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The Idaho Building Code Board will conduct a public hearing regarding potential changes to rules concerning construction, electrical, and plumbing work. These revisions also encompass energy efficiency standards for both residential and commercial properties.
These amendments are in line with Gov. Brad Little’s “Zero-Based Regulation” initiative, aiming to eliminate "costly, ineffective, and outdated regulations." Recently, the energy efficiency standards have faced scrutiny from the Idaho Legislature, with many members doubting their relevance.
The Board has recently given unanimous approval for a draft on the suggested “zero-based regulation” alterations. Damon Woods, an expert from the University of Idaho, perceives these changes as less significant compared to the more substantial modifications that were previously suggested and later shelved. Last year's suggestions were notably criticized by entities like the City of Boise.
This year, the Board's revisions focus solely on modifications made when the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code was implemented in 2021. One notable amendment is related to the “blower door test,” a diagnostic procedure measuring air leakage in homes. Currently, every fifth new home must undergo this test, but the new proposal allows a choice between this test and a visual air sealing inspection. This modification aims to aid rural communities struggling to find professionals for the test.
While aiming for state-wide consistency, the new proposal might counteract some previously stringent standards. For instance, the City of Boise had mandated air leakage tests for all new constructions. Still, the Legislature revoked these standards in the last session. Damon Woods expressed concerns about the omission of mandatory blower door tests, as leaky constructions might not be instantly recognizable. This might result in increased energy bills, primarily affecting renters.
Following public hearings and Board approval, the Legislature will review these proposed changes in their next session.
Several key points and themes emerge from the article:
These amendments are in line with Gov. Brad Little’s “Zero-Based Regulation” initiative, aiming to eliminate "costly, ineffective, and outdated regulations." Recently, the energy efficiency standards have faced scrutiny from the Idaho Legislature, with many members doubting their relevance.
The Board has recently given unanimous approval for a draft on the suggested “zero-based regulation” alterations. Damon Woods, an expert from the University of Idaho, perceives these changes as less significant compared to the more substantial modifications that were previously suggested and later shelved. Last year's suggestions were notably criticized by entities like the City of Boise.
This year, the Board's revisions focus solely on modifications made when the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code was implemented in 2021. One notable amendment is related to the “blower door test,” a diagnostic procedure measuring air leakage in homes. Currently, every fifth new home must undergo this test, but the new proposal allows a choice between this test and a visual air sealing inspection. This modification aims to aid rural communities struggling to find professionals for the test.
While aiming for state-wide consistency, the new proposal might counteract some previously stringent standards. For instance, the City of Boise had mandated air leakage tests for all new constructions. Still, the Legislature revoked these standards in the last session. Damon Woods expressed concerns about the omission of mandatory blower door tests, as leaky constructions might not be instantly recognizable. This might result in increased energy bills, primarily affecting renters.
Following public hearings and Board approval, the Legislature will review these proposed changes in their next session.
Several key points and themes emerge from the article:
- Regulatory Review: The Building Code Board is examining regulations with an emphasis on making them more streamlined and efficient, specifically focusing on regulations tied to the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code that Idaho adopted in 2021.
- Energy Efficiency Standards: There's a tension between the need for energy efficiency and the perceived burden of certain regulations. The Idaho Legislature has been scrutinizing the current standards, with some questioning their importance.
- Specific Changes: The article touches on a specific change concerning the "blower door test," which measures air leakage in homes. The new proposal offers more flexibility, allowing for either this test or a visual inspection. This change seems to cater to the needs of rural communities, where it might be hard to find professionals to conduct the blower door test.
- Potential Impacts: While there's a push for simplifying and streamlining regulations, there are concerns about the potential negative effects. For instance, homes might be built with more air leakage, leading to higher energy bills and potentially impacting renters the most.
- Local vs. State Regulation: The article highlights the dynamics between state-wide standards and local regulations. The City of Boise, for instance, had stricter standards in place, which the state Legislature overturned.
- Public Participation: The changes are still in the proposal phase and will undergo public hearings, illustrating the democratic process in action, allowing for public input before any final decisions are made.
