HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/10/2018 Item 2, Ewan October 9, 2018
San Luis Obispo City Planning Commission
Palm Street
San Luis Obispo
Agenda Item #2—Zoning Regulations Amendments
Tiny Houses on Wheels
Commissioners,
Climate change is the result of decisions and actions we make on how much of and how we use the
world's natural resources.
The proposed Procedure Requirements for the director's acceptance of a THOW to be placed on a lot
within the city—8.b, does not provide for energy use regulation or certification.ANSI 119.2 or 119.5
requirements provide only for health and safety of the structure, not for even minimum levels of energy
efficiency.
The State of California has actively promoted energy efficiency for the built environment since 1983
through Title 24.Title 24 has been updated over the years to set the stage for our"net zero" built
environment, with the next update being the first to fully embrace and promote net zero homes.
The ANSI standards do not address this goal, leaving energy efficiency entirely to the builder of the Tine
Home on Wheels,without any guidelines or goals stated.This would be a giant step backwards in our
commitment to attaining a "net zero" community and our city's adopted Climate Action Plan.
There are minimum guidelines provided to the THOW industry by NOAH (National Organization of
Alternative Housing) which speak to building structure, insulation,ventilation and envelope sealing.
These are the organization's guidelines, not their requirements, nor the requirements of ANSI.
Before the city moves forward with the acceptance of THOW as full-time residences in our city,there
needs to be appropriate requirements that the structures be built to efficiency guidelines that at least
reflect our current T-24 standards for all residential buildings.
Not requiring energy features would be a rebuke of our City and State goals to build a "net zero"
community. Providing housing that is costly to heat, cool, light and environmentally damaging would be
inconsistent and discriminatory.
John Ewan
Title 24 Residential Energy Analyst
Pacific Energy Company
San Luis Obispo, CA