Code Changes Are Coming!
November 23, 2009Local governments throughout the St. Louis region are moving toward adoption of updated residential construction codes of various kinds. There is a group of members with HBA staff support attempting to have reasonable outcomes with these numerous code adoption processes. Keep in mind there are maybe a dozen codes when you consider that codes—which are generally promulgated every three years—could be adopted that are of the 2003, 2006 or 2009 genre. There often is a benefit to not adopting the most recently available (untested) codes—at least not unless amendments are approved to remove and adjust untested code provisions.
Add to that the fact that each code “cycle” includes a building code, a plumbing code, an electrical code and other specialty codes and the ultimate clincher—each of the 200+ local governments in the St. Louis region can add or subtract to the codes with its unique amendments if it so chooses and you get the idea of how time consuming and difficult it is to stay abreast of code adoption that impacts the building industry in our region.
In addition to the codes just mentioned, there is the International Energy Efficiency Code (IECC) which is emerging in more discussions. The HBA committee analysis of the 2009 IECC will add between approximately $9,650 and $16,850 (depending on home size, number of windows, etc.) to the cost of a typical new home compared to the 2006 code version. The difference in the 2009 vs. 2006 plumbing code is a mere $150, or slightly more. The newest electrical code ranges from $1,166 to $3,920 in more cost per home compared to is prior version. And the 2009 IRC building code adds from $11,177 to $27,025 more to a new home’s cost.
Add these together and the grand total is between $22,143 and $47,945 in new costs from government code regulations in the model documents—prior to any consideration of amendments by the 200+ local governments. The HBA already has succeeded in many discussions with local governments that have resulted in outcomes that have reduced the cost impact of the new codes in some jurisdictions by many thousands of dollars. Much more work remains to be done by your HBA in an effort to have codes which provide for public health and safety yet are free from special interest efforts to have their products mandated in the model codes whether justified or not.
Affordability is a very real issue that is often not understood or appreciated by government regulators. Millions of Americans cannot afford safe, decent housing. And a mere $1,000 increase in the cost of the typical new home prices out 246,000 households nationwide from being able to afford that home, according to national experts.
The demand for new housing will grow strong again. But it is important that it be made not only as safe as can reasonably be expected but also as affordable as can be achieved so that the great American Dream of home ownership remains within reach of as many people as possible. The HBA is working to achieve this balance for the mutual benefit of home buyers, home builders and all who earn a living through the construction industry.
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Posted by sullivanp