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The provisions of REMP shall be
applied as follows:
N1101.15.1 (R401.4.1) Scope. Energy used to power hydronic snowmelt systems, factory‐built and site‐built
spas located on the exterior, pools located on the exterior, and heated garages for all new residences,
accessory structures, commercial facilities, alterations, and additions shall be mitigated through REMP
and shall comply with N1101.15.1 through.
N1101.15.1.1 (R401.4.1.1) Snowmelt. All snowmelt anywhere on the property shall be offset by REMP.
All snow melt systems shall be equipped with both moisture and temperature sensors to control
operation per the IECC and IRC. Hydronic snow melt systems shall have a minimum of R‐15
insulation on the non‐snow melt side.
Exceptions:
1. Single‐family development: 200 square feet of exempt hydronic snow melt shall be
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allowed without mitigation located only on the main drive and/or code required exit
walkways, decks, stairs and landings.
2. Multi‐family, mixed use, accessory use, and commercial development: 100 square feet
plus 25 square feet per dwelling unit of exempt hydronic snow melt shall be allowed
without mitigation located only on the main drive(s) decks, amenity areas and/or code
required exit walkways, stairs and landings.
3. Two‐family residences and townhomes: 50 square foot of exempt per dwelling unit
hydronic snowmelt shall be allowed without mitigation located only on the main drive
and/or code required exit walkways, decks stairs and landings.
Definition of Exempt Snow‐Melt Area: Tubing installed to melt snow on a surface
intended to remove snow from the walkable or drivable area shall be measured by the
size of the entire potentially snow‐melted area. For example, if a 10 ft. x 20 ft. deck only
has perimeter snow melt tubing, the entire area shall be counted toward the snow melt
exemption.
N1101.15.1.2 (R401.4.1.2) Spas. All spas located on the exterior of a building shall be offset by REMP.
Exterior heated spas must comply with the currently adopted Energy Codes.
N1101.15.1.3 (R401.4.1.3) Exterior Pools. All pools located on the exterior of a building shall be offset
by REMP. Exterior heated swimming pools must comply with the currently adopted Energy
Codes.
N1101.15.1.4 (R401.4.1.4) Heated Garages. All heated garages shall be offset by REMP. Heated garages
must comply with the currently adopted Energy Codes. All heated exterior garage portal doors
shall have a minimum R‐value of R‐18. The blower door test required as per IRC Section
N1102.4.1.2 and IECC Section R402.4.1.2 shall apply only to the homes habitable space and the
air sealing for the garage shall be visually inspected.
N1101.15.2 (R401.4.2) Energy Use Calculation. The total exterior energy use that must be mitigated with
renewable energy or payment made as a payment in‐lieu as allowed in these regulations will be
calculated by the owner/agent and verified by the County Building Official using the San Miguel County
REMP Worksheet (“Worksheet”). The Worksheet is attached at end of IRC amendments as Appendix Z
and a fillable version can also be found at www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/building. The Worksheet
calculations were developed using the standard amount of energy used by the exterior systems and
adjusted for local climatic conditions as calculated by Resource Engineering Group (2013). The
Worksheet will be updated regularly according to market fluctuations and may be amended by
resolution.
N1101.15.2.1 (R401.4.2.1) Renewable Energy Credit Calculation. Mitigation of outdoor energy use may
be achieved by onsite renewable energy systems approved by the Building Official. The payment
in lieu shall be calculated using the Worksheet.
N1101.15.2.1.1 (R401.4.2.1.1) Alternative technology. As new technology or other offsite
renewable energy projects develop, they may also be considered as approved mitigation
systems by the Building Official.
N1101.15.2.1.2 (R401.4.2.1.2) Combination of measures. If the amount of renewable energy
capable of being produced onsite by one system is not sufficient to mitigate exterior
energy use as outlined, a combination of renewable energy methods may be used as
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approved by the Building Official.
N1101.15.2.2 (R401.4.2.2) Payment in‐lieu. If preferred by the property owner, the owner may make a
one‐time payment to San Miguel County in‐lieu of providing onsite mitigation by a County
approved renewable energy system. San Miguel County may also accept partial payment in lieu
from the affected property owner when only partial onsite mitigation of exterior energy use
occurs. The owner shall make payment prior to receiving the building permit. The payment inlieu
shall be calculated using the Worksheet.
N1101.15.2.2.1 (R401.4.2.2.1) Appropriation of Funds. All REMP payments in lieu received by
the County shall be deposited into a separate fund called the “San Miguel County Energy
Fund” (Fund). All monies deposited into such Fund shall be used solely within San
Miguel County for the purposes of:
1. funding capital expenses associated with purchase, installation, and/or construction
of renewable energy or energy conservation facilities;
2. and/or funding projects that help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
The Board of County Commissioners shall approve expenditures from the Fund after
receiving recommendations from the County staff and the County Manager.
N1101.15.3 (R401.4.3) Approved Renewable Energy Systems. All renewable energy systems proposed as a
means of exterior energy use mitigation must be approved in advance by the Building Official. An
engineering analysis may be required for calculating the renewable energy mitigation credit produced
by an onsite or offsite system. Review of the system by a County engineering consultant, if needed, will
be at the expense of the owner.
N1101.15.3.1 (R401.4.3.1) Perpetuity of onsite mitigation. Onsite renewable energy systems provided
to mitigate exterior energy are required to be maintained and operated for the lifetime of the
structure, through a written agreement with the property owner and a covenant on the
property.
N1101.15.3.2 (R401.4.3.2) Off‐site Mitigation. Off‐site renewable mitigation shall only be approved by
the Building Official if, through a written agreement:
1. the system is legally tied to the property using exterior energy use with the inability to
transfer to another property;
2. the County, at any time, can verify through audits that the offsite renewable energy
system continues to provide renewable energy as provided for herein, with no
restrictions on the County’s ability to access renewable energy utility information.
N1103.9 (R403.9) Snow melt system controls (Mandatory). Amend Section to read: Snow‐ and ice‐melting systems,
supplied through energy service to the building, shall include automatic controls capable of shutting off the
system when precipitation is not falling, and an automatic control that will allow shutoff when the outdoor
temperature is greater than 40°F (4.8°C).
N1103.13 (R403.13) Outdoor heating equipment (Mandatory). Add Section to read: All outdoor space heating
equipment supplied through energy service to the building such as, but not limited to, fire pits, heaters,
fireplaces, etc., shall be equipped with 60‐minute automatic shutoff timers.
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N1106.4 (R406.4) ERI‐based compliance. Compliance based on an ERI analysis requires that the rated design be
shown to have an ERI less than or equal to the appropriate value indicated in Table N1106.4 when
compared to the ERI reference design. Maximum ERI for climate zone 6 until May 30th, 2022 is 70.
AMENDMENTS TO THE 2018 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE
C101.1 AND R101.1 Title. Amend Sections to read: These regulations shall be known as the Energy Conservation Code of
San Miguel County, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
SECTIONS C109 and R109 Means of Appeal. Delete Sections in its entirety (C.R.S §§ 30‐28‐206 and 30‐28‐207 apply).
R401.2 Compliance. Amend Section to read: Projects shall comply with one of the following:
1. Sections R401 through R404.
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2. Section R405 and the provisions of Sections R401 through R404 indicated as “Mandatory.”
3. The energy rating index (ERI) approach in Section R406. Projects shall not include onsite renewable energy
systems in their preliminary rating design and score.
R401.2.1 Required ERI approach. All of the following are required to comply with R401.2, item 3. Floor area
calculations for purposes of this section, the floor area, measured in square feet, shall include unfinished
basements, attached garages, and crawlspaces 6 feet 4 inches in height or greater, measured from
grade/floor to bottom of joist/floor assembly above:
1. New single‐family dwellings over 3,600 square feet of floor area or greater.
2. New two‐family dwellings whose aggregate floor area is 4,000 or greater.
3. New townhomes.
R401.4 Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (Mandatory). Add Section R401.4 to read: San Miguel County’s
Renewable Energy Mitigation Program (REMP) is designed to help offset the effects of outdoor energy
consumption that contribute to the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The provisions of REMP shall be
applied as follows:
R401.4.1 Scope. Energy used to power hydronic snowmelt systems, factory‐built and site‐built spas located on
the exterior, pools located on the exterior, and heated garages for all new residences, accessory
structures, commercial facilities, alterations, and additions shall be mitigated through REMP and shall
comply with R401.4.1.1 through R401.4.1.4.
R401.4.1.1 Snowmelt. All snowmelt anywhere on the property shall be offset by REMP. All snow melt
systems shall be equipped with both moisture and temperature sensors to control operation per
the IECC and IRC. Hydronic snow melt systems shall have a minimum of R‐15 insulation on the
non‐snow melt side.
Exceptions:
1. Single‐family development: 200 square feet of exempt hydronic snow melt shall be
allowed without mitigation located only on the main drive and/or code required exit
walkways, decks, stairs and landings.
2. Multi‐family, mixed use, accessory use, and commercial development: 100 square feet
plus 25 square feet per dwelling unit of exempt hydronic snow melt shall be allowed
without mitigation located only on the main drive(s) decks, amenity areas and/or code
required exit walkways, stairs and landings.
3. Two‐family residences and townhomes: 50 square foot of exempt per dwelling unit
hydronic snowmelt shall be allowed without mitigation located only on the main drive
and/or code required exit walkways, decks stairs and landings.
Definition of Exempt Snow‐Melt Area: Tubing installed to melt snow on a surface
intended to remove snow from the walkable or drivable area shall be measured by the
size of the entire potentially snow‐melted area. For example, if a 10 ft. x 20 ft. deck only
has perimeter snow melt tubing, the entire area shall be counted toward the snow melt
exemption.
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R401.4.1.2 Spas. All spas located on the exterior of a building shall be offset by REMP. Exterior heated
spas must comply with the currently adopted Energy Codes.
R401.4.1.3 Exterior Pools. All pools located on the exterior of a building shall be offset by REMP.
Exterior heated swimming pools must comply with the currently adopted Energy Codes.
R401.4.1.4 Heated Garages. All heated garages shall be offset by REMP. Heated garages must comply
with the currently adopted Energy Codes. All heated exterior garage portal doors shall have a
minimum R‐value of R‐18. The blower door test required as per IRC Section N1102.4.1.2 and
IECC Section R402.4.1.2 shall apply only to the homes habitable space and the air sealing for the
garage shall be visually inspected.
R401.4.2 Energy Use Calculation. The total exterior energy use that must be mitigated with renewable energy
or payment made as a payment in‐lieu as allowed in these regulations will be calculated by the
owner/agent and verified by the County Building Official using the San Miguel County REMP Worksheet
(“Worksheet”). The Worksheet is attached at end of IRC amendments as Appendix Z and a fillable
version can also be found at www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/building. The Worksheet calculations were
developed using the standard amount of energy used by the exterior systems and adjusted for local
climatic conditions as calculated by Resource Engineering Group (2013). The Worksheet will be updated
regularly according to market fluctuations and may be amended by resolution.
R401.4.2.1 Renewable Energy Credit Calculation. Mitigation of outdoor energy use may be achieved by
onsite renewable energy systems approved by the Building Official. The payment in lieu shall be
calculated using the Worksheet.
R401.4.2.1.1 Alternative technology. As new technology or other offsite renewable energy
projects develop, they may also be considered as approved mitigation systems by the
Building Official.
R401.4.2.1.2 Combination of measures. If the amount of renewable energy capable of being
produced onsite by one system is not sufficient to mitigate exterior energy use as
outlined, a combination of renewable energy methods may be used as approved by the
Building Official.
R401.4.2.2 Payment in‐lieu. If preferred by the property owner, the owner may make a one‐time
payment to San Miguel County in‐lieu of providing onsite mitigation by a County approved
renewable energy system. San Miguel County may also accept partial payment in lieu from the
affected property owner when only partial onsite mitigation of exterior energy use occurs. The
owner shall make payment prior to receiving the building permit. The payment in‐lieu shall be
calculated using the Worksheet.
R401.4.2.2.1 Appropriation of Funds. All REMP payments in lieu received by the County shall be
deposited into a separate fund called the “San Miguel County Energy Fund” (Fund). All
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monies deposited into such Fund shall be used solely within San Miguel County for the
purposes of:
1. funding capital expenses associated with purchase, installation, and/or construction
of renewable energy or energy conservation facilities;
2. and/or funding projects that help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
The Board of County Commissioners shall approve expenditures from the Fund after
receiving recommendations from the County staff and the County Manager.
R401.4.3 Approved Renewable Energy Systems. All renewable energy systems proposed as a means of exterior
energy use mitigation must be approved in advance by the Building Official. An engineering analysis may
be required for calculating the renewable energy mitigation credit produced by an onsite or offsite
system. Review of the system by a County engineering consultant, if needed, will be at the expense of
the owner.
R401.4.3.1 Perpetuity of onsite mitigation. Onsite renewable energy systems provided to mitigate
exterior energy are required to be maintained and operated for the lifetime of the structure,
through a written agreement with the property owner and a covenant on the property.
R401.4.3.2 Off‐site Mitigation. Off‐site renewable mitigation shall only be approved by the Building
Official if, through a written agreement:
1. the system is legally tied to the property using exterior energy use with the inability to
transfer to another property;
2. the County, at any time, can verify through audits that the offsite renewable energy
system continues to provide renewable energy as provided for herein, with no
restrictions on the County’s ability to access renewable energy utility information.
R403.9 Snow melt system controls (Mandatory). Amend Section to read: Snow‐ and ice‐melting systems, supplied
through energy service to the building, shall include automatic controls capable of shutting off the system when
precipitation is not falling, and an automatic control that will allow shutoff when the outdoor temperature is
greater than 40°F (4.8°C).
R403.13 Outdoor heating equipment (Mandatory). Add Section to read: All outdoor space heating equipment supplied
through energy service to the building such as, but not limited to, fire pits, heaters, fireplaces, etc., shall be
equipped with 60‐minute automatic shutoff timers.
R406.4 ERI‐based compliance. Compliance based on an ERI analysis requires that the rated design be shown to have an
ERI less than or equal to the appropriate value indicated in Table R406.4 when compared to the ERI reference
design. Maximum ERI for climate zone 6 until May 30
Link to Colorado Energy Conservation Code Hub for; Aspen, Basalt, Carbondale, Eagle County, Pitkin County, Town of Snowmass Village and the Town of Mountain Village