The Kansas City, Missouri City Council has recently passed two ordinances, 260144 and 260137, that take steps to reduce barriers to new residential construction related to energy codes.
Since Kansas City adopted the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in 2023, KCRAR and the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City raised concerns that the energy code requirements increased costs, slowing development and limiting housing inventory. The passage of these two new ordinances address those concerns.
Ordinance 260144 makes targeted changes to the city’s residential energy code, which is based on the 2021 IECC. Local builders have cited challenges to development in the city due to portions of that code have proven costly, limiting project feasibility. This ordinance amends certain residential energy sections with the goal to support economic development, while maintaining basic energy‑efficiency standards.
Ordinance 260137 directs the City Manager to begin developing recommendations for adopting the 2024 International Code series, including the updated energy code. This process will include input from builders, architects, engineers, contractors and other stakeholders to promote regional competitiveness and alignment with neighboring municipalities. The ordinance also includes funding for staff training and implementation, to help reduce uncertainty and avoid sudden shifts that could disrupt project planning.
KCRAR believes these actions signal a move toward standards that support housing production rather than hinder it and that the alignment with surrounding municipalities gives builders and REALTORS® greater consistency when working across the region.
More information will be shared as the next phase of code work begins.
