(a) In order to make the State Building Code and the Fire Safety Code more responsive to present economic conditions, to promote reduction in the cost of construction of homes and other buildings, thereby creating more jobs in the construction industry and promoting home ownership, as well as to enable the citizens of the state to realize the benefits of the latest technology in energy conservation in the design and construction of homes and other buildings, the State Building Inspector and Codes and Standards Committee, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Administrative Services, shall thoroughly review and revise the State Building Code and the Fire Safety Code, with an emphasis on performance rather than design specifications. In the course of such review, the State Building Inspector and the Codes and Standards Committee shall develop a rehabilitation subcode. The provisions of such subcode shall include, but not be limited to, the identification and standardization of economically feasible rehabilitation standards and modifications that ensure the public health, safety and welfare, and protect the environment. Such subcode shall be included in any revision of the State Building Code.

(b) Not later than January 1, 2005, the commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of sections 29-252b and 29-292a, to implement the provisions of this section.