Issue 6 | Dec. 18, 2020
Permits Plus + A bi-monthly statistics and advocacy update for HBA of F-M members FOR YOUR CALENDAR Jan. 14 - Get On The Level: Legalities & Contracts
Jan. 21 - Minnesota Power Limited Technician Continuing Education
Jan. 26, Feb. 18 - Minnesota Building Contractor Continuing Education with Moorhead Building Official Jack Nyberg Feb. 4 - Selling High Performance Homes For 8% Premium March 17 - Feeling Lucky? Misfortunes Can Disrupt A Business
April 8 - What To Expect From A Roadside Inspection Visit the calendar at hbafm.com to register.
DID YOU KNOW? NAHB.org has free resources for members to help keep jobsites safe, manage your business and continue working as the global pandemic progresses.
Published six times per year in addition to the Plains Builder, Permits Plus aims to provide a concise report on building permit numbers and a timely update on Association advocacy efforts.
CDLs & The Homebuilding Industry
Questions surfaced in the past few months about road rules and driving regs involving commercial motor vehicles, commercial drivers’ licenses and rigs common to the homebuilding industry. Think: pick-ups towing dump trailers or small machinery. Log into the HBA’s members-only website at hbafm.com to access a recording with Minnesota State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspector Eric Sundby and printable materials addressing the questions you want answered.
Legislative Sessions Kick Off Jan. 5
HBA of F-M member volunteers and staff are engaged in preparing for the upcoming legislative sessions in both states. In North Dakota, there is a bill in the works requiring legislative approval of code changes and a $1 billion bonding proposal including workforce academy funding. Minnesota’s legislature will take up budget issues and HBA volunteers and staff are working with the city of Moorhead on legislation to promote code equity when constructing homes in border cities.
Big News About MN Energy Code
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry announced Dec. 9 that the Minnesota residential energy code will not change. HBA of F-M and Minnesota business organizations submitted written testimony at the administrative hearing. The judge then advised that all rulemaking should be postponed. HBA collaborated closely with Housing First of Minnesota which issued this statement.
Avoid COVID-19 Related OSHA Fines
HBA of F-M learned from member OECS OSHA + Environmental Compliance Systems that COVID-related fines by OSHA are happening, especially in Minnesota. They are not confined to the Twin Cities metro area. Visit the HBA of F-M’s members-only website to access links to help you be prepared.
HBA Calls On Horace To Avoid Antimonotony Ordinances HBA of F-M has submitted a letter to the Horace city council asking that antimonotony ordinances be disregarded. HBA recognizes how aesthetic and structural diversity does have value, but contends that as Horace grows, so does the risk that affordable housing will not be available to families the city needs. Antimonotony ordinances increase housing costs by requiring builders to make unnecessary yet costly changes. HBA is excited to continue being a resource to Horace as the city grows.
Election Success
HBA of F-M requested NDAB-PAC support for a total of 14 Cass County Commission and local legislative candidates in November. All requests were granted and 13 of the candidates were elected. HBA OF F-M + 1802 32ND AVE S + FARGO ND 58103 + (701) 232-5846 + HBAFM.COM + INFO@HBAFM.COM