The HBA’s Regulatory Advocacy Committee recently met with the City of Springfield, City Utilities and Greene County to discuss code adoption, building regulations and other emerging issues and updates. The City of Springfield provided updates regarding its progress with the electronic plan submission system, e-plans , the availability of recycled water from the city, the establishment of a Green Building Task Force (HBA will be represented by staff and builder member Jason Bekebrede), and the Stormwater Task Force which will be looking at funding mandated improvements since the sales tax collection from the ’06 ballot initiative which had been funding improvements is completed.
The County is moving forward with 2012 code adoption plans and is likely to make most of the amendments discussed with the HBA including keeping the 2006 Energy Code requirements, rather than adopting the 2012 requirements. The NAHB Research Center estimates the additional average cost of compliance with just those new 2012 energy requirements would be approximately $7,034 per home. The Greene County Highway Department staff provided some overview of updates to its Access Management Policy. View the draft working copy with comments and changes by clicking here. If you have comments or questions, please contact Tom Blakemore at 829-6509.
CU provided an update regarding the water shortage issue and emergency conservation plan. Mike DeLong discussed CU’s option to purchase additional water from Lake Stockton as a long-term water source for the area. They have been paying for that option and ultimately will need to invest approximately $10 million in an upgraded pumping station to access the additional water. As well, CU management recently presented additional information about the emergency water plan phases and rate structure with the HBA board.
The group discussed a request to consider allowing/reimbursing the builder/developer to rebuild the sidewalk (after it has to be removed for utility installation), so that there are not timing issues with the re-installation of sidewalks. This option holds some potential and further discussion will be pursued.
If you have questions or comments regarding regulatory advocacy issues, please contact HBA Government Affairs Specialist Jennifer McClure at 838-1456.