Delaware - The Building Codes Assistance Project

Current Commercial Code

Delaware State Energy Code with state-specific amendments
Based on the 2012 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010
Passed 5/11/2014, effective 11/11/2014

Current Residential Code

Delaware State Energy Code with state-specific amendments
Based on the 2012 IECC
Passed 5/11/2014, effective 11/11/2014

Code Enforcement

Enforcement is the responsibility of local jurisdictions.

Climate Zone: 4A

Code Adoption and Change Process

Code Change Process

Regulatory: The Delaware Energy Office will adopt the latest versions of the IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1. It shall promulgate procedures for certification of compliance with these codes and standards to be utilized by respective local governments.

Code Change Cycle

Delaware’s Energy Conservation Code Act (16 Del.C. §7602) requires DNREC to adopt the most recent and/or highest available version of the IECC and ASHRAE 90.1. The regulations must also set out procedures for certification of compliance with these codes and standards to be utilized by the respective local governments.

Next Code Update

No update is scheduled, Title 16, Chapter 76 of the Delaware Code requires the Delaware Energy Office to review the Delaware State Energy Code every three years for potential updates to the most recent versions of the IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1.

History

May 11, 2014	The 2012 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2010 become effective statewide.
November 10, 2011	As a direct result of BCAP’s DOE-funded Compliance Planning Assistance (CPA) Program, the Delaware Division of Energy and Climate convenes the first meeting of the Delaware Energy Code Coalition. Made up of a diverse group of state and local stakeholders, the Coalition will be responsible for advising on energy code implementation, infrastructure, and updates, as well as carrying out the tasks necessary to ensure greater compliance with the energy code. The coalition’s formation was one of the major recommendations developed by BCAP in its Delaware Gap Analysis Report.
July 2010	The 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 become effective statewide. The Delaware Energy Office (DEO) partners with BCAP and Newport Ventures to offer six code training sessions throughout the state in May and June.
July 2009	Delaware passes Senate Bill 59, mandating the adoption and enforcement of the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 statewide. Enforcement is currently the responsibility of local jurisdictions, but the Delaware Energy Office is currently drafting rules to broaden the state’s role in assisting in the implementation.
July 2004	The state adopts the 2000 IECC for new residential dwellings of three stories or less in height. For all other buildings, the 2000 IECC and its 2001 supplement (with its reference to ASHRAE 90.1-1999) are in effect.
1995	State Bill 83 adopts the 1993 Model Energy Code (MEC) statewide.
1979	The Delaware legislature passes Senate Bill 321, which establishes a minimum code for energy conservation. The legislation provides that no county or municipality may adopt a building or plumbing code that contradicts the energy requirements of the Model Code for Energy Conservation in New Building Construction (MCEC), a model code based on ASHRAE/IES 90-1975.

Contacts

Crystal Nagyiski
Energy Efficiency Program Manager
Division of Energy and Climate
Email: crystal.nagyiski@state.de.us

Bahareh van Boekhold
Sustainable Building and Community Planner
Division of Energy and Climate
Email: Bahareh.VanBoekhold@state.de.us

Carolyn Sarno Goldthwaite
Senior Program Manager
High Performance Buildings
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP)
Email: cgoldthwaite@neep.org

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Cosimina

Cosimina has been a member of BCAP for over a decade, actively contributing to the organization’s nationally acclaimed initiatives aimed at assisting states and local authorities in the establishment and enforcement of robust and efficient building energy codes. Her involvement spans across advocacy, technical guidance, outreach programs, and the formation of strategic coalitions.