RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE
Summary
S2632 amends Rhode Island’s State Building Code to require the state building code standards committee to adopt the 2024 International Residential Code for one- to four-family dwelling units by January 1, 2027. The bill also preserves the committee’s broader authority over the state building code, including provisions for commercial buildings, energy conservation, plumbing, electrical work, rehabilitation of existing buildings, and code consistency with national model codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A central feature of the bill is a temporary moratorium on changes to the state building code as it applies to one- to four-family residential structures. Once the code is aligned to the 2024 code year basis, the committee would be barred from adopting, and the state building office from enforcing, further changes for those residential structures until January 1, 2030, unless the General Assembly approves the changes and the governor makes them effective. The bill takes effect upon passage.
Impact
The bill would directly amend § 23-27.3-100.1.5 of the Rhode Island General Laws, changing how the state building code is updated for small residential dwellings. It would require adoption of the 2024 International Residential Code and freeze subsequent state-level amendments for one- to four-family homes for a set period, while leaving other portions of the building code framework intact. Builders, homeowners, inspectors, local code officials, and the state building code standards committee would be affected, especially in the residential construction and renovation sectors.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the available record suggests a policy-driven, technical measure rather than one with documented public controversy in the materials provided. The bill appears aimed at providing stability and predictability in residential building standards, which may appeal to builders and homeowners seeking fewer code changes. At the same time, the moratorium on future amendments could be viewed by some as limiting the state’s ability to respond quickly to new safety, energy, or accessibility concerns.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the moratorium on code changes for one- to four-family dwellings through 2030. Supporters would likely favor the certainty and reduced compliance burden that comes with locking in a newer residential code cycle, while opponents may argue that freezing amendments could prevent Rhode Island from adopting locally tailored improvements, updated safety measures, or energy-efficiency requirements. Another possible tension is the balance between state uniformity and the General Assembly’s retained authority to approve exceptions, since the bill shifts future changes in this residential category away from routine committee action and into the legislative process.
Amends the composition of the building code standards committee and would make several technical amendments relative to the building code office and would establish a state building code office within the office of state fire marshal.
Amends the composition of the building code standards committee and would make several technical amendments relative to the building code office and would establish a state building code office within the office of state fire marshal.
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.
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.
Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
Establishes a new article in the state building code that provides that certain new housing construction contain at least one floor that meets the requirements for a Type C "ANSI'' Standards for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.
Requires the state building commissioner to implement electronic permitting for any category of state or local permit authorized under state law to significantly impact the expediency of construction and development.
Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.
Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.