The owner would like to eliminate economizers on a few of the air handlers. Project is located in Climate Zone 3.

Are project teams required to include air economizers on the proposed air handling units? And if not, are we required to meet the cooling efficiency requirements of Table 6.3.2 of ASHRAE 90.1-2007?

EAp2 only requires project teams to adhere to the mandatory provisions of section 9.4 of ASHRAE 90.1, however section 6.3 address the requirement to include economizers. It allows project teams to eliminate economizers if the cooling efficiency meets the minimum EERs as outlined in table 6.3.2.

Any direction that can be provided is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.