Chapter 303

2010 -- S 2753

Enacted 06/25/10

 

A N A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

          

     Introduced By: Senators Gallo, P Fogarty, DeVall, and Ciccone

     Date Introduced: March 25, 2010

 

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

 

     SECTION 1. Sections 23-27.3-107.1.1 and 23-27.3-107.5 of the General Laws in Chapter

23-27.3 entitled "State Building Code" are hereby amended to read as follows:

 

     23-27.3-107.1.1. Local inspector. -- (a) The appropriate local authority may appoint one

or more local full time or part time inspectors to assist the building official in the performance of

his or her duties and in the enforcement of this code.

      (b) (1) Building inspectors shall have a minimum of three (3) years experience in general

building construction, and except for the length of experience required, shall possess similar

qualifications of a local building official as required by section 23-27.3-107.5.

     (b)(1) Building Inspectors-1 shall have a minimum of three (3) years experience in

general building construction and except for the length of experience required shall possess

similar qualifications of a local building official as required by section 23-27.3-107.5, and shall

possess an International Code Council (ICC) certification as a Residential Building Inspector.

However, ICC certification as a Residential Building Inspector shall not be required in the case of

a building inspector holding a current state certification prior to July 1, 2010. A Building

Inspector-1 is responsible to enforce the provisions of the State Residential Code SBC-2.

     Building Inspectors-2 shall have a minimum of three (3) years experience in general

building construction, shall possess ICC certifications as a Residential Building Inspector and

Commercial Building Inspector and shall possess similar qualifications of a local Building

Official, as required by section 23-27.3-107.5. However, ICC certification as a Residential

Building Inspector and a Commercial Building Inspector shall not be required in the case of a

building inspector holding a current state certification prior to July 1, 2010. A Building Inspector-

2 is authorized to enforce the provisions of both the State Building Code SBC-1 and the State

Residential Code SBC-2.

      (2) Electrical inspectors shall have a minimum of five (5) years experience and a Rhode

Island Class A or Class B electricians license.

      (3) Mechanical inspectors shall have a minimum of five (5) years and a valid Rhode

Island master pipe fitters I and master refrigeration I or journeyperson contractors license.

      (4) Plumbing inspectors shall have a minimum of five (5) years experience and a Rhode

Island master or journeyperson plumbers license.

      (5) Mechanical and plumbing inspectors who have been enforcing either code prior to

January 1, 1986, may continue to do so.

      (6) Any person serving in the position of building inspector on July 3, 1989 shall comply

with the requirements of subsection (b)(1) within three (3) years of July 3, 1989.

 

     23-27.3-107.5. Local building official -- Qualifications -- Powers and duties. -- The

building official, to be eligible for appointment, shall have had at least five (5) years experience

in construction, design, or supervision. The building official shall be generally informed on the

quality and strength of building materials, on the accepted requirements of building construction,

on good practice in fire prevention, on the accepted requirements regarding light and ventilation,

on the accepted requirements for safe exit facilities, and on other items of equipment essential for

the safety, comfort, and convenience of occupants, and shall be certified under the provisions of

section 23-27.3-107.6, and shall possess an international code council (ICC) certification as a

certified building official (CBO), except that the qualifications outlined in this section shall not be

required in the case of a building official holding office in any municipality prior to July 1, 1977

a current state certification prior to July 1, 2010. The building official shall pass upon any

question relative to the mode, manner of construction, or materials to be used in the erection or

alteration of buildings or structures. The building official shall require compliance with the

provisions of the state building code of all rules lawfully adopted and promulgated thereunder,

and of laws relating to construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, and integral

equipment, and location, use, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures, except as

may be otherwise provided for. The building official or his or her assistant shall have the right of

entry to buildings or structures, for the proper performance of his or her duties during normal

business hours, except that in the case of an emergency the building official shall have the right of

entry at any time, if the entry is necessary in the interest of public safety.

 

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

     

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LC02219

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