Why Do These Maine Businesses Support the Majority Report on LD 2257, "An Act to Adopt the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code?

Associated General Contractors, Mattson Development,
Maine Chapter of the American Institute of Architects,
Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Maine,
Niemann Capital, The Retail Lumber Dealers Association of Maine

1. Promotes Economic Development.
   The Majority Report of LD 2257 will promote economic development by providing Maine builders and developers with a uniform and predictable building code. Currently, builders are subject to a variety of differing codes - which frequently change at the Town line. This hodgepodge of codes discourages economic development - by creating a complicated system which discourages developers and builders.
2. Saves Money for Maine Businesses
   Under the current system, Maine businesses are forced to expend time and resources deciphering and complying with the hodgepodge of Maine codes. Compliance is expensive - and time consuming - and ultimately costs Maine businesses (and consumers) valuable resources. A statewide uniform code would provide predictability - and consistently across the state - and ultimately save money for both consumers and developers.
3. Strengthens Maine's Business Climate
   Maine has consistently struggled to improve its business climate. The Portland Press Herald recently editorialized that passage of a statewide code (with mandatory enforcement) "will help developers do their work." (PPH, March 25, 2008) Adoption of a uniform code will signal that Maine is serious about helping Maine businesses compete and succeed in these difficult economic times.

Why Must the Statewide Code Be Enforced?

Without Enforcement, the Codes Won't Be Effective. In order for a statewide uniform building code to be effective, it must be enforced. Optional enforcement does not provide the consistency and predictability needed by Maine business - and does not provide assurance that builders will be operating on a level playing field (enforcement with statewide training assures that consistency).

"Making the enforcement mandatory not only will improve safety, but it will keep practices consistent across the state, and that will help developers do their work." (PPH Editorial, March 25, 2008)