MEREDA Hosts Breakfast Seminar Focusing On Maine Uniform Building & Energy Code

Sponsored by:   Bernstein Shur

When:  Thursday, February 10, 2011   |  Time:  7:30 – 9:00 AM
Where:  Clarion Hotel, 1230 Congress Street, Portland, ME
About the Event:  Buffet Breakfast:  7:30 AM ~ Program:  8:00 – 9:00 AM

The Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) went into effect on December 1, 2010.  It may come as a surprise that, as of December 1, every local building code in every Maine town and city was effectively wiped off the books.  MUBEC replaced them all and now applies to virtually every construction project in the state. 

MUBEC has far-reaching impacts – both substantively and procedurally – and, in many cases, will be a dramatic change from current code enforcement practices. Among other things, the law establishes a new Bureau of Building Codes and Standards Board to implement and administer the new code requirements on a state-wide basis.

The stated goal of the MUBEC is to provide uniformity of building-related codes across municipal boundaries, streamline code administration and bring consistency to builders, developers and towns.  It seems highly likely, however, that, at least in the short term, MUBEC will cause significant confusion and consternation for those involved in the building trades and real estate development. 

MUBEC is mostly comprised of standards from the International Code Council.  It also adopts certain standards from the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, as well as the International Energy Conservation Code.  On the positive side, these requirements create an opportunity for those seeking LEED, Green Globes, Energy Star or other green building designations to use many budget items for both MUBEC compliance and building certification.  Although MUBEC does not adopt any of the presently available draft versions of the proposed International Green Construction Code (IGCC), complying with MUBEC with an eye on the IGCC may provide developers with a competitive advantage.

The proponents of MUBEC suggest that implementation of a state-wide code will make contractors more accountable for their work and could be the first step toward licensing and/or required training for contractors.  Phil Saucier, Esq., Rick Smith, Esq., and David Ray, Esq., of Bernstein Shur Sawyer & Nelson, P.A. will examine the substance, possible pitfalls and potential legal implications of the enactment and implementation of MUBEC at our February 10, 2011 meeting.

Registering for this Event:  Click here. 
Member:  $40.00 pp |  Non-Member:  $50.00 pp  – Register After Feb. 4th: Prices increase by $10 pp.

An RSVP is requested on, or before, February 4th. Payment is expected at the time of registration. No refunds will be granted to anyone who registers, but fails to attend or who cancels after February 4, 2011.

Founded in 1985, MEREDA is an organization of commercial real estate owners, developers and related service providers, whose mission is to promote an environment for responsible development and ownership of real estate throughout the State of Maine.