Building codes might seem like an unlikely place to cut the budget, but that's exactly what Minnesota is doing.

The state is putting off any changes to its building codes until at least 2012, even though the codes were supposed to be updated this year.

Thomas R Joachim, Assistant Commissioner of the Safety Codes and Service Division said the decision was strictly an economic one.

He said, "The builders aren't working, coded option means buying more code books more training, additional time away from the office."

Joachim said Minnesota is ahead of other states when it comes to adopting new building codes so putting off changes won't cause a problem.

Some people, like St. Paul building inspector and board director of the International Code Council or ICC Greg Johnson, disagree.

Johnson said, the 2009 code has recommendations for sprinkler systems in residential homes, safety measures for high rises brought about by the 9-11 terrorist attacks and even new guidelines for a federal law requiring covers on pool drains.

Johnson said, "It's always a bad idea to skip a cycle. It creates enormous challenges for people to stay current with their training."

Not everyone share's Johnson's concerns. The state fire marshal signed off on the plan and the builders association backs it as well.