Purpose

• The bill changes how Minnesota handles building and energy codes. It updates the process for adopting model codes, sets long-term energy-reduction targets for commercial and residential codes, and requires reporting on progress. It also adjusts rules around code administration, plan review fees, and when new energy codes are reviewed and adopted.

Main Provisions

• Code framework and administration
  • The commissioner must establish a code of standards for construction and related matters (structure, design, fire protection, health, sanitation, safety, heat loss control, illumination, climate control). It also covers code administration, including procedures for penalties and revocation of certifications.
  • The code should align with model codes generally accepted in the United States and may reference statewide specialty codes. It should emphasize outcomes (results) over prescribing exact methods or materials.
  • The preparation and adoption of codes should consider scientific principles, approved tests, and professional judgment, and may use model codes by reference.
• Plan review and administration
  • The commissioner must develop rules for plan review fees for similar buildings without significant modifications, with fees reflecting direct and indirect costs.
  • The commissioner may use provisions for building systems in the industrial-modular program as defined in section 326B.194.
• Code update cycles and amendments
  • Starting with the 2018 edition, the commissioner must review new model building codes every six years and adopt them within two years, with amendments allowed before adoption to advance construction methods, technology, or materials, or to protect health, safety, and welfare or improve efficiency.
  • The commissioner acts on new model energy codes in line with federal law when the U.S. Department of Energy issues an affirmative determination. Amendments may be adopted before the new energy codes to advance construction or protect health and safety or improve efficiency.
• Commercial energy code targets
  • Beginning in 2024, the commissioner acts on the new model commercial energy code by adopting each new edition of ASHRAE 90.1 (or a more efficient standard).
  • From 2024 to 2036, the adopted commercial energy code must move toward an 80% reduction in annual net energy consumption relative to the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 baseline.
  • By 2036 and onward, the commercial energy code in effect must achieve that 80% reduction target; progress reports must be submitted to the relevant legislative committees by January 15 after each code adoption.
• Residential energy code targets
  • Beginning in 2026, the commissioner acts on the new model residential energy code by adopting each new edition of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or a more efficient standard.
  • By 2038 and onward, the residential energy code in effect must achieve a 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption relative to the 2006 IECC State Level Residential Codes Energy Use Index baseline.
  • From 2026 to 2038, the residential code must move toward the 70% reduction, with progress reports due to the legislative committees by January 15 after each code adoption.
• Utilities and programs
  • The bill clarifies that nothing in the energy code provisions limits a public utility from offering code support programs or counting energy savings from such programs in its energy conservation plans or optimization plans filed with the commissioner.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes explicit energy-reduction targets for new commercial (80% by and after 2036) and residential (70% by and after 2038) energy codes, using defined baselines.
• Institutes a formal, regular cycle for adopting updated model codes (every six years for building codes; ongoing consideration of new residential and commercial energy codes) with timelines to adopt amendments before new editions are finalized.
• Introduces mandatory progress reporting to legislative committees after each new code adoption.
• Sets rules for plan review fees tied to costs and clarifies alignment with industrial-modular provisions.
• Emphasizes performance-based outcomes and allows amendments to advance technology, methods, materials, or safety and efficiency, rather than requiring strict prescriptive compliance.

Implementation and Oversight

• The commissioner is responsible for administering and enforcing the updated code provisions.
• Reports on progress must be submitted to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the energy code.
• The process accommodates federal-law requirements for energy code adoption and allows amendments to address health, safety, welfare, and efficiency.

Relevant Terms - model building codes - ASHRAE 90.1 - International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) - residential energy code - commercial energy code - annual net energy consumption - energy code baseline - plan review fees - health, safety, welfare - construction codes advisory council - state adoption by reference - energy conservation and optimization plans - United States Department of Energy (DOE) - model codes by reference - energy efficiency - code amendments - public utility code support programs

Relevant Terms (inferred concepts) - building codes - energy efficiency standards - code adoption timelines - performance-based codes - code administration penalties and certification - energy code progress reporting