Minnesota Session Laws - 2000, Regular Session

                            CHAPTER 407-S.F.No. 3259 
                  An act relating to the state building code; providing 
                  for certain energy code rules to remain in effect; 
                  changing code requirements; requiring a report. 
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 
           Section 1.  [16B.617] [ENERGY CODE RULES REMAIN IN EFFECT.] 
           (a) Notwithstanding Laws 1999, chapter 135, section 9, 
        Minnesota Rules, chapter 7670, does not expire on April 15, 
        2000, but remains in effect for residential buildings not 
        covered by Minnesota Rules, chapter 7676.  The provisions of 
        Minnesota Rules, chapter 7670, that apply to category 1 
        buildings govern new, detached single one- and two-family R-3 
        occupancy residential buildings.  All new, detached single one- 
        and two-family R-3 occupancy buildings subject to Minnesota 
        Rules, chapter 7670, submitting an application for a building 
        permit after April 14, 2000, must meet the requirements for 
        category 1 buildings, as set out in Minnesota Rules, chapter 
        7670.  All new detached single one- and two-family R-3 occupancy 
        buildings having fuel burning equipment using nonsolid fuels for 
        space heating, service water heating, or hearth products must 
        install direct vent, power vent, or sealed combustion 
        equipment.  All new detached single one- and two-family R-3 
        occupancy buildings must have a mechanical ventilation system 
        which replaces, by direct or indirect means, air from habitable 
        rooms with outdoor air.  If any single exhaust device over 300 
        cubic feet per minute is installed, sealed combustion space 
        heating equipment or an alternative make-up air source must be 
        used. 
           (b) As an alternative to compliance with paragraph (a), 
        compliance with Minnesota Rules, chapters 7672 and 7674, is 
        optional for a contractor or owner. 
           (c) The department of administration, building codes and 
        standards division (BCSD), shall issue a report to the 
        legislature by December 1, 2001, addressing the cost benefit, as 
        well as air quality, building durability, moisture, enforcement, 
        enforceability, and liability regarding implementation of 
        Minnesota Rules, chapters 7670, 7672, and 7674.  The report must 
        include a feasibility study of establishing new criteria for 
        category 2 detached single one- and two-family R-3 occupancy 
        buildings that are energy efficient, enforceable, and provide 
        sufficient nonmechanical ventilation or permeability for a home 
        to maintain good air quality, building durability, and adequate 
        release of moisture. 
           Sec. 2.  [EFFECTIVE DATE.] 
           Section 1 is effective the day following final enactment. 
           Presented to the governor April 11, 2000 
           Signed by the governor April 13, 2000, 4:39 p.m.