News From SFAR: New rules for city remodels set for Aug. 1

The Santa Fe Association of Realtors recently hosted a presentation by Katherine Mortimer, sustainability programs manager in the citys Environmental Services Division, to learn more about the newly adopted City Residential Addition and Remodel Green Building Code.

The new code is part of an effort by the city to meet the 2030 Challenge, a U.S. Conference of Mayors agreement on climate change. The revisions were tailored to the climate of Northern New Mexico and designed to provide a number of benefits to homeowners, including lower operating costs, increased comfort, improved environmental quality, enhanced durability and less maintenance.

Two new chapters were added to the citys Land Use Code: Chapter 11 on large remodels and additions, and Chapter 12 covering small additions and complete kitchen, bathroom or basement remodels. The new chapters will go into effect Aug. 1.

Chapter 11 applies to remodels affecting 50 percent or more of the floor area and additions greater than 400 square feet. There are mandates in addition to points from sections similar to the point system required by the citys Green Building Code. Chapter 12 applies to small additions less than 400 square feet, complete bathroom, kitchen and basement remodels, and will add mandates for building thermal envelope, air sealing and insulation, recessed lighting, high-efficiency lighting, boiler supply piping, appliances, gas-fired equipment, solid-fuel-burning appliances, HVAC system protection, duct insulation, recycling, universal design elements, showerheads, faucets, water closets, radon control, flashing, ice barrier and architectural features.

At a public hearing, the Santa Fe Association of Realtors requested that the proposed Green Remodeling Code be postponed to allow for more time to engage homeowners and prepare a cost analysis. The association was concerned with the scope of the code.

While SFAR believes the principles behind the Green Remodeling Code are worthy, the housing market and our local economy in Santa Fe are still recovering. These new mandates might add financial burdens to homeowners already struggling to make ends meet when renovating their homes. We remain concerned that homeowners have not had the appropriate opportunity to weigh in on these new mandates to go into effect in less than three months. During the debate, several councilors acknowledged Realtor concerns and asked staff to provide an analysis on 10 remodeling projects before the code goes into effect. The association looks forward to seeing the analysis and encourages city homeowners to learn more about the new code by visiting http://www.santafenm.gov/greenbuildingcode.

Paco Arguello is chief executive of the Santa Fe Association of Realtors. Contact him at 982-8385 or paco@sfar.com.

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News From SFAR: New rules for city remodels set for Aug. 1