Agenda - Council - 02/08/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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While all cities must enforce certain codes such as the accessibility code and the bleacher safety code enforcement of the SBC remains a local option for cities outside of the seven -county metropolitan area with fewer than 2,500 people that did not adopt the code before Jan. 1, 2008. Requiring enforcement of the SBC by smaller cities in Greater Minnesota is cost -prohibitive for many cities, and would result in an unfunded mandated. While a single set of coordinated codes helps provide consistency in code administration and enforcement, implementation of sustainable building design, construction, and operation does not readily integrate with the existing state building and energy code system. As a result, many cities are interested in adopting an advanced energy building standard beyond the base statewide commercial code for the construction, reconstruction, and alteration of public and private commercial buildings. An advanced energy building standard would allow municipalities to require more energy efficient buildings, reducing the energy burden for building occupants and lowering overall greenhouse gas emissions. Response: A statewide -enforced building code may have benefits, but requiring it would result in an unfunded mandate. Enforcing the State Building Code should remain a local option for the municipalities that have not already adopted the Code, unless the state fully funds the costs of enforcement and inspection services necessary to enforce a statewide building code. If the Legislature requires all cities to enforce the State Building Code, local governments must have the option to hire or select a building official of their choice and set the appropriate level of service even if the 33 state fully funds code enforcement activities. The state should collaborate with local governments, construction industry representatives, and other stakeholders to review the building and energy codes and consider modifications to encourage sustainable building design, construction, and operation. Specifically: a) For purposes of federal conformity, the state should adopt the International Energy Conservation Code as part of the State Building Code. b) The Legislature should authorize cities to voluntarily adopt a uniform advanced energy building standard with stronger local standards for development and conservation that will help inform the baseline state code development process. SD-30. Building Officials Issue: There is a shortage of certified building officials in Minnesota. This shortage is particularly acute in Greater Minnesota where some cities have trouble finding certified building officials to perform inspections required by state law. Minnesota needs to hire a new generation of certified building officials, and must ensure that current officials have adequate training and opportunity to inspect a wide range of projects. The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has authority over state -licensed facilities and public buildings. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 326B.106, subd. 2, it must delegate authority to inspect projects on these buildings to a municipality if DLI determines that the municipality has