The Seattle Department of Planning and Development produces Client Assistant Memos (CAMs) to provide guidance to users on the intent of the Code and how to comply with its requirements. For energy-related CAMs, the application and a summary are provided below. DPD is in the process of updating these CAMs to the 2006 Seattle Energy Code.
The CAMs are listed in numerical order. The CAMs in the 400 series address energy and/or mechanical topics. Most are energy-related. There are also several CAMs in the 300 series that contain text or drawings with energy information.
Regarding application, Energy Code requirements are subdivided by occupancy type. Chapters 1-10 of the Energy Code contain the requirements for Group R occupancy (single family, multi-family, hotel and motel guest rooms, both low-rise and high-rise) and are referred to as the Residential Energy Code. Chapters 11-15 contain the requirements for all other occupancies and are referred to as the Nonresidential Energy Code. Reference Standard (RS) 29 contains requirements that are only applicable to detailed computer analysis.
- CAM 303 - Applicant Responsibilities and Plan Requirements for Single Family and Two Unit Dwelling Units
- CAM 303A - Common Single Family and Duplex Building Code Items
- CAM 316 - Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) Permits
- CAM 403 - NFRC Glazing U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
- CAM 404 - True Seven-Day Programmable Thermostats
- CAM 405 - Energy Efficient Lighting Equipment
- CAM 406 - Outdoor Air Quality in the Puget Sound Area and the Implications for Building Ventilation Systems
- CAM 415 - Applicant Responsibilities and Plan Requirements for Mechanical Permits
- CAM 417 - Sun Chart: Determination of Solar Exposure
- CAM 419 - Commissioning for Nonresidential Mechanical and Lighting Systems
CAM 303
- Applicant Responsibilities and Plan Requirements for Single Family and Two Unit Dwelling Units
Application: Residential nergy Code (but Figures 4 and 7 are useful examples for Nonresidential Energy Code applications as well)
Summary: Provides summary of information necessary for building permit applications. Building section (Figure 4) shows details required for insulation and glazing. Contains sample glazing and opaque door schedule (Figure 7).
CAM 303A
- Common Single Family and Duplex Building Code Items
Application: Residential Energy Code
Summary: Contains copies of insulation and glazing requirements for both the prescriptive compliance option (Tables 6-1 and 6-2) and the Target UA performance compliance option (Table 5-1). Lists information to be included on drawings.
CAM 316
- Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) Permits
Application: Residential Energy Code
Summary: Indicates that prescriptive compliance option must be used to qualify for a STFI permit. Notes that the total glazing area, after alteration, cannot exceed 15% of the floor area. Notes that all alterations must also improve the overall energy efficiency of the structure. Contains acceptable rules of thumb for offsetting the heat loss due to increasing the glazing area PROVIDED the total glazing area does not end up exceeding the limits above. Contains copies of insulation and glazing requirements for the prescriptive compliance option (Table 6-1).
CAM 403
- NFRC Glazing U-factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
Application: Residential Energy Code and Nonresidential Energy Code
Summary: Provides a summary of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) procedure for rating, certification, and labeling of the U-factor for glazing as required by the Energy Code. Contains information on how to obtain a copy of the NFRC Certified Products Directory which lists the U-factors for tens of thousands of products and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and Visible Light Transmittance. Contains sample glazing and opaque door schedule. Lists information to be included on drawings. For more information about NFRC, see the website for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
CAM 404
- True Seven-Day Programmable Thermostats
Application: Nonresidential Energy Code
Summary: Summarizes the requirements for true seven day programmable thermostats. Notes that weekday-weekend (5-2) or weekday-Saturday- Sunday (5-1-1) thermostats do not comply with these requirements. Contains a list of manufacturers and model numbers for complying thermostats. Lists information to be included on drawings.
CAM 405
- Energy Efficient Lighting Equipment
Application: Nonresidential Energy Code (but information is useful for Residential projects)
Summary: Printed version provides a summary of changes in lighting technology, lists information to be included on drawings, and provides lists developed by the Seattle Lighting Design Lab of some energy efficient lighting equipment. For the latest information on energy efficient lighting equipment, see the website for the Lighting Design Lab.
CAM 406
- Outdoor Air Quality in the Puget Sound Area and the Implications for Building Ventilation Systems
Application: Residential Energy Code and Nonresidential Energy Code
Summary: Summarizes areas of concern for outdoor air quality in the Seattle area (carbon monoxide, ozone, and particulates). Provides recommendations from ASHRAE Standard 62-1989 for the location of outdoor air intakes, for filtering the air, and for the time of operation for the ventilation system. For information on ordering the latest version of the ASHRAE Standard 62, see the website for ASHRAE. For information on outdoor air quality in the Puget Sound area, see the websites for the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (formerly PSAPCA) and for the Washington State Department of Ecology, Air Quality Program.
CAM 415
- Applicant Responsibilities and Plan Requirements for Mechanical Permits
Application: Residential Energy Code and Nonresidential Energy Code
Summary: Provides summary of information necessary for mechanical permit applications. Sample plan shows notes for true seven-day programmable thermostats and duct insulation. Contains sample HVAC equipment schedules and fan equipment schedules noting energy efficiency information required.
CAM 417
- Sun Chart: Determination of Solar Exposure
Application: Residential Energy Code and Nonresidential Energy Code
Summary: Provides instructions on how to complete a sun chart to document assumptions on solar exposure used in Chapter 4 Building Design by Systems Analysis for Residential (Group R occupancy) spaces and RS-29 analysis for other than Group R occupancy. Includes a blank sun chart for 48 degrees North Latitude (Seattle).
CAM 419
- Commissioning for Nonresidential Mechanical and Lighting Systems
Application: Nonresidential Energy Code
Summary: Provides summary of requirements for record drawings, operating manuals and maintenance manuals, air and water system balancing, and commissioning for mechanical systems, and automatic controls commissioning for lighting systems. For information on the Essential Attributes of Building Commissioning, and Valuable Elements of Building Commissioning, see the website for the Building Commissioning Association. For commissioning overviews and case studies; downloadable versions of procedural guidelines, specifications, and functional tests; downloadable model commmissioning plan and guide specifications; and links to other sites with commissioning information and documents; see the website for the PECI.
Seattle DPD complete list of online CAMS
Summary: Contains number, title, and link to all the Seattle DPD Client Assistance Memos that are available electronically.
Sources of information on energy efficiency
Summary: Contains name, address, phone number, and link to sources of information on energy efficiency.
