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Enforcement of Acceptance Test Requirements for Nonresidential Construction Permits

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Content courtesy of: California Energy Commission



Enforcement Advisory

Scope: Permits issued for nonresidential construction projects and nonresidential spaces in multifamily projects that include the installation of mechanical systems, mechanical system controls, lighting systems, and lighting system controls.
 
Issue: Such construction projects require a certified acceptance test technician (ATT) to perform the acceptance testing required by the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Energy Code) in sections 120.5 and 130.4.
 
Enforcement: The local jurisdiction can rely on the ATT who is required to perform and document the required acceptance tests on a certificate of acceptance issued by the acceptance test technician certification provider (ATTCP). The certificate of acceptance will be in PDF format for electronic submission to the authority having jurisdiction and will carry the logo of the issuing ATTCP. The California Energy Commission (CEC) has created an Inspector Field Sheet for local jurisdictions that includes the triggers for lighting controls and mechanical systems acceptance testing, as well as the ATTCP logos used on the certificates of acceptance.
 
Background: ATTs perform required tests for lighting controls and mechanical systems in high-rise residential, hotel/motel, and nonresidential buildings. CEC-approved ATTCPs train, certify, and oversee the technicians. All permit applications submitted for nonresidential construction projects on or after October 1, 2021, require mechanical systems acceptance tests in accordance with Title 24, Part 6, section 120.5 and must use an ATT to perform the acceptance test. All permit applications submitted for nonresidential construction projects on or after July 2014, require lighting controls acceptance tests in accordance with Title 24, Part 6, section 130.4 and must use an ATT to perform the acceptance test.
 
Educational Resources: ATTCPs are offering free training for inspectors and building officials for International Code Council continuing educational credit. The training will cover ways to verify the legitimacy of the forms and tests. The CEC also offers a Getting Started presentation as an introduction to the ATTCP program and how local jurisdictions can make the best use of it.
 
Additional information:

Please see the CEC’s ATTCP website or contact:
Energy Standards (Title 24) Hotline
916-654-5106
800-772-3300, toll-free in California
Title24@energy.ca.gov