ISSUE 6 | DEC 27 2021
Permits PLUS
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Published six times per year, Permits Plus aims to provide a concise report on building permit numbers and a timely update on Association advocacy efforts.
FOR YOUR CALENDAR Jan. 13 CPR & First Aid Jan. 20 Power Limited Technician Continuing Education Jan. 25 Minnesota Building Contractor Continuing Education Jan. 27 New Year Celebration pg 10 Feb. 10 Giving Hearts Day: Please remember Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation Feb. 17 Minnesota Building Contractor Continuing Education Feb. 25-27 RRV Home & Garden Show May 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 Spring Parade of Homes Visit the calendar at hbafm.com to register.
Fargo tables energy code amendments
Currently in a code adoption cycle, Fargo’s Board of Appeals considered potential changes at its Dec. 16 meeting. Over the last few months, HBA of F-M prioritized amendments to the city’s energy code with a subcommittee of members assessing them. After hearing a presentation of the changes by city staff, the Board of Appeals directed Fargo Department of Inspections to formally evaluate which conservation techniques and equipment are best suited and effective in the local area. Further action has been tabled until metro area data can be accumulated and evaluated. This is because Board of Appeals members do not want to neglect a “common sense” approach to the energy code changes which include blower door testing and new HVAC load calculations. HBA plans to host education on the code changes in conjunction with the city of Fargo in March. HBA of F-M’s Public Issues Committee created its subcommittee earlier this fall to evaluate proposed amendments to building and related codes, advise the Association’s board of directors about what will best serve the industry and meet with city inspectors as representatives of the Association.
HBA meets with Horace zoning consultants
The city of Horace has been growing rapidly and demand for homes is unlikely to slow down. This expansion has required the city to significantly change its land use and zoning criteria. This is an opportunity for the city to grow effectively and for HBA of F-M to be a valuable resource to members and Horace city leaders. The city has enlisted engineering firm Giffels-Webster to advise the transition and invited HBA members to a second in-person meeting with project consultants and city administrator Brenton Holper. The consultants shared their ideas and existing analysis and openly accepted input from local builders and developers. HBA leaders appreciate the invitation and conversation and will continue working as a resource to the city and ambassador for builders.
Statewide inspectors attend HBA roundtable
Top electrical inspections authorities in Minnesota, North Dakota and Fargo assembled with 20 in-person and multiple online members to discuss the current electrical code, anticipated changes and ideas for how home builders can adapt. This friendly event was moderated by Public Issues Committee Chair Elliot Steinbrink, Studio West Homes. It included insights and clarifications about residential and commercial charging of electrical vehicles, code clarification and interstate perspective and comparisons. Those on the panel included: Minnesota: Dean Hunter, Department of Labor and Industry chief electrical inspector and Lowell Bradbury, district 10 representative; North Dakota: James Schmidt, State Electrical Board executive director and Scott Halle, training and compliance administrator; Fargo: Shawn Ouradnik, inspections director and Chad Lemar, electrical inspector. A video recording is available for $15. Contact the HBA at (701) 232-5846. Update continued on back page
HBA OF F-M + 1802 32ND AVE S + FARGO ND 58103 + (701) 232-5846 + HBAFM.COM + INFO@HBAFM.COM