SBCC accepts preliminary cost‑benefit analyses for mechanical and plumbing code proposals

SBCC staff presented preliminary cost‑benefit analyses (CBAs) for the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) package of 2024 proposals and the council voted to accept the documents and direct staff to include them in CR‑102 filings as appropriate.

Brandon (staff analyst) said the reports apply a consistent template and legend to flag net positive, neutral and (where identified) negative impacts; most proposals in the IMC/UPC drafts were characterized as neutral or positive based on construction and operational considerations. Brandon highlighted examples such as aligning refrigerant-draft requirements with ASHRAE 15, where estimated piping-run savings of $1,000–$2,000 per run per floor were used as illustrative project cost savings while noting the lack of robust small‑business input for many proposals.

Council members praised the improved format as better meeting Regulatory Fairness Act requirements and providing a clear summary for public review. Several members asked staff to expand stakeholder outreach to collect small‑business cost inputs when possible; staff said listening sessions and open tag meetings were used but additional surveys and clearer proposal submission guidelines will be explored for future cycles.

The council voted to accept the IMC preliminary CBA (motion by Ben O'Meara, second Tom Young) and later accepted the UPC preliminary CBA (motion by Ben O'Meara, second Tom Handy). Both motions carried. Staff will make the documents publicly available and include links with CR‑102 filings rather than embedding the full reports in filings to avoid code-adviser page-length limits.