Last week, a new building code Technical Advisory Group (TAG) tasked with reviewing legislative proposals affecting the state building code met for the first time.
During the TAG meeting, a bipartisan group of Minnesota Legislators presented legislation they intend to seek to pass during the 2022 Legislative Session. Housing First Minnesota’s advocacy team has worked closely with each of these legislators on their legislative proposals.
Sen. Rich Draheim, chair of the Senate Housing Committee, presented his energy code payback provision, requiring a five-year payback on any new residential energy code and mandating DLI receive legislative approval for a new residential energy code before the 2026 code cycle.
Sen. Mark Koran presented a bill changing residential building permit fees for new construction to square-footage-based instead of valuation-based permitting. This bill is aimed at ending building permit overcharges by Minnesota municipalities.
Rep. Steve Elkins presented his comprehensive housing affordability bill, which has several overlaps with the state building code including a 30-year energy code payback requirement, valuation-based building permits, and explicit prohibitions on garage and aesthetic mandates via PUDs.
Unlike other TAGs, this group is looking to guide the proposed legislation’s language, not recommend changes to the state building code. The TAG will also meet on Nov. 23 and Dec. 7.
Nick Erickson, director of research and regulatory affairs for Housing First Minnesota is one of the TAG members.
