Beginning September 1, 2017, San Juan County will enforce the requirement of the Washington State Energy Code Section R403.7.1 for all new construction and major remodels.
Electric Resistance Zone Heated Units:
All detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) up to three stories in height above grade plane using electric zonal heating as the primary heat source shall install an inverter-driven ductless mini-split heat pump in the largest zone in the dwelling. Building permit drawings shall specify the heating equipment type and location of the heating system.
Exception: Total installed heating capacity of 2Kw per dwelling or less.
The good news is this requirement can be used to meet a 1 point credit towards meeting compliance, while also helping work toward the goal of reducing energy consumption in buildings by 70% by 2031.
Fred Schaller, Building Official