Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.
Summary
H5373 makes several changes to Rhode Island’s State Building Code laws. It changes the quorum rule for the Building Code Standards Committee so that a majority of the current members constitutes a quorum, rather than a fixed number. The bill also updates the state building code framework to require that one- through four-family dwellings use the 2024 International Residential Code, while larger multifamily buildings, hotels, and motels use the 2024 commercial International Building Code. It also directs the code to be adopted and enforced promptly after committee approval and keeps the code aligned with national model standards and accessibility requirements.
The bill further revises permit-fee and levy provisions tied to building permits. It expands the residential permit levy to include three- and four-family dwellings, not just one- and two-family homes, and continues to direct portions of those revenues toward statewide electronic plan review, permit management, inspection systems, and contractor training grants. The bill also preserves and clarifies the state building commissioner’s enforcement authority, including standardized code interpretation, reporting on municipal compliance, and state-level enforcement where local officials are absent.
Impact
If enacted, H5373 would amend several sections of chapter 23-27.3 of the General Laws governing the State Building Code. It would change committee governance, update the code adoption process, and revise which model codes apply to different categories of residential and commercial buildings. It would also broaden the permit levy structure for residential construction and maintain funding streams for statewide permitting technology and training programs. The bill affects the state building code standards committee, the state building commissioner, municipalities, builders, permit applicants, and owners or developers of one- to four-unit dwellings and larger multifamily or lodging properties.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable or at least procedural support for the bill’s goals, but there is no recorded committee transcript or vote history to show direct debate. The bill’s sponsors and caption indicate an emphasis on modernizing building code administration and aligning Rhode Island with updated national code standards. Because no votes or hearing remarks are provided, there is no documented opposition or formal recorded sentiment in the supplied materials.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the expansion of the residential permit levy to three- and four-family dwellings, the shift to updated national model codes, and the state’s role in standardizing and enforcing code interpretation across municipalities. Municipalities, builders, and permit applicants could differ over the added fees, administrative requirements, and the pace of implementation. There may also be concern about state preemption or reduced local discretion, especially where the bill requires uniform statewide enforcement and reporting on municipal compliance.