Manufacturers are working hard to get their products through the state approval process, the workshop instructor said, but in some cases, there are few or no options today for builders or homeowners who plan to build in the higher fire hazard areas. Another important change to the building code is a lowering of the threshold that determines when a registered engineer is required to design all or part of a home or building. In a few cases, the 2007 code simplified or provided more flexibility for code compliance, but most builders at the code workshop were shaking their heads in apprehension over the new requirements. One builder said at the conclusion of the workshop that he figured “these new codes are going to push up the cost of a new home by at least $20,000.” Jackson building official Larry White, who organized the workshop reminded the gloomy crowd that he was just the messenger --  “this is not your local building department at work,” he said. “This is now state law.” All construction project applications that are submitted for permits beginning January 1st must meet the new code – projects that are under construction or are submitted to building departments before January 1st are only required to meet the current building code.