CATT A LOG July 2012

JULY 2012

CATT-A-LOG • THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS OF CATT

Cinco de Mayo Mixer

a great way to kick off the building season

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n May 2, CATT members, candidates running for elected office, and neighbors of Epic AV Automation filled Epic’s facility on Business Park Drive in Truckee for two hours of great Mexican food, music, a cupcake tower, salsa bar (courtesy of the Remodel Committee), margaritas out a machine, and a silent auction to benefit CATT Community Project. Attendees could play a poker game where cards were traded to get “winning hands” and winners got raffle tickets. It didn’t take long for CATT members to master this networking game, with some members playing four or five hands to gain lots of tickets!

» New member Zarko ilic (Zanat Construction) with his wife Natasha and baby daughter

Big thanks to Scott Ruzich with Epic AV Automation for hosting this mixer! Thanks also to our food & drink sponsors: Tahoe Insurance Group • Aspen Developers • Kelly Brothers Painting, Inc. • Simpson Strong-Tie • Bobby Jones Concrete • Craftsmen in Wood, Mfg. • Meridian Concrete • Cake Tahoe • Epic AV Automation • True Green Roofing Systems • Abel’s Landscape Maintenance • MTI Tile & Stone • Nevada Drywall, Stucco & Stone, Inc. • Bratt Brothers Construction, Inc.

And Thanks to our Raffle Donors: Sierra Heritage/At Home Magazine • Simpson Strong-Tie • Larkspur Hotel & Restaurants • DiNallo Designs • Sierra Sun & North Lake Tahoe Bonanza Newspapers • Epic AV Automation • Ferguson Enterprises • Truckee Tahoe Stone Care

Cinco de Mayo Mixer

Front Cover

Placer County Perspective on CalGreen & Fireplaces

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CATT Calendar

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Board Meeting Dates

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CalGreen & Fireplaces

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Ted Owens (Nevada County Supervisor and Owens Consulting Group) and Jeff Ridgel (The Office Boss) compare hands Membership Chairman Gary Crosswhite (L) and Mixer Chairman Michael Ellis (middle) give flowers to Deb Kelly in appreciation for all her help to the Membership Committee – and yes, Gary and Michael are wearing sombreros « CA State Assembly candidate Brian Dahle (L) talking with CATT Board Member Ted Reviglio (R)

Concrete Washout

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Placer County/Tahoe Building D ivision Moves to New Tahoe City Offices 4

Capitol Connection Q & A for Contractors

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Town of Truckee Building & Safety Division Website

Classified Ads

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Welcome New Members/CATT Stats 8

Q&A for Contractors see page 6

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CATT Calendar

PLACER COUNTY PERSPECTIVE

(All meetings at the CATT office unless otherwise noted)

on CALGreen & Fireplaces

by Tim Wegner, Placer County Chief Building Official

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ommunities around the State and Nation continue to pursue and reduce demands for natural resources, striving to diminish carbon footprints and similar negative environmental impacts to both indoor and outdoor environments. Sustainable efforts to reduce such negative impacts on the environment are multifaceted reaching into most every element of life. While efforts to reduce negative impacts can at times be challenging, stretching our imagination and business practices, it’s the State’s new reality in creating an environment that will keep us going. For this reason, the State of California continues to enact legislation mandating certain standards complimenting these environmental needs.

We here in California have experienced a bit more construction industry change over the past few years than other States in the Nation. During this time, the State of California has mandated upgrades to the State energy standards; mandated requirements for residential fire sprinklers in new homes; and mandated an entirely new “green” code for any new buildings and structures. Both the “green” code, better known as “CALGreen”, and the residential fire sprinkler requirements went into effect January 1, 2011.

The 2010 CALGreen code was adopted by the State in effort to “improve public health, safety, and general welfare through enhancement of design and construction of buildings using building concepts reducing negative impacts or having positive environmental impacts and encouraging sustainable construction practices” (CALGreen §101.2).

While CALGreen establishes standards for a multitude of construction elements, the State of California simply requires the enforcement of the mandatory provisions (CALGreen §301.1) unless the local authority specifically adopts the voluntary provisions (CALGreen §101.7). The County of Placer elected not to adopted voluntary provisions of CALGreen. Consequently, the County is required to enforce no more than the mandated provisions found in the code.

Since the adoption of CALGreen, Placer County received no complaints with the implementation of CALGreen until recent concerns with fireplaces were identified. CALGreen specifically addresses residential and non-residential fireplaces. Fireplaces are to be as follows for new buildings and structures:

July 2 4 10 12 16 19 24 August 1 6 9 16 20

Board Meeting CATT Office closed for Independence Day Holiday Orientation for Prospective, New & Existing Members Christmas Holiday Party Committee Meeting Local Government Affairs Committee Meeting Remodeling Committee Meeting Chamber MIXER hosted by CATT Membership Committee Meeting Board Meeting Christmas Holiday Party Committee Meeting Remodeling Committee Meeting Local Government Affairs Committee Meeting

CATT BOARD MEETINGS Monday, July 2, 5 pm Monday, August 6, 5 pm CATT Office, 12313 Soaring Way, Suite 1G, Truckee Call the office 530-550-9999 for details or to get the agenda

Residential 2010 CALGreen Code, Division 4.5-Environmental Quality, Section 4.503-Fireplaces, reads: 4.503.1 General. Any installed gas fireplace shall be direct-vent sealedcombustion type. Any installed woodstove or pellet stove shall comply with US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Phase II emission limits where applicable. Woodstoves, pelletstoves and fireplaces shall also comply with applicable local ordinances.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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CALGreen & Fireplaces

by Tom Just, Mountain Home Center

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ALGreen mandates took affect on January 1, 2011. CALGreen is California’s first green building standards code and a first-in-thenation state-mandated green building code. These mandatory measures are increasingly being enforced and as they relate to fireplaces are being checked for compliance at both the Placer County Building Depts and the Town of Truckee. The code reads: 4.503.1 Any installed gas fireplace shall be a direct-vent sealed combustion type. Any installed woodstove or pellet stove shall comply with US EPA Phase II emission levels where applicable.

Woodstoves, Pellet stove and fireplaces shall also comply with applicable local ordinances.

This eliminates open-burning gas fireplaces- whether masonry construction or ZC (factory built) metal construction. Open- burning wood fireplaces, which have never been EPA Phase II, have been eliminated prior to these Cal Green mandates. If you have approved plans that specify a non-compliant fireplace we are being told that you are fine to build it. If your approved plans called for a direct-vent sealed combustion type gas fireplace, and you were planning on changing it to the open-burning type we recommend contacting your building department for clarification and approval.

So why has California created these fireplace mandates: two reasons, indoor air quality and improved energy efficiency. Direct vent fireplaces are sealed from the homes inside air. Combustion air enters from the outside and is directed into the firebox. Combustion by-products are exhausted via the same flue system, with no chance of contaminating inside air. With sealed combustion technology, conditioned (heated) air can not escape thru the fireplace during times of operation and also during times of non operation. This also eliminates cold make up air from entering the home, making the home more energy efficient. Interestingly enough, there is a large spectrum in the efficiency of allowed fireplaces and Cal Green allows any direct-vent fireplace, even those whose efficiency is as low as 40%.

There is also a wide spectrum of looks available with compliant gas fireplaces, from linear contemporary to traditional, from large to very small.

It’s clear that many homeowners, designers and architects desire the feel and ambiance of an open-burning fireplace, however whether one likes the new mandates or not, it is clear that open-burning fireplaces are going away. Fireplace manufacturers are getting more creative in producing direct-vent fireplaces that fool the eye and give more and more the feeling of open-burning fireplaces. But yes, they will all be sealed combustion fireplaces with sealed glass fronts.

You can contact Tom at 530-587-6681 or thomasj@mountainhomecenter.com.

Placer County’s Community Development Resource Agency (Planning and Building), Environmental Health, and the County Executive Office have relocated to a county-owned building in Tahoe City. The new office is at 775 North Lake Blvd., in the building known as the Customs House. Phone numbers for the Building and Planning Divisions have not changed.

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Town of Truckee Building & Safety Division Website

Concrete Washout

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ashing concrete trucks and concrete pumping equipment onto the ground can harm fish, aquatic environments and the ground water.This equipment needs to be washed into specially designated washout receptors or be taken back to the concrete plant to be filtered or used.

Concrete and cement products contain calcium, aluminum, silicon and other toxic metals. It is caustic and corrosive. If not handled properly, it can leave the site, enter waterways, cause harm to fish and aquatic environments, inhibit plant growth and pollute ground water supplies.

If a concrete washout area is used, the washout area shall be 100% waterproof. On small projects such as a single family dwelling this may include a site built frame lined with plastic or a small plastic wading pool. Equipment shall be washed into this or a similar receptor and water shall be allowed to evaporate. The hardened, cured concrete can then be broken up and properly disposed of. Other building materials that include Portland cement such as mortar, stucco and plaster shall be disposed of in a similar manner.

Please assure that concrete wash off material is properly disposed of from your project. For more information, please visit, http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/concretewashout. pdf. If you have questions or comments, please contact Town of Truckee Chief Building Official Michael Lavallee at 530-582-2905.

ver this past winter the Building and Safety Division has made additions and improvements to its website. The website can be viewed at www.townoftruckee.com; select Building and Safety under Departments.

New web pages include: Commercial Project Information that provides helpful links for new commercial projects, a Green Building Code page which provides guidance and many necessary forms for new building construction, a Residential Fire Sprinklers page that details code and submittal requirements for single family and duplex fire sprinkler construction projects, and a Tenant Improvement page that provides submittal and permitting requirements for new TI projects.

An accessibility webpage is coming in late May which will explain the historic development of access codes and the differences between state and federal requirements. The Wildland Urban Interface web page has been updated with 2010 California Building Code information. And lastly, the Residential Energy Standards page has been updated with links to all forms that are needed at plan review and during construction.

Our goal is to provide permit applicants, residents and business owners with information to help with their projects. Check out the new and updated web pages. We welcome feedback. Please contact Chief Building Official Michael Lavallee with feedback on the new website, comments or questions at 530-582-2905.

PLACER COUNTY PERSPECTIVE ON CALGREEN & FIREPLACES continued from page 3

Non-residential 2010 CALGreen Code, Division 5.5-Environmental Quality, Section 5.503, Fireplaces, reads: 5.503.1 General. Install only a direct-vent sealed-combustion gas or sealed wood-burning fireplace, or sealed woodstove or pellet stove, and refer to residential requirements in California Energy Code, Tile 24, Part 6 Subchapter 7, Section 150. Woodstoves, pellet stoves and fireplaces shall comply with applicable local ordinances.

5.503.1.1 Woodstoves. Woodstoves and pellet stoves shall comply with U.S. EPA Phase II emission limits.

Recent concerns have been raised regarding gas fireplaces in Placer County. These trepidations are mostly due to the new CALGreen requirement for gas fireplaces to be direct vent with sealed combustion chambers.

Previously, open door gas fireplaces were acceptable and offered a “real fire” ambience. Indoor air quality is potentially impacted when the door is open where the direct-vent fireplaces pull outside air to assist in combustion.

This air and any byproduct (fumes) are then directly vented to the outside.

Contaminated air and any unused fuel cannot escape the sealed fireplace and therefore cannot contaminate the quality of the indoor air.

Additional benefits of direct-vent, sealed combustion chamber, fireplaces include energy efficiency. Direct-vent fireplaces can be found www.ca-tt.com

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to operate nearly 90 percent efficient and, in some cases, provide up to 40,000 BTU. While CALGreen is silent with respect to wood-burning fireplaces, the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) has adopted specific regulations pertaining to wood burning appliances. Commencing January 1, 2009 any new installation of wood burning fireplaces, woodstoves, or similar wood burning appliances must meet or exceed EPA Phase II standards. Beginning January 1, 2012 all types of installations, new or replacement, must meet EPA Phase II regulations. Residential properties utilizing wood burning appliances may have more than one if the property-wide emissions do not exceed 7.5g/hr­—the current EPA Phase II standard. You may obtain a list of EPA certified wood burning appliances by visiting the EPA’s website: http://www.epa.gov/Compliance/resources/ publications/monitoring/caa/woodstoves/certifiedwood.pdf.

How does this affect you as a resident or business owner in Placer County? If you are expanding your structure or building a new structure and the project scope includes a fireplace, woodstove, or gas fireplace, then both CALGreen and Air Pollution Control District regulations apply.

So what can you install today? Direct-vent gas fireplace with sealed combustion chambers, pellet stoves, or EPA Phase II wood stove, or EPA Phase II wood-burning fireplaces will comply with local APCD ordinances and CALGreen.

For more information and to view the CALGreen code in its entirety, please visit our web page and click on our building codes link: http://www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/CommunityDevelopment/Building/ Building_Codes.aspx.

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CAPITOL CONNECTION

Q&A for Contractors

by Shauna Krause & David Kalb, Capitol Services, Inc.

A contractor with a California license looking over the borderlines for business discovers things aren’t always as simple as rumored but having good tools makes the job easier. Another contractor walks a fine line to stay out of ‘hot water’ in Nevada, but we begin with a contractor who must make some ‘true’ or false choices…

Q: I need your help with a Nevada License to install boilers. I am currently a licensed HVAC (“C-20”) contractor in CA. From doing a little research, I have found that the equivalent classification is a “C-21” in Nevada. However, I’ve been speaking with an inspector in Nevada who tells me that I cannot install boilers with the “C-21” class and that I would need to also obtain a “C-1a” (Boilers) license. Is that true?

A: Thanks for your question. If you’re installing boilers for the purpose of heating, or raising a room’s temperature, then the “C-21” will cover you. The statute reads: “The installation, repair, service and maintenance of equipment, devices, machinery, units and related ductwork which use evaporation, refrigeration, boilers or combustion for the control of air temperatures in structures where people live, work or assemble....”

Q: I work for a large company that has several sister companies. I am currently the Qualifier on my company’s “B” (General Building) license in AZ. My company has requested that I become the Qualifier on our sister company’s Arizona license which is a “C-30” (Finish carpentry). Can I do that and if so, will I be able to waive the exam since I have a General Building license?

A: First of all, Arizona will only allow you to be on more than one license at the same time if one of the following is true: (a) You (the Qualifier) own at least 25% of

each company that you are licensing, or (b) One licensee owns at least 25% of the other licensee. The fact that the two companies have the same parent company is not enough to satisfy the requirement. Secondly, you will be required to take the “C-30” exam, even though you currently hold a ‘B’ license.

Q: I’m an electrical contractor and I have a license here in CA. One of my customers has requested that I do some work for them in the Tahoe area. My understanding is that there’s a reciprocal agreement between CA and NV that allows me to work in NV if I have a license in CA. Is there anything else I need to do to start work, such as obtaining a business license?

A: While many contractors believe that the reciprocal agreement between California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah allows them to use one license in any of those four States, it isn’t quite that simple. When doing work in another State, you’re required to obtain a license specific to that State. The agreement generally allows you to qualify for a trade waiver, if you have been licensed for 5 out of the last 7 years in one of these reciprocal States. You’re still required to take and pass the Management exam and go through their application process. Unfortunately, not all classifications are reciprocal. For instance, Nevada and California do not reciprocate for Electrical, Plumbing, or Fire Protection. So as an Electrical contractor you would be required to take the trade exams and show the necessary experience qualification. Reciprocity is a great opportunity for contractors but like all ‘tools’ does require some effort to make it work.

Because all four referenced States have different requirements, please contact each state directly or contact Capitol Services for an assessment of your specific contractor’s licensing situation.

While knowledge is power, knowing where to go for the answers is half the battle. Get expert assistance immediately when you call 866-443-0657, email info@cutredtape.com, or write us at Capitol Services, Inc., 1225 8th St. Ste. 580, Sacramento, CA 95814. Research past columns at www.cutredtape.com.

CLASSIFIED ADS FOR SALE 800 SF white oak plank 5/8”x11 1/2”; S4S glue-up; Premium

material—Beautiful solid floor material; $4,000; $5/square foot! OBO. (105) Units 4” THERMASHEATH fixed to 5/8 OSB structural roof panel (nailable base roof panel) with R Value of 25.7; $7,600. Light Fixtures: Hinkley Outdoor sconces; very good condition; size: 8” high x 12 3/4” wide; qty 6 @ $90 each OBO. Uttermost Marcel Light drum 12.5” high x 16.6” diameter metal mesh shade; qty 1 @ $160 OBO. Bruck LED Sconce; Bronze finish with white opal and mesh; qty 2 @ $80 each OBO. 1x10 Rough Sawn C & better Cedar 1,500 SF; make offer for all or part. Items can be seen at 10603 East River Street in Truckee or call 530-587-4000.

FOR SALE Fully improved residential building lots on Timberline View Court/Mt.

Rose Highway, Reno NV: APN 04907049 @ 7.34 acres, MLS# 120002275, $345,000 and APN 04907047 @ 1.90 acres, MLS# 120002276, CURRENTLY $119,000. Seller may carry & subordinate—terms negotiable. Best views in Reno. Call or email Rick Dyess, 775-742-4609, rick@sierraheritage.com.

FOR SALE Various items: 100 Linear feet JAX roof edge scaffold system (w/LVL

planks, braces) $975. 5 pump jacks /braces $175. 3 propane mushroom heaters $50 each. 3 propane OPD tanks 30 lbs. $25 each. Rigid portable miter saw stand $75. Drill press 1/2 hp (5/8”) 64” tall $110. Fostoria portable electric job site heater 220v 10k watts $270. “Construction” door jamb protectors $5 each. Contact Bob Archer 530-308-2366 or genbuild@sbcglobal.net.

FOR SALE Lowest priced Lot in BIG SPRINGS $339,000. Level, all Day Sun, Views of Northstar. Owner will carry on approved credit for 5% interest. Call, text, or email Mitch@MitchClarin.com or 530-308-9124.

FOR SALE 20 RAYCORE panels, size 4x8x104-5/8”x 3-1/2” thick, 720 SF, perfect

for insulating above an open beam ceiling. Panels are made with 2x4 studs and injected with polyurethane foam, r-value R-26. Regular cost is $2952 plus shipping, discounted to $2612 with free shipping for CATT members only! Go to www.raycore.com to find out more about this product. Call Paul @ Mt. Lincoln Construction 530-582-8174.

FOR RENT Gradall. 45 FT reach with truss boom and 1 yard bucket. Great for backfill. For questions and rental price, please call 530-567-5150.

FOR SALE Reduced price! Glenshire Lot $48,000. .41 acres in cul-de-sac, 10319

Eton Place, Truckee. Gentle upslope, HOA pool & tennis courts. Call 530-448-9874 to discuss finance options.

FOR SALE #1 5/8” x 24” all heart Redwood taper-sawn shakes. Random width.

5 BND = SQ@10” exp. 239 BND available. $43.34 cost per BND + tax. Call Jim @ Washoe Building Supply 775-691-9633.

FOR SALE Redwood siding. Square edged redwood siding available in 4”, 6”, 8”,

FOR SALE Hickory hardwood flooring. $2.99 per SF. 5” x 1/2”, hand scraped. While supply lasts. Call Tamara at 530.272.2100.

10”, or 12” widths and lengths up to 20 feet for $7-9/board foot. This full 1” thick recycled green building material is resawn from salvaged old-growth redwood logs. Contact Pam at info@ YankinsReclaimedWood.com or 530-587-3700.

FOR SALE Pettibone C 450 LIFT with 38 ft. reach. 4WD Cummins diesel. Rebuilt

FOR SALE Equipment, tools, lawn tractor, snow blowers, generator, pressure

Boom. Excellent condition. Make Offer. Call Jim at 775.831.5624.

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washer, trash pump, underground line locator, tigersaw. Also hand tools of all descriptions, ladders rolling scaffold and aluminum plank. Office equipment and furniture. Any reasonable offer considered. Call Mike for details 530-414-1446. |

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Pella.

Creating a Better View.

We build beautiful, energy-efficient windows and doors with meaningful details that matter every day.

INCREDIBLE

CONTRACTOR’S MATCH This property in Kings Beach could be the perfect fit because it has an office, yard, and living quarters all inclusive.

SERVING THE TRUCKEE/TAHOE AREA

The asking price is $550,000.

Call Jason Hooper

Andy Otto

775-750-2275

DRE#: 01076423

(530) 587-1163 www.resortcommercial.com www.ca-tt.com

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STANDARD US POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT# 15 TRUCKEE, CA

12313 Soaring Way, Suite 1G Truckee, CA 96161 (Located across the street from Truckee Town Hall)

Address Correction Requested

Ph: 530-550-9999 | Fx: 530-550-9998 info@ca-tt.com | www.ca-tt.com

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Mike Pelletier, President Pell Plumbing & Son Michael Forshee, Vice-President Forshee Construction Gary Crosswhite, Secretary Meridian Concrete, Inc. Paul Griggs, Treasurer Griggs Custom Homes Tillio Olcese, Chairman Olcese Construction DIRECTORS Mitch Clarin, Mitchell T. Clarin Andrew Cross, Truckee-Tahoe Lumber Co. Ken Foster, K.B Foster Civil Engineering

CATT’s MISSION: To promote a positive business environment for the building and housing industry and enhance opportunities for its members and the community

Doug Gadow, Gary Davis Group Barry Lease, Incline Builders, Inc. Rich Loverde, Loverde Builders Mike Nethersole, MD Construction & Consulting Ted Reviglio, Western Nevada Supply Josh Root, Root of Design Electric Dennis Schlumpf, Dennis L. Schlumpf & Assoc.

STAFF Pat Davison, Executive Director Sonja Davis, Administrative Assistant/ Website Manager

This Newsletter is designed by

justimaginemktg.com This Newsletter is printed by The Real Graphic Source therealgraphicsource.com

FIND CATT ONLINE Scan here with your smartphone and visit us at www.ca-tt.com

Welcome New Members Gallagher Construction, Seamus Gallagher Timberline Construction, Christian Edwards Novello Custom Building & Remodeling, John Novello Zanat Construction, Zarko ilic Alpine Homes Design & Construction, Inc., Eric Efthimiou Conco Pumping, Art Fink Alpenglow General Engineering, Inc., Scott R. Schield Parkhill Paint Décor, Inc., Andrew Parkhill Villager Nursery, Inc., Sarah Trebilcock Creative Design Interiors of Nevada LLC, Craig Bender Red Horse Fenestration, Inc., Dan Mullins Cemex, Colin Gates Tahoe City Lumber Co., Michael Morrissey Truckee Tahoe Stone Care, Gerald Wallace Hood Firepit Enclosures, LLC, Chuck Hood Molsby & Bordner, LLP, Rich Molsby DiNallo Designs, Elisa DiNallo Fidelity National Title Insurance, Debbie Sajdak Canyon Springs of Truckee, Chip Huck ID.3 - Interior Design, Shannon Barter Front and Bridge, LLC, Sally Brinkerhoff GP Martin Photography, Greg Martin Builders Magazine, Rachelle Goodness Reamer Construction, Eric Reamer

CATT Stats

General Contractors 71 Sub-Contractors: 88 Associates/Suppliers: 56 Professionals: 63 Organizations 7 Retired 1 Total 286