An architect was recently working on a “barn” project, and their client wondered if it would be exempt from the energy code because it’s an Ag Building. Here is an excerpt from our Code Coach response:
True, agricultural buildings / barns are not regulated by Part 6 of Title 24, but many people use their “barns” for all types of activities that trigger the building and energy codes. Strictly speaking, agricultural building occupancy (U) may not include places where people would be expected to work or use for extended lengths of time. The offices, meeting rooms, and laboratory spaces, etc. [in this particular project] would fall under B occupancy. The B occupancy type is regulated under the building and energy codes. Energy Code (Part 6 of Title 24) may not apply to the other uses in the barns, unless the ownership expects to occasionally rent the spaces out or use them for weddings or other gatherings. If yes, then the lighting and power Title 24 requirements could kick-in. The same is true if they are considering storing agricultural products that require chilling, refrigeration or other regulated energy uses.
Here is an excerpt from the Building Code (vol 1&2) for your use, if it helps you talk to your client.
Per definition of Agricultural Buildings in Chapter 2, Building Code: AGRICULTURAL BUILDING. A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. This structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged, nor shall it be a place used by the public.
Back when a barn was a barn, the exemption was more obvious; with so many new uses for a barn-type of building in an agricultural setting, it’s important to review details of energy code exceptions. For more information and in-person trainings, please check out our events calendar at 3c-ren.org/calendar-of-events-and-trainings
The on-demand webinar page is at 3c-ren.org/on-demand-trainings
And feel free to reach out to the Code Coach Hotline for more information or to have your Energy Code or CALGreen questions answered! 3c-ren.org/energy-code-coach
