Relating to statements required to be submitted to the state building code commissioner by state agencies and governmental subdivisions of costs associated with building regulations involving residential structures

This bill is related to statements required to be submitted to the state building code commissioner by state agencies (agencies) and governmental subdivisions (subdivisions) of costs associated with building regulations (regulations) involving residential structures. “Residential structure” is defined in the bill as any single-family dwelling, multi-family dwelling, or townhome or condominium that is not more than three stories above grade, and includes all secondary structures and improvements ancillary to the dwelling, townhome, or condominium. “Residential structure” does not include a commercial or industrial building that is primarily used for purposes other than housing. An agency or subdivision shall submit a residential structure cost impact statement (statement) to the state building code commissioner for any new regulation, or change to an existing regulation, proposed by the agency or subdivision that involves a residential structure. The statement shall contain the estimated cost of compliance that the agency or subdivision anticipates regulated entities and individuals will incur for each new or amended standard or requirement contained in the proposed regulation. The agency or subdivision is required to obtain a written estimate from three different licensed Iowa-based contractors or building trade professionals. Each written estimate must include the information detailed in the bill and the agency or subdivision shall use the average of the three estimates as the estimated cost of compliance. The commissioner of the department of public safety shall adopt rules to implement and administer the bill.