Wyoming

Current Codes

Wyoming 1989 Model Energy Code

Code Type:

Based on: OUTDATED CODE (Pre-dates 1998 IECC) Not Mandatory

Date Effective: Wednesday, August 13, 2008

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Additional Code Information

Code Adoption & Change Process

Code Change Process:

Legislative & Regulatory Process: Proposed changes to the state energy code may be submitted to the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety, which reviews changes and submits recommendations to the Governor-appointed Building Codes Council.

Code Change Cycle:

Three-year review cycle concurrent with the publications of new editions of the model codes.

History

The 1976 edition of the Uniform Codes was adopted in 1977. Prior to 1977, the State Fire Marshal's Office adopted and enforced the National Fire Prevention Agency standards. Since 1977, the state has adopted the current version of the Uniform Building Code consistent with its three-year publication cycle. The current energy provisions are contained in Appendix Chapter 53 of the 1991 Uniform Building Code, which references the 1989 Council of American Building Officials (CABO) Model Energy Code (MEC).

Basic Facts

Climate Zone:

5B, 6B, 7B (zones based on DOE's most recent zoning: zone numbers based on a spectrum, zone 1 represents very hot weather and zone 8 represents subarctic weather. Letters indicate climate type, A-Humid, B-Dry, C-Marine)

Population:

544,270 (2009, U.S. Census Bureau)

Construction Activity:

New Housing Units Authorized by Permit:
Total units: 2,669
Number of Housing Units by Structure Type:
1 unit: 2,178
2 units: 38
3 and 4 units: 210
5 or more units: 243
(2008, Real Estate Center)

Projected Construction Rate:

Single Family Dwelling: 2,178 (42% less than the previous year), and with an average value of $238,300 per unit (2008, Real Estate Center)

CO2 Emissions:

64.57 MMT CO₂ (2007)

Energy Data

Primary Energy Source:

Petroleum: 61.4% (2007, EIA)

Energy Consumption:

Total Annual Energy Consumption of 494.8 trillion Btu (2007, EIA)

Energy Expenditures:

4,545.7 Million Nominal Dollars (2007, EIA)

Energy Snapshot:

65% of residents’ energy costs go to home heating

2/3 of households use natural gas as primary heating source.

Residential customer’s average monthly electric bill in 2006 was $65.50.

Source: EIA

Climate Concerns

Regional Issues & State Action:

According to the United States Global Change Research Program, annual average temperature in the Northwest region rose about 1.5°F-4°F over the past century, with projected increases of 3 to 10°F by the end of this century. Climate change is predicted to cause increases in winter precipitation and decreases in summer precipitation. Some changes are already occurring such as changes in snowpack, streamflows, sea level, forests, and other important aspects of life in the Northwest are already underway, with more severe impacts expected over the coming decades in response to continued and more rapid warming.

Wyoming does not have a published climate action plan but the state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) addresses air quality, water quality, land quality and other sectors that are affected by climate change. Governor Freudenthal lists tips for increasing the energy efficiency of homes and businesses in Wyoming on his website in order to prepare for the rising costs of energy in the winter months. In addition, Wyoming is also an observer member of the Western Climate Initiative, which aims to reduce emissions by 15% below 2005 levels by 2020.

BCAP Estimated Energy Savings

Contact Paul Karrer for savings information for your state Pkarrer@ase.org.

Resources

Successful Strategies for Improving Compliance With Building Energy Codes

posted by Ryan M
SWEEP: Review of Residential Retrofit Programs Offered by Utilities in the Southwest

posted by Paul Karrer
Incremental Cost Payback: Wyoming

posted by Mark Lessans
Home Rule for Advocates

posted by Eric Plunkett
Increasing Energy Efficiency in New Buildings in the Southwest: Energy Codes and Best Practices from SWEEP

posted by Anonymous

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Advocacy Opportunities	Status	Explanations
Adopt Mandatory Codes		Wyoming is a home rule state and does not have a mandatory residential code; however, the 1989 MEC may be adopted and enforced by local jurisdictions.
Adopt an Automatic Review & Update Process		The state has a three-year review cycle concurrent with the publication of new editions of the model codes. The last update took place on August 13, 2008.
Create a Regulatory Process		Wyoming relies upon a mixed legislative and regulatory process in promulgating new code and making changes to existing codes. http://legisweb.state.wy.us/ Proposed changes to the state energy code may be submitted to the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (DFPES). http://wyofire.state.wy.us/index.html The DFPES reviews proposed changes and submits its recommendations to the Governor-appointed Building Codes Council. Changes approved by the council are then adopted at the annual September meeting and become effective in January of the following year. A mandatory statewide code would have to proceed through the state legislature.
Improve Compliance		Residential Local adoption of state energy code is required before any provisions can be enforced. Compliance is determined by plan review and inspection by local code officials in jurisdictions that have adopted energy provisions as a part of their building code. Commercial Compliance is determined by plan review and inspection by local code officials in jurisdictions that have adopted energy provisions as a part of their building code.
Eliminate Weakening Amendments
Add Strengthening Amendments
Allow Innovation at the Local Level		Jurisdictions are allowed to adopt codes more stringent than the state recommended code. http://www.iccsafe.org/government/adoption.html
Set Milestones
Adopt Green Codes

August 2009

Resources:

ICLEI - International Association of Local Governments and their Associations
www.iclei.org
Wyoming has two local government members:
Jackson and Teton County.

Mayors Climate Protection Center
www.usmayors.org
One Wyoming Mayor has signed The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement:
(City)
Jackson

International Codes Council (ICC) Regional Support and State Offices:
Ms. Janice Moy
ICC Chicago District Office
4051 West Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills, IL 60478
Phone: 1-888-422-7233, Ext. 4525
JMoy@iccsafe.org

Mr. Kraig M. Stevenson, C.B.O.
Senior Regional Manager
2122 - 112 Avenue NE,
Suite B100
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: 1-888-422-7233, Ext. 7603
KStevenson@iccsafe.org

Mr. Robert Garrison
Regional Service Representative
P.O. Box 1762
Battle Ground, WA 98604
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: 1-888-422-7233, Ext. 6271
RGarrison@iccsafe.org

Contact

Shannon Stanfill
Program Manager, State Energy Programs
Wyoming Business Council
State Energy Program
214 West 15th Street
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Tel: (307) 777-2841
Fax: (307) 777-2837
Email: shannon.stanfill@wybusiness.org

Laura Ladd
Hewitt Ladd, Inc.
330 North Glenwood Ave
Jackson, WY 83001
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1461
Wilson, WY 83014
Tel: (307) 413-3334
Email: laura@hewittladd.com

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