BIA Advocacy Update

MN Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner agrees to utilize the full 270-day statutory window for the Residential Energy Code

Building Industry Association of the RRV signed on to a letter including Housing First Minnesota, Rochester Area Builders, Central Minnesota Builders Association, Builders Association of Minnesota, MidMinnesota Builders Association, and Northern Minnesota Builders Association requesting that the department utilize the full 270-day window between adoption and enforcement of the new residential energy code. The letter argued that the full window is needed to ensure proper training for inspectors, to mitigate permitting delays and other issues that may arise by not receiving proper training.

Commissioner Blissenbach of the department replied, recognizing the significant changes in the code and that it will take the full window to ensure adequate training and preparation. 

We appreciate Commissioner Blissenbach's response, and the department's willingness to collaborate. 

View her response here.

MN Department of Labor and Industry Spring Seminar

The department is hosting a spring seminar in Detroit Lakes on April 8. It includes 7 hours of continuing education, including 1 hour on energy code. 

It will focus on upcoming changes to the Minnesota Residential Building Code, highlighting new provisions and Minnesota-specific amendments to the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC).

Register via the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry: Event registration page. Once you click the link, select “more” next to the 2026 Spring Seminar (the top Line), and you can register for the class you'd like to attend.

Fargo LDC Code Connect from March 5

If you missed the last code connect, click here to view the recording of the meeting and access the slides here.

BIA is working with the city on coordinating a meeting with builder and developer members to discuss recent information shared on the upcoming draft LDC. If you review the links above and have comments or specific questions you'd like asked, please contact Elizabeth Kosel at elizabeth@buildrrv.org or (701) 232-5846.

They outlined the top 10 substantial changes as the following: 

1. Block & Lot Structure

Smaller block sizes are encouraged to improve walkability, connectivity and accessibility within new development areas.

2. Street Types & Dimensions

Street types are clearly defined by right-of-way widths and required streetscape components to ensure consistency in the public realm.

3. Streetscape Standards

Standards specify expectations for street trees, lighting, furnishing zones, and pedestrian spaces to achieve higher-quality, more predictable streetscapes.

4. Garages & Driveway Standards

New standards minimize the visual dominance of garages and driveways.

For example, for front load garages, it may not exceed 50% of the primary facade. For courtyard and side load garages, the doors must face the side yard and cannot face the street lot line and not exceed 75% of the width of the primary facade.

5. Transitions & Screening

Updated requirements help ensure compatible transitions between differing building scales and intensities across adjacent lots, including landscape screening.

6. Parking Requirements & Lot Design

A single consolidated table and clear graphic standards streamline minimum parking requirements and improve parking lot layout guidance.

7. Building Form Standards

Each zoning district includes a simplified “building form spread” outlining setbacks, massing, entrances, and related form standards to create predictable built environments.

8. Density

Density is no longer measured by units per acre. Instead, it is tied directly to units per lot, with maximum lot coverage, height limits, and minimum lot size forming a “buildable box.”

9. Historic Preservation (RH‑H District)

A new Residential House Heritage district replaces historic overlays, providing detailed standards (roof pitch, openings, garage placement, chimneys, skylights) to protect historic character.

10. Signage Standards

All sign types include clear graphics, dimensional tables, and standardized layouts, ensuring consistency and easier interpretation for applicants and reviewers.

Building Industry Connect featured Downtown Moorhead Inc.

BIA-RRV was joined by Downtown Moorhead Inc.’s President & CEO, Matt Leiseth this monthfor Building Industry Connect! Members enjoyed getting to know Matt, hearing about Moorhead’s downtown revitalization efforts, learning about the exciting projects ahead for 2026 and beyond and discussing the important role commercial growth plays in strengthening our community.

Thank you to our series sponsor, Cass County Electric Cooperative for their continued support.