BIA Advocacy Update
National Association of Home Builders requests feedback on International Residential Code
Members are encouraged to provide feedback by Friday, Nov. 14 by responding to this survey.
Below are some suggested areas in the IRC to comment on:
*Items are not listed in order of priority, rather numerically by IRC code section.
- Sec. R106 Construction Documents: Conditions across states and municipalities vary widely. The documents required for submission should be left up to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) rather than a model code development organization.
- Sec. R109 Inspections: Conditions across states and municipalities vary widely. The inspection requirements should be left up to the AHJ rather than a model code development organization.
- Sec. R306 Flood Resistant Construction: Several IRC provisions exceed the minimum construction standards of the National Flood Insurance Program. A comprehensive look at experience from flood events is needed to determine what is actually required especially in areas of shallow flooding.
- Sec. R309 Automatic Sprinkler Systems: Data has shown residential sprinkler mandates for new homes do not reduce fire fatalities, yet the significant costs (up to $30,000) are borne by homeowners and keep potential homebuyers in older, less safe housing.
- Sec. R316 Habitable Attics: To be constructed over a two-story dwelling or to provide one larger than one-third of the floor area below, the IRC requires these to be sprinklered.
- Sec. R602.10 Wall Bracing: These IRC provisions have become increasingly complicated as house plans become more complex while their use as an alternative to retaining a structural engineer remains desirable.
- Ch. 11 Energy Efficiency
- Complexity: The complexity of the new energy codes is becoming a barrier to design, construction, compliance, and enforcement.
- Insulation: Requirements for some assemblies in some climate zones are not cost effective. Select examples include R-20+5 walls in CZ 4&5, R-20 walls in CZ 3, and attic insulation across all climate zones.
- Additional Efficiency Requirements (Sec. N1108): DOE already sets minimum efficiency requirements for heating and cooling equipment based on extensive cost-effective analyses, but this compliance path pushes equipment that exceeds federal standards.
- Sec. E3902.21 Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Protection: Tens of millions of these devices have been installed since first being required in 2002, but despite their widespread use, they have not resulted in the intended reduction of electrical fires at a cost of $200 to $300 per home.
Please contact Gary Ehrlich, NAHB director of construction codes and standards, at gehrlich@nahb.org if you have any questions or need additional time to complete the survey. Please include the phrase “IRC Review Feedback” in the subject line of your email.
MN Construction Codes Advisory Council meeting: Friday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m.
They will hear updates from 2024 code cycle Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs), particularly on sections of the MN Residential Code and Residential Energy Code.
The CCAC is holding a special in-person (with WebEx/phone option) public meeting on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at 9 a.m., in the Minnesota Room, Department of Labor and Industry, 443 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155.
- Meeting materials can be found on the CCAC’s webpage.
- If you would like to address the CCAC during the open forum portion of the meeting, please complete the Open Forum Request Form and send it to lyndy.logan@state.mn.us at least one hour before the meeting.
Remote options:
- WebEx information can be found via the CCAC’s webpage.
- To participate by telephone, on the date and time listed above, call 1-855-282-6330 and enter: Access code 2499 725 7129 | Webinar password 1234
Recap of North Dakota Association of Builders meetings in Grand Forks
NDAB hosted its Annual Banquet at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks this year. Here are some highlights from the evening:
- Insights from National Association of Home Builders Chairman Buddy Hughes
- Celebrating our local leaders: Adam Olson, Allstar Construction (BIA President) and Bob Miller, Cass County Electric Cooperative (BIA Secretary), nominated for Builder and Associate Volunteers of the Year
- Joe Hillerson, Boulder Homes, Bismarck, named NDAB Builder of the Year, and our very own Bob Miller, honored as NDAB Associate of the Year
- Induction of Nate Applegren, Applegren Construction, as 2026 NDAB President and Adam Olson, Allstar Construction, BIA-RRV, as 2026 Treasurer
- Networking with industry leaders from across North Dakota
The visit also consisted of meetings of NDAB's Executive Committee, NDAB's Board of Directors and NDAB-PAC Trustees.
Above: Members and staff from BIA-RRV.
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