Williston commissioners table proposed changes to 2024 energy code for legal review

Williston’s Director of Development Services, Mark Schneider, presented proposed changes to the city’s adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), saying several sections had proved difficult for architects and developers to meet and that the city had consulted other municipalities and the State Electrical Board in drafting the proposed withdrawal.

Schneider said developers had requested flexibility because some projects could not meet the new additional-efficiency, renewable and load-management requirements without installing solar or geothermal systems. He said the city used Fargo’s ordinance as an outline and had consulted the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and the State Electrical Board during the review.

Commissioner Clark and City Attorney Taylor Olson raised process concerns about whether the city must follow an administrative amendment process under state rules before withdrawing code sections. Clark asked for time to ensure the city would not expose itself to legal or procedural liability; Olson said he would review the matter. Clark moved to table the ordinance to the July 28 meeting; Johnson seconded. The motion carried 5–0.

By tabling, the commission gave staff and the city attorney time to confirm the proper amendment steps and to ensure compliance with state procedures before any local code revisions are adopted.