Advocacy Tools

Download: EIMA Advocacy Information packet

A significant part of the value of your membership is the advocacy and legislative leadership EIMA provides to the EIFS industry. Members work together to promote and educate the construction industry, governmental leaders, project owners, and designers on the value and benefits of EIFS. EIMA advocates change in local, state, and federal laws and regulations, to encourage equal opportunity for EIFS. Additionally, EIMA represents the EIFS industry at code development hearings and at meetings of standard developing organizations.

EIMA has developed an educational package of information on EIFS that can be used by any of its members in promoting EIFS and educating local officials, owners, architects, etc. on the value of EIFS. Please print, distribute and use this information as often as needed to help spread the word about EIFS and move the industry forward.

When facing a statutory or regulatory restriction against the use of EIFS or an unreasonable obstacle to its use, consider these steps:

Reach out to EIMA to see if it is already aware of the restriction/obstacle, and if EIMA can provide any background or additional information.
Set up a meeting with the local planning, zoning, or building codes department to understand the reasoning behind the restriction/obstacle, even though the local governing body might still have the final say on these matters. The goal is to obtain additional background for the restriction/obstacle. If you feel it’s necessary to gain assistance from EIMA, please feel free to call EIMA. Please feel free to use the information on this page to help guide your conversation. Information you should obtain from your contact is the following:
1. How old is the restriction?
2. What were the concerns when it was passed?
3. What other exterior cladding or building materials are being restricted?
4. Typically, durability, appearance, and moisture control (use the Oak Ridge National Laboratory information found under the “Benefits of EIFS”) are the most common topics of concern.
Follow-up with the locality to provide answers to any of their questions. Again, EIMA is willing to help with this.
If it doesn’t appear as though the locality is going to budge, reach out to EIMA for assistance and help in developing a plan to move forward.

Examples:

Case 1: Success at Planning Commission in Shawnee, KS

In 2017, the EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA) was contacted by a business liaison working on behalf of the City of Shawnee, KS. Their objective was to look into lifting existing restrictions against EIFS, for wider use in the city.

EIMA, an EIFS manufacturer, and a local distributor all worked together to put a message forward that would resonate with both the planning department and commission. Sharing the evolution of EIFS and the superior performance of the system were key points in addressing concerns raised by the city. Information on durability, aesthetics, and more contributed to successful meetings.

A local Kansas distributor was well equipped with talking points and facts, and attended several meetings on behalf of the group. In April 2018, the planning commission voted to allow EIFS with only a few minor caveats. This was the final approval needed to lift the previous prohibitions.

Case 2: City Council of North Augusta, SC

In early 2016, EIMA noticed some city councilmembers discussing the possibility of lifting a restriction on EIFS that had existed in North Augusta, SC. Representatives from EIMA reached out to one of the individuals who seemed to be showing the most support for a change and supplied this individual with useful information.

The information centered around 3 topics: an overall introduction to EIFS, durability, and the aesthetics/appearance the system can achieve. After this case moved through the process, the restriction on EIFS was largely eliminated.

Both of these cases show examples of where information, that can be found in this packet, have a proven track record of assisting with overturning existing restrictions and prohibitions against EIFS.

Download the EIMA Advocacy Information Packet

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