SF 201

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 08/14/2015 02:21pm

A bill for an act
relating to construction codes; adopting a six-year cycle for code adoption and a
12-month implementation period; requiring free copies of construction codes;
delaying the effective date of the International Residential Code; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 326B.106, subdivision 1, by adding a
subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 326B.106, subdivision 1, is amended to
read:

Subdivision 1.

Adoption of code.

new text begin (a) new text end Subject to sections 326B.101 to 326B.194,
the commissioner shall by rule and in consultation with the Construction Codes Advisory
Council establish a code of standards for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, and
repair of buildings, governing matters of structural materials, design and construction,
fire protection, health, sanitation, and safety, including design and construction standards
regarding heat loss control, illumination, and climate control. The code must also include
duties and responsibilities for code administration, including procedures for administrative
action, penalties, and suspension and revocation of certification. The code must conform
insofar as practicable to model building codes generally accepted and in use throughout
the United States, including a code for building conservation. In the preparation of the
code, consideration must be given to the existing statewide specialty codes presently in
use in the state. Model codes with necessary modifications and statewide specialty codes
may be adopted by reference. The code must be based on the application of scientific
principles, approved tests, and professional judgment. To the extent possible, the code
must be adopted in terms of desired results instead of the means of achieving those results,
avoiding wherever possible the incorporation of specifications of particular methods or
materials. To that end the code must encourage the use of new methods and new materials.
Except as otherwise provided in sections 326B.101 to 326B.194, the commissioner shall
administer and enforce the provisions of those sections.

new text begin (b) new text end The commissioner shall develop rules addressing the plan review fee assessed
to similar buildings without significant modifications including provisions for use of
building systems as specified in the industrial/modular program specified in section
326B.194. Additional plan review fees associated with similar plans must be based on
costs commensurate with the direct and indirect costs of the service.

new text begin (c) The commissioner shall adopt updates to the code on a six-year cycle. Upon
adoption of a code, the commissioner shall provide a 12-month implementation period
prior to enforcement.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 326B.106, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1a. new text end

new text begin Copies of the code. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall provide copies of the code to
the public without charge, including the amended model codes adopted by reference.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE; DELAYED EFFECTIVE
DATE.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Rules, chapter 1309, adopted finally in volume 39, page 91, of the State
Register (39 SR 91), July 28, 2014, is effective July 24, 2015.
new text end