Updates to Documents
Building Standards documents, such as the Minnesota Overlay, Rental Housing Design/ Construction Standards, Architect’s Guide, Contractor’s Guide, etc., will no longer be updated annually. Instead, these documents will be updated every two years to coincide with updating the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) and Self-scoring Worksheet. Therefore, the documents are labeled “April 2023-2024”.
The documents released in April 2023 (and labeled April 2023-2024) are applicable to the 2023 Multifamily Consolidated Request for Proposals/2024 Housing Tax Credits Round 1 and the following year 2024 Multifamily Consolidated Request for Proposals/2025 Housing Tax Credits Round 1. All documents can be found on Minnesota Housing’s Building Standards webpage.
Summary of Changes to the MN Overlay and Guide to the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria (EGCC) (also known as the MN Overlay)
This version of the Minnesota Overlay and Guide is applicable to the 2023 Multifamily Consolidated RFP/ 2024 Housing Tax Credits.
Chapter 4 – Certification Programs and Enhanced Sustainability
Multifamily (MF) Enhanced Sustainability selection points in the 2023 and the 2024 Multifamily Consolidated Request for Proposals (RFP)/ Housing Tax Credits (HTC) and Deferred Projects Self-Scoring Worksheet were revised to include a Tier 4. This additional Tier allows 4 selection points for projects meeting the requirements of MN Overlay/ EGCC Criteria 5.2b (Passive House Institute, Passive House Institute US) or Criteria 5.4 (Passive House Institute +, Passive House Institute US +, Source Zero, Passive House Institute Premium, and other zero energy programs). When included with Tier 1 or Tier 2, a maximum of 6 MF Enhanced Sustainability selection points are available. See 2024-205 Self Scoring Worksheet (Building Characteristics- Section 6) and the 2023-2024 MN Overlay for more information.
Chapter 6 – Multifamily Funded Project Requirements
Starting in April 2023, all new construction project applications must be certified by ENERGYSTAR (ES). This includes all projects regardless of whether they are receiving Enhanced Sustainability selection points.
Criteria 2.1: Sensitive Site Protection. A link to the State of Minnesota Flood Maps is now included to assist with meeting this mandatory criteria.
Criteria 2.9: Improving Connectivity to the Community. Outdoor bike storage requirements have been clarified to receive the 1 optional point. Outdoor bike storage must accommodate 10% of the total dwelling units with a minimum of six bikes.
Criteria 2.10: Passive Solar Heating/ Cooling. A clarification for building orientation was added.
Criteria 2.16b: Electric Vehicle Charging. Optional points increased from 4 up to 8.
Criteria 3.5: Surface Stormwater Management. Requirements were clarified to allow stormwater to be “treated”. The whole site area must be the boundary of the site identified in the ALTA survey.
Criteria 4.1: Water Conserving Fixtures. Revised to allow up to 5 optional points for Moderate Rehabilitation projects.
Criteria 5.1a: Building Performance Standards (new construction). As noted above, all new construction projects must receive ES certification. The previous exceptions were omitted. Also, energy use intensity (EUI) and operating emissions intensity (OEI) breakdown by bedroom is no longer required.
Criteria 5.1b: Building Performance Standards (rehabilitation and adaptive reuse). Performance Pathway updated.
Criteria 5.5: Moving to Zero Carbon: Electrification. Criteria 5.5a and 5.5b were omitted and combined into one Criteria 5.5. The revised criteria allow an option for building components (appliances, fuel sources, etc.) to be either “electric ready” with adequate electric service for future installation or electrification is already included in the design and planned.
Summary of Changes to the Multifamily Rental Housing Design/Construction Standards (also known as RHDCS)
The 2023-2024 version includes moderate reformatting to make the document more concise and easier to read. Some chapters were omitted, moved to a different section of the document, or renumbered.
Chapter 1 – Overview and Applicability
A disclaimer related to Minnesota Housing architect plan reviews was added to state that: 1) Plan reviews are limited to the information submitted to Minnesota Housing for review, 2) Plan reviews are intended to communicate with the owner/ developer/ borrower and must not be relied upon by any other entity, and 3) Minnesota Housing assumes no responsibility for any person’s or entity’s reliance on plan reviews.
Chapter 2 – General Occupancy New Construction Minimum Standards
Item 2.03.H: Elevator. A clarification for establishing number of stories was added. For establishing number of stories, any level that serves as a main entry for the building must be considered as a story. Underground parking is not considered a story.
Item 2.03.P: Mechanical and Plumbing Systems. An exception for kitchen sinks minimum depth of 7” was added to allow 5” depth at accessible dwelling units.
Item 2.03.S: Exterior Windows and Doors. A clarification was added that two door viewers must be provided at Type A Accessible dwelling unit main entry doors.
Item 2.03.V: Closet Doors. Closet doors may be omitted from walk-in closets and at any dwelling unit closet within supportive housing projects.
Chapter 3 – General Occupancy Rehabilitation (Rehab) Minimum Standards
Item 3.05.A: Needs Assessment Requirements. An exception was added for Substantial/ Gut Rehab projects where, when all systems other than the envelope components will be replaced, a needs assessment is not required; however, any components that remain untouched must have their age, expected useful life, and condition explained through a scope of work narrative at time of application.
Item 3.05.E: Structural Integrity Inspections. Visual Inspection and Special Enhanced Assessment requirements were added for buildings older than 30 years and have masonry, stucco, or structural concrete (floor, roof, walls).
Chapter 5 – Accessibility, Universal Design, and Senior Housing Standards
Item 5.06: Senior Housing Projects. Added requirements for all senior projects (age 55 or older). Universal Design is required for all senior housing projects.
Summary of Changes to the Architect’s Guide
The 2023-2024 version includes reformatting to better align with Minnesota Housing’s current processes.
Some major changes to the 2023-2024 version are summarized as follows.
Chapter 2 – Architecture and Engineering Services
Item 2.04: Design/Build Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP). Added as an engineering delivery method, if approved by Minnesota Housing.
Chapter 3 – Architecture Compensation
The previous Fee Schedule was revised from a townhome/ three-story percentage schedule to a Compensation Schedule for three distinct building class types based on project complexity. Low to high professional fee ranges are included within each building class for applicable construction cost range. The new schedule is intended to be used as a guide for reasonable compensation ranges.
Summary of Changes to the Contractor’s Guide
The 2023-2024 version includes reformatting to better align with Minnesota Housing’s current processes.
Some major changes to the 2023-2024 version are summarized as follows.
Chapter 4 – Contractor Selection, Bidding, and Compensation Determination
Item 4.10: Design/Build Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing (MEP).
If approved by Minnesota Housing, Design Build MEP may be allowed.
Chapter 5 – Owner-Contractor Agreement
Item 5.02.L: A clarification regarding indemnification clauses and limited liability clauses was added.
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