Minnesota Building Code Process and Changes to 2026
The Minnesota Building Code provides the basis of design and construction of buildings and other structures in the state. This seminar will cover the process for adoption of and amendments to the building code, its administration by the Department of Labor and Industry, and state changes affecting structural design in the updated 2026 edition of the code.
Presenters
Dan Kelsey, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Daniel J. Kelsey is an administrative structural engineer with the Construction Codes and Licensing Division of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Since joining the division in February 2000, he has written and presented educational seminars on structural building code provisions, provided code compliance assistance, and reviewed construction plans. Previously, Kelsey was the lead structural engineer at a regional architectural engineering firm. He holds a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and is a licensed professional engineer in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Don Sivigny, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Don Sivigny is a supervisor with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Construction Codes and Licensing Division, overseeing education, code development and adoption, broadband and grants. With more than 41 years of experience enforcing Minnesota building codes as a code official and construction manager, he holds an applied science degree and numerous trade certifications. Sivigny is a nationally recognized instructor and speaker on residential building codes, building durability, energy, radon and green building issues. He has served on International Code Council standards committees, delivered code training nationwide, and authored, co-authored or contributed to five books on energy and building durability.
Brian Karpen, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Brian Karpen is an administrative structural engineer with the Construction Codes and Licensing Division of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, joining the division in January 2025. He previously served 12 years in plan review for the City of St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections. Before moving into building permit and code administration, Karpen worked as a designing structural engineer in Kansas City, Madison, and St. Paul. He holds a bachelor's degree in architectural engineering from the University of Kansas and is a licensed professional engineer in Minnesota.
