Codes + Standards Door knob code revisions generating controversy Vancouver banning doorknobs in favor of levers; Colorado county doing the opposite in favor of safety
Codes + Standards Tougher penalties needed for violation of construction safety standards, says advocacy group National Council for Occupational Safety and Health concerned about falls, silica dust exposure
Codes + Standards California commission moves to exempt solar power storage for extra fees Solar battery systems would be treated as net-metered solar systems under the proposed decision
Codes + Standards New hurricane warning maps will include storm surge data Superstorm Sandy prompted change to include maps with coloring to represent depth of flash floods.
Codes + Standards Senate committee struggles to reach agreement on replacing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Disagreements arise over regulatory powers and lending in disadvantaged communities, among other issues.
Codes + Standards Arizona may impose property taxes on rooftop solar leases A new interpretation of state law could mean an extra $152 a year in taxes on solar panels
Codes + Standards Google, SunPower to create $250 million fund to finance residential solar projects Joint venture will purchase solar panels and lease them at reduced cost
Codes + Standards Homeowners’ behavior critical to energy efficiency of homes Experts say saving energy can be as simple as modifying a motion detector
Codes + Standards New York’s mayor wants to reform Hurricane Sandy reconstruction program Mayor de Blasio wants to begin construction on at least 500 homes by the end of summer
Codes + Standards Design of resilient coastal home includes prefabricated concrete Other central features include a solar energy system, greywater recycling, wind debris-resilient windows