Energy Code Update Stalled in Kansas City

Kansas City Looks to Revise Energy Building Codes

Kansas City, Mo. – The anticipated revision to the city’s energy building codes has come to a pause as the City Council voted to _**hold off**_ on the new regulations. This decision comes in response to concerns from various stakeholders, including home builders and environmental advocates, who are eager to understand the implications of the proposed changes.

Background on the Code Changes

In September 2023, Kansas City implemented a set of new building codes aimed at promoting energy conservation and enhancing livability within newly constructed homes. This initiative was recognized as a step forward in improving the overall quality and environmental impact of residential buildings. Shortly afterward, however, builders raised the idea of adding a new compliance pathway that would allow more flexibility in meeting the energy standards.

Builders Seek Additional Compliance Pathway

The _**Home Builders Association**_ suggested a “fourth pathway” which they believed would clarify that a home’s performance was of utmost priority. According to Will Ruder, the Executive VP of the association, this adjustment aimed to preserve the original intent of the energy code while offering builders better options to comply.

City Council’s Decision to Pause

Despite ongoing discussions to form a consensus, the City Council decided to remove the ordinance from the agenda. Many involved in the process doubt that the Council will revisit it anytime soon. _**Jeremy Knoll**_, the Director of Sustainability and Climate Action KC, voiced support for the Council’s decision, asserting that existing compliance pathways adequately met the necessary standards.

The Impact on Builders and Residents

Builders argue that the stalled changes could hinder the approval process for new permits, potentially increasing costs and deterring construction efforts in a region already facing significant housing demand. Ruder pointed out a stark example in the northland where two developments were initiated just months apart, with one experiencing significant progress while the other, subject to the new codes, is lagging behind.

Future Considerations for Kansas City

Despite criticisms, advocates like Knoll argue that the learning curve associated with new codes is vital for achieving the city’s environmental targets. Notably, neither Missouri nor Kansas has state-wide energy building codes, which can make the implementation of local standards more complicated.

Conclusion

The future of Kansas City’s building codes remains uncertain as stakeholders await clarity on the next steps. As both the builders and environmental advocates continue to express their concerns, it’s clear that the conversation around energy efficiency in construction is far from over.