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Council adopts 2024 residential code with local amendments after debate on energy standards
Summary
After extended debate about energy-efficiency targets and stakeholder representation, the Council approved ordinance BC-3513 adopting the 2024 residential code with local amendments; some members urged adopting stronger HERS/ERI targets and criticized the stakeholder process.
The Overland Park City Council approved ordinance BC-3513 on June 15 to adopt the 2024 residential code with local amendments. The measure prompted a robust debate about energy-efficiency targets (ERI/HERS scores) and the stakeholder process that recommended the local amendments.
Jamie Kliesner, representing the Environmental Advisory Council during public comment, urged the Council to adopt a HERS score of 62 for homes under 2,500 square feet where Kansas law permits. “Therefore, the EAC is advocating for a HERS score of 62 as allowed by Kansas law,” Kliesner said, citing the council task force's mix of representation and urging stronger standards to align with the city’s sustainability goals.
Councilmember Healy argued the local amendment (target ERI scores of 63 and 68) weakens current standards and criticized the stakeholder mix: "75% of the stakeholder group for this residential code was associated with the Home Builders Association. Nobody on the group represented a resident perspective," Healy said, urging rejection of the watered-down recommendation. Council President Cheatham also announced she would vote no in committee and tonight, saying weaker adoption does not honor the city’s commitments to affordability and sustainability.
Staff and the Mayor responded that state legislation constrained some aspects of adoption for smaller homes and that staff relied on prior committee processes and legal parameters. After roll-call and brief procedural clarification, the ordinance was adopted by the Council as presented. No additional amendments to the HERS/ERI targets were adopted at the meeting.
