On Wednesday morning BATC will go to the Minnesota Court of Appeals to fight the unnecessary indoor homes sprinkler mandate and other amendments to the residential building code.
“This week’s court hearing is important for Minnesota’s homeowners. For every $1,000 in price increase for a home, another 2,000 potential buyers are priced out of the market. The DLI’s code overreach is unnecessarily impacting the housing market and home ownership access for thousands of Minnesotans. It is safe to say that the new code may create the largest regulatory tax on home buyers in Minnesota history.” – BATC Past President and Shawn Nelson.
The Background – Despite overwhelming public opposition and multiple legislative votes over the last five years to block the sprinkler mandate, DLI has moved ahead requiring expensive indoor sprinkler systems in many new homes. The mandate requires home indoor sprinklers to be placed in all single-family homes that are 4,500 total square feet and above. This threshold includes basements (finished or unfinished) and comprises up to 30 percent of all Minnesota new homes. BATC has estimated that the codes will add nearly $20,000 for a 4500 sq. ft. home (basement included).
Our Argument – BATC’s petition argues that the sprinkler rule and energy code exceed the rule making authority granted under Minnesota law. Read the brief here.
Our Partners – Joining BATC’s appeal as amicus curiae are the Builders Association of Minnesota, the Minnesota Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Homebuilders with Franklin Kottschade, a Rochester, MN area real estate developer.
What’s Next – We wait. It could take several months to hear back form the court of appeals on our case. BATC will keep you posted as soon as we have an answer, but you can also stay up to date on the case by subscribing to our weekly blog updates.
