HB 2282 - This act enacts the "Building Permit Reform Act", which exempts resident noncorporate owners of detached single-family residences from certain legal requirements. Except as otherwise specified in the act, no political subdivision shall require an exempt homeowner to obtain a license, certification, or registration, or to pass an examination or test, as a condition for receiving a building or construction permit for work performed by the owner or another resident. Properties transferred to another person within 1 year of the work may be subject to a one-time administrative fee of up to $5000.
Certain work performed by exempt homeowners or other residents is exempted from prior approval requirements, including work involving electric appliances, plumbing fixtures, nonstructural wall coverings, and floor coverings, as outlined in the act.
The act establishes timelines for political subdivisions to perform any inspections required, and enacts provisions applicable to permit extensions and renewals.
The act also enacts provisions applicable to work performed without permits, including capping fines and fees, and prohibiting political subdivisions from requiring modifications to unpermitted work without objective evidence of a building code or safety standard violation. Stop-work orders, penalties, and remediation requirements are prohibited under the act for violations discovered outside the scope of work that was requested to be inspected.
Exempt homeowners who apply for permits and subsequently fail the inspection shall be informed in writing the reasons for the failure and the actions required to pass a follow-up inspection. Exempt homeowners shall not be charged an amount greater than the cost of the initial permit or inspection for a follow-up inspection, unless over 90 days have passed since the initial inspection.
If the state or a political subdivision incorporates by reference any third-party standard or code, the standard or code shall be provided to permit applicants free of charge.
Lastly, the act prohibits any agent of a political subdivision from entering into a private residence to perform a safety inspection or investigation without permission from the owner or a warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction.
ERIC VANDER WEERD