Court’s decision is a victory for all Minnesotans who are looking to buy a new home
ROSEVILLE, MN (October 13, 2015)– The MN Court of Appeals released its decision Tuesday in the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) v. Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) case regarding the appropriateness of the sprinkler mandate. The court ruled, “DLI failed to establish a record supporting the 4,500 sq. ft. threshold for sprinklers as required by Minnesota law, invalidating the sprinkler mandate.”
“Today’s decision is a victory for all Minnesotans who are looking to buy a new home,” said BATC Executive Director David Siegel. “The sprinkler mandate was unnecessarily impacting the housing market and home ownership access for thousands of Minnesotans.”
The Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) filed a petition to the Minnesota Court of Appeals earlier this year to challenge the appropriateness of the Department of Labor and Industry’s (DLI) rules creating amendments to Minnesota’s International Residential Code (IRC). BATC’s petition argued that the sprinkler rule exceeded the rulemaking authority granted under Minnesota law.
Despite overwhelming public opposition and multiple legislative votes over the last five years to block the sprinkler mandate, Governor Dayton and DLI moved ahead this year to require expensive indoor sprinkler systems in many new homes.
“Safety is the highest priority of Minnesota builders, and we are proud that new homes in Minnesota are among the safest in the nation. The sprinkler mandate would not have changed that safety record, but it would have made homes more expensive for Minnesota families,” said Siegel. “The Court’s decision to invalidate the sprinkler rule confirms what the public, legislature, and code experts have overwhelmingly stated all along, the sprinkler mandate is arbitrary and not supported.”
Joining BATC’s appeal as amicus curiae was the Builders Association of Minnesota, the Minnesota Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Homebuilders with Franklin Kottschade, a Rochester, MN area real estate developer.
Read full decision here.
The Builders Association of the Twin Cities is the leading voice for builders and remodelers. BATC represents over 1,100 builders, remodelers, developers and industry suppliers with a mission of helping its members grow their businesses through marketing, advocacy and industry connections. BATC is known for its twice-a-year signature events: The Parade of HomesSM and Remodelers Showcase®, plus the annual Artisan Home Tour® of high-end residences. In addition, BATC offers Minnesota’s Green Path, a growing new home and remodeling energy tested and certification program providing healthy, durable, energy-efficient homes to buyers and homeowners.