Questions about code (aka "dinged" by the City)

So I just got my first response from the city regarding my build (room within a room in a detached garage).

The Man wrote:

1. Interior spaces intended for human occupancy shall be provided with active or passive space-heating systems capable of maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 68F at a point 3 feet above floor on the design heating day. The installation of portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance. Please identify the heat source for this space. 2. .....also the walls and ceiling shall have the vapor barrier (typically paper back insulation) installed on the warm side. Please show these requirements on the plan.

OK....so first, what exactly is the difference between 'passive' and 'active' heat?? And, in your esteemed opinion(s) what would be the cheapest way to achieve this? Also, I think I'm finally grokking the whole vapor barrier thing but, of course, that was for a real, plastic vapor barrier. If they want paper backing, how would I draw that? Something along these lines (see image below)? Also, I've got the backing in the correct place, right?? In all honesty, the advice from the city has been anything but earth-shattering and, so far, nothing more than a major hassle in terms of the drawings, meetings with people who clearly don't have any idea as to what sound-proofing really means, and huge time-suck (HUGE!!!). My advice for anyone with a sufficient amount of construction abilities, math skills for calculating loads, and has read Rod's book and scoured these forums religiously is to for forego the legalities. I just don't see the benefit. Sorry Sharward. :wink:

I agree that there may be persons in place of respect that do not deserve it, but the task can be a burden. Witness the typical person who wants to draw up a diagram, with no credentials, expecting to get this drawing passed :) When you draw a vapor retarder (what they and you refer to as a vapor barrier) it is a simple line with an arrow and ballooned text that reads "Vapor Retarder". This is not a slam on you friend, but is a bit of support for those dumb asses that do have to deal with more idiots on a day to day basis, than we might have thought :

Yes. I understand the reason for it. Just ranting a bit..... Now..... Any advice as to the bit about the heat? To be honest, I didn't see this one coming at all.

Now..... Any advice as to the bit about the heat?

How were you planning to handle HVAC? I guess with a mini-split system? If so, then just specify one that cools AND ALSO heats. Many models do. Surely that would be acceptable under code? It's the same as having a heat pump, basically. Can't see why that would not fit the bill. - Stuart -

Soundman2020 wrote:

Now..... Any advice as to the bit about the heat?

How were you planning to handle HVAC? I guess with a mini-split system? If so, then just specify one that cools AND ALSO heats. Many models do. Surely that would be acceptable under code? It's the same as having a heat pump, basically. Can't see why that would not fit the bill. - Stuart -

I have a 384 cfm exhaust and a passive supply. I was under the impression that a mini split does not recycle fresh air. I'll start my research post haste.

I was under the impression that a mini split does not recycle fresh air.

It doesn't (or rather, most don't), but we aren't talking about fresh air here: I understood the issue was heating the room, not ventilating it. Just to clarify: you need BOTH ventilation AND cooling/heating. It's not an either/or situation: you need both. Ventilation won't cool the room (or heat it) very much. It just bring in fresh air and takes out stale air, but that's all it does. The mini-split wont ventilate the room: It just cools it (or heats it, as the case may be), and equally important, it dehumidifies. That's why the entire concept is called HVAC: Heating - Ventilation - Air-Conditioning. You need to do all of those, not just some. - Stuart -

"OK....so first, what exactly is the difference between 'passive' and 'active' heat?? " It is the difference between radiating and fan forced.