• The new building code is in effect, but we're currently working to delay the implementation through legal action. See details below.
   
• Our BATC President has a favorite event! To find out which one and why? Watch the video below.
   
• Week three of the 2015 legislative session was a busy one! Check out what you need to know below.
   
• What happened in Vegas? Didn't say there! BATC got pumped up for the future of our industry. Read more about IBS below.
   
• Honor our Foundation volunteers! Register for the February 24th Recognition Luncheon at the Golden Valley Country Club today. KARE 11's Belinda Jensen will be our guest speaker!
   
• Need workers? Reserve a booth at this year's 3rd Annual BATC Job and Career Fair at MOA!

Because the Department of Labor and Industry has denied BATC’s request to stay (delay) enforcement of the building and energy codes pending the outcome of the present legal challenge, BATC has filed a motion for a stay with the Minnesota Court of Appeals.  Earlier this week, BATC filed its Petition with the Minnesota Court of Appeals challenging DLI’s rules creating amendments to Minnesota’s International Residential Code (IRC) and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Here’s what BATC members need to know:

- There are two elements to BATC’s petition. The first deals with the substance of the code, which could be altered or sent back to DLI for amendments. The second element addresses the timing of the code, where we’ve asked for a delay of enforcement of the codes until the Court of Appeals has resolved the main petition dealing with the specific code requirements.

- BATC hopes to get a response from the Court of Appeals on the code delay portion within the next three weeks, but the timeline is not precise. As of this writing the effective dates for the code remain January 24, 2015 for the building code and February 14, 2015 for the energy code.

- In addition to this Court petition, BATC continues to work with a bi-partisan group of legislators who are committed to helping resolve these code issues at the Capitol.

BATC will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

If you have any questions, call or email James Vagle at 651-697-7578.

Our phones have been ringing! With the new code taking effect and the suit filed Friday, the media calls have been flying in! Our past president, Shawn Nelson has been quoted all over the Twin Cities on the topic. Here's a look at some of the coverage. 

KSTP:
Sprinkler Mandate Now in Effect >>

Star Tribune:
Twin Cities home builders sue state over new building/energy codes >>
Upcoming Changes to the Minnesota State Building Code >>

Bring Me the News:
Builders seek delay in new home fire sprinkler rule >>

In week three of the legislative session we saw the pace pick up as bills are now on the move.

Here’s what you need to know:

1.  BATC Fighting Proposed Attorneys Fee Bill – On Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee tabled a bill (SF104) that would award attorney fees ONLY to homeowners and not contractors, even if they are the prevailing party. The bill could be brought up again in the next week or two.

2.  BATC Issues Demand Letter to DLI for Delay of Sprinkler Mandate and Energy Code – BATC has requested that the MN Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) delay implementation and enforcement of the residential sprinkler mandate and Energy Code.

3.  Code Delay and Development Bill Introduced – SF 201 was introduced this week by Sen. John Pederson (R-St. Cloud). BATC supports the bill which aims to delay the current energy code, while creating several long-term structural reforms to improve the code. It also would require a full 12-month implementation period for any new code. Finally, the bill would require that the code be made available at no cost to the public. The bill has not been scheduled for hearing but is expected to be heard in the near future.

4.  Builder Day at the Capitol – Join us on February 18th for the Builder Day at the Capitol! Watch: BATC President Chris Contreras would like to personally invite you to attend.

Read more >>

While Contreras loves all BATC events, Builder Day at the Capitol is his favorite! Watch the video above to find out why and then register to join us on February 18th, for a fun day engaging with our state's leaders in St. Paul. 

The energy at IBS this year was more optimisitic than ever! Official attendance for IBS was 55,237, which was 8 percent higher than last year’s show. More than 1,200 exhibitors filled 478,000 square feet of space with everything from the latest in kitchen and bath design, to millwork and marketing services.

We had a great first day of BATC-U Continuing Edication! With more than 40+ courses, there's plenty more fun to be had. Classes run through March. Sign-up today!

New Building/Energy Code Course
Due to popular demand, we've added one more class on Friday, January 23, 8 am-Noon @ BATC.
More than 500 people have attended this course! Be prepared for the new code changes and sign-up now!

Complete your NAHB CAPS Designation at BATC-U

The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to compete in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place. Register for individual days OR all three, March 17, 18 & 19. Remember, CAPS courses have limited space so please sign up quickly!

What Do These Business Have in Common?

All Sons' Exteriors, Inc. • AMEK Custom Builders, Inc. • American Workshop • Brush Masters • Dakota County Lumber Company • Industrial Door Co., Inc. • Iron River Construction • JL Schwieters Bldg. Supply/Construction, Inc. • JNS Builders, LLC • Lyman Companies • Pella Windows & Doors • Plekkenpol Builders, Inc. • Practical Systems • Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co. • Solid • Synergy Products, LLC. • Tradesmen International, Inc.

They are all participating in the BATC Job & Career Fair, February 19th at the Mall of America Rotunda. There are still a few tables available. Don't miss out on this opportunity to find your next great hire at one of America's top venues! To sign up your business, please click here >>

It's going to be a spectacular Artisan Home Tour! Bruce Knutson of Bruce Knutson Architects, Gabriel Keller of Peterssen/Keller Architecture and Frank Roffers of Artful Living Magazine participating in the Artisan Home Tour Architectural Review Panel.

January 29
BATC-U Continuing Education [Register]
February 3
BATC-U: Lead Refresher Course [Register]
February 5 - 10 - 17
BATC-U Continuing Education [Register]
February 18
Builder Day at the Capitol [Register]
February 19
Job and Career Fair at Mall of America [Get a Booth]
February 24
Foundation Annual Recognition Lunch with Belinda Jensen [Register]
February 28 - March 29
Parade of Homes
March 27 - 29
Remodelers Showcase
April 2
Builders and Remodelers Show [Register]
July 9
Mid-Year Residential Outlook Breakfast [Register]

For a complete list of events, visit our website at WWW.BATC.ORG.