Statewide Energy Code Legislation Filed in Senate

Senator Joan Bray (D-St. Louis County) filed Senate Bill 745 that would establish a statewide energy code. SB 745 requires by August 28, 2011, the Department of Natural Resources establish the Missouri Uniform Building Energy Code, which are statewide energy standards for building construction and renovation. The standards must conform with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Under this bill, all buildings constructed or renovated in Missouri must comply with the Missouri Uniform Building Energy Code. Local governments must adopt the code within 120 days of its development or within 120 days of any update to the code. Local governments may enact energy requirements that are more stringent than the statewide requirements. Municipalities that issue building permits, or that have building inspectors, are responsible for ensuring compliance with the act. In areas of the state where no building permits are issued, designers and builders must submit a certification to the Department of Natural Resources ensuring compliance with the act and the Department may inspect buildings in those areas. Work may be stopped and occupancy permits may be revoked for buildings not found by the Department to be in compliance with the act.

The Department of Natural Resources must review the Missouri Uniform Building Energy Code within 9 months of any updates to the ASHRAE 90.1 or IECC standards, or at least once every 3 years, and must keep the Missouri Energy Code updated. The Department must also coordinate training on the code requirements for local governments, building inspectors, designers and builders and must conduct public information efforts for residential and commercial users. The Department may charge a fee for its costs to administer the act’s provisions.

The HBA of Greater Springfield and the HBA of Missouri members will be talking with State Representatives and Senators about our concerns with this bill on February 23 when we travel to Jefferson City for our Legislative Day. Transportation is provided via bus for our builder members. This event is complimentary for builder, remodeler and developer members. Want to join your fellow members on the bus? Call Jennifer at 881-3711 or email jennifer@springfieldhba.com. Not a builder member but you would like to join us on the bus and support our advocacy efforts? Sponsors at the $250 and above level receive a seat(s) on the bus. Download sponsorship options by clicking here.