Washington Hotline - September 25, 2008

Solution to Calm Financial Storm Centers on Housing

With the Bush Administration working around the clock with congressional leaders on the enactment of emergency legislation to implement a rescue plan to extricate the U.S. financial system from its worst crisis since the Great Depression, the NAHB Senior Officers and staff are remaining in close touch with policymakers in Washington.

At the fall meeting this week of the association’s board of directors in San Diego, addressing the turmoil in the financial markets, which reached grave proportions with the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers on Sept. 15 and the bailout of insurance giant AIG on the following day, is expected to be the overriding concern.

Restoring the nation’s housing market to full health from one of the most difficult cyclical downturns in living memory was already at the top of the agenda as the association prepared to deliberate in California. With the dramatic succession of events over the past several weeks — including the federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — restoring the housing finance system itself will be a leading topic of discussion among the directors.

Noting that the outcome of negotiations in Washington this week holds profound consequences for the American economy, NAHB President Sandy Dunn promised to lend the association’s expertise wherever it is needed in the difficult period that lies ahead.

In a Sept. 19 statement, NAHB Executive Vice President and CEO Jerry Howard urged the U.S. government to get out in front of the collapse in confidence that has afflicted the financial markets by addressing its origins in the housing industry.

Read the full article in NBN.

Finance: Special Survey on AD&C Financing for Multifamily Builders

A primary source of credit for multifamily builders and developers is AD&C lending. To provide an in-depth review of the AD&C financing crisis, builders and developers were surveyed on the availability of  new credit during 2008, repayment difficulties, and the stringent terms on outstanding loans.

View the results of the survey.

For more information, email  Ann Marie Moriarty or call her at 800-368-5242 x8350.

Codes: Fire Sprinkler Mandates Pass

The International Code Council’s (ICC) annual meeting and final action hearings for the 2007-2008 code development cycle opened on Sept. 14 in Minneapolis and ended on Sept. 23, with the resolution garnering 72% in favor versus 26% against the mandate for sprinklers in single-family homes and townhomes. Close to 2,000 voters participated.

NAHB leaders argued vehemently against proposals for mandatory fire sprinklers and other changes that would erode housing affordability in exchange for dubious improvements in the safety of homes and townhomes.

 "Unfortunately, fire sprinkler manufacturers and their supporters won the vote Sunday, making these expensive, hard-to-maintain sprinkler systems part of the code," NAHB President Sandra J. Dunn said in an e-mailed statement. "We disagree with this mandate, but our members will continue to advocate for cost-effective construction and life safety measures through the model code process."

The approval of the resolution means that IRC's code will mandate fire sprinklers in single family homes beginning Jan. 1, 2011, and in townhomes immediately upon adoption by a jurisdiction.

For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132. 

For NAHB's position prior to the hearing, view the story in NBN.

Environment: Coalition Calls for Extending Energy Tax Incentives; Effluent Limit Guidelines Likely

• Coalition Calls for Extending Energy Tax Incentives

NAHB Executive Vice President and CEO Jerry Howard joined leaders from environmental and renewable energy advocacy groups at a Washington, D.C. press conference last week to call on Congress to extend the energy tax credit programs that expire at the end of this year.

The Clean Energy NOW coalition, sponsored by the American Wind Energy Association, includes 200 organizations asking for congressional action to extend the tax credits before the end of the September legislative session.

The Senate Finance Committee has agreed to an $18 billion package containing the tax incentives, and the full Senate is expected to vote on the measure within the next several days.

Howard emphasized the importance of extending the so-called “45L” provision, which gives home builders a tax credit of $2,000 per home when specific energy efficiency measures are included.

For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.

Read the full article in NBN.

• Ruling Makes Storm Water Permit Effluent Limit Guidelines Likely

Home builders and developers are now one step closer to seeing effluent limitation guidelines (ELG) tacked on to storm water permits for their construction projects.

Last week, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Natural Resources Defense Council v. EPA, a lawsuit brought against the agency for its 2004 decision to not issue ELGs for the construction and development industry.

NAHB and the Associated General Contractors had intervened on EPA’s side to defend its “no rule” decision, which was issued after the agency determined that the sediment running off construction sites in storm water is not a “toxic or unconventional” pollutant, unlike some discharges from industrial plants or other sources.

“It’s always unpleasant to be on the short end of a case like this,” said Duane Desiderio, NAHB’s staff vice president for litigation.

“However, it doesn’t really change things,” he said. “The EPA is committed to a new ELG for builders and developers, and our members are already engaged in that rulemaking process.  We’ll continue to advocate and demonstrate the need for ELGs that are based on sound science and cost-effective technologies.” he added.

Click here for a copy of the Ninth Circuit decision.

For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.

Read the full article in NBN.

Association News: Register for IBS Today

Registration for the 2009 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas on Jan. 20-23 — the single, most important and largest industry event of the year — is now open.

This year, IBS will feature:

• More than 1,700 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services
• More than 250 education sessions or programs designed to help members stay current on industry trends and issues

Full Registration

Full registration provides attendees with access to four days of exhibits on one million net square feet of exhibit space, all the educational sessions and new, daily-featured speakers.

Full registration is $295 for members through Nov. 7 and $425 thereafter. 

Full registration for non-members is $475 and $575, respectively.

Exhibits-Only Registration

Exhibits-only registration is $50 for members through Nov. 7 and $100 after and $50 for their spouses.

Exhibits-only registration for non-members is $100 through Nov. 7 and $200 after and $70 for their spouses.

Education Session Tickets

Exhibits-only registered attendees can purchase tickets to individual IBS education sessions. Individual tickets are $50 for members and $70 for non-members. Registrants can purchase packages of four tickets and get one free or seven tickets and get three free.

(Attendees who purchase full registrations do not have to purchases education session tickets or exhibits-only registration.)

To Register

For registration information, click here. For hotel information, click here.

To register online, click here.

For the latest IBS information — including floor plans, renderings and construction photos of The New American Home — visit the 2009 International Builders’ Show Web site at www.BuildersShow.com.

NCHI Product: Timberlake Kitchen Cabinet Accessories

Applying its expertise in universal design, Timberlake Cabinetry has created storage accessories for kitchen cabinets that will enable all homes owners — from active adults to families on the go — to get organized.

“All Timberlake storage accessories are designed to save space, clear countertops, reduce the overall clutter of the kitchen area and simplify the food preparation process,” said Connie Edwards, Timberlake’s design director.

“Home owners are constantly wishing for more room in their kitchens,” she said, “and now they will be able to make the absolute most of their space.”

Visit www.timberlake.com for more information about this product series.

For more information about NCHI, E-mail David Cooper, or call him at 800.368.5242 x8247.

Resources: 'Storm Water Permitting: A Guide for Builders and Developers'

“Storm Water Permitting: A Guide for Builders and Developers,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides a starting point for builders and developers to use in locating and understanding storm water permitting requirements.

The publication has been prepared to help builders comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's storm water requirements, and includes information on state permitting programs and more than 50 of the most commonly used best management practices. Also included are tips on compliance, including how to handle visits from inspectors.

To view or purchase this guide online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.

Calendar: Conferences and Events

October 2008

NationalsSM Entry Deadline Extended until Oct. 17 Enter your best in sales and marketing and design for the 2009 National Sales and Marketing awards, the largest and most prestigious competition for residential and marketing professionals and communities. Sponsored by NAHB’s National Sales and Marketing Council, The Nationals honor the best in architectural achievement, product and community design, advertising and promotion, interior merchandising, and Web site design in over 50 categories. Entrants now have until October 17 to submit entries. Late entries will be accepted until Oct. 24 with an additional fee. New home sales and marketing professionals are encouraged to enter the 2009 National Sales and Marketing Awards, sponsored by the NAHB National Sales and Marketing Council. To Apply For a list of The Nationals awards categories, click here. For entry forms, click here. For more information, visit www.TheNationals.com, e-mail Lisa Parrish, or call her at 800-658-2751.

Fall 2008 Construction Forecast Conference National Housing Center, Washington, D.C.; local locations via Webcast. Attend the Fall 2008 Construction Forecast Conference, featuring multifamily Industry Analyst, Ron Witten, on October 22, 2008. In a volatile economy, good information is the most important currency. You can hear the country’s most respected economists give up-to-the-minute forecasts on the national economy, regional economies, the mortgage market, construction finance, and the multifamily market. Many local Builders’ Associations are hosting webcast viewings. Register and view more conference information on this page.

The EPA's New Lead Paint Rule Audio Seminar October 28, 2008 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT Fee: $79 per phone site REGISTER NOW!   The EPA’s New Lead Paint Rule Will Change the Way You Do Business. This audio seminar will explain, in detail, what the new rule covers and exactly what you’ll need to do to be compliant. A panel of experts will discuss the rule and answer your questions. You’ll also find out where to get additional information. Speakers: Brindley Byrd, CGR, CAPS, of QX2 Contracting, Lansing, MI Bob Hanbury, CGR, of House of Hanbury, Newington, CT Matt Watkins, NAHB Environmental Policy Analyst  Questions can be submitted in advance through October 24, 2008 to remodel@nahb.com.   For more information about the rule and what NAHB Remodelers are doing to help you, visit www.nahb.org/LeadPaint.

November 2008

The Sunbelt Builders Show November 6-8, 2008 Gaylord Texan Grapevine, TX / DFW The Sunbelt Builders Show has become the Southwest region's largest building industry trade show. Nearly 20% of all Americans who moved in the last few years relocated to Texas – most of them to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Produced by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Sunbelt offers you a positive business climate in which to learn, network and have fun at the show named one of the 2006 "Fastest 50" by Trade Show Week Magazine. Whether you’re marketing products or building and remodeling, this is your opportunity to meet and network with the nations top housing professionals. For more information, e-mail Lawrence McFadden or contact him at 800-368-5242 x8550.

Pillars Call for Entries The online Call for Entries and application system is now open. Vist the Awards Web page to check out the most frequently asked questions, review entry requirements, and browse the list of categories. The application deadline is November 7, 2008. Be sure to submit your entry binders and supporting materials no later that November 21. We look forward to receiving your entry. Good Luck! For more information, e-mail Sheronda Carr, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8168.

January 2009

2009 International Builders Show   Register now. Visit the all-new www.buildersshow.com to lock in the best registration rates and the choice hotels for IBS 2009 in Las Vegas. January 20-23, 2009.

March 2009

Save the Date for Pillars 2009! The 2009 Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference and Awards Gala will be held March 17-18, 2009, at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, Calif. The Awards Gala will be held on March 18. Registration information and conference details will be provided in the upcoming issues of Multifamily Hotline.