SB 137

This bill provides an exemption from building code requirements applicable to

public buildings and places of employment for buildings historically used for farming

(barns) that were built before 1965 and that are used principally for wedding

receptions and similar social events. Such a barn is exempt under the bill if certain

requirements are satisfied, including all of the following:

1. If the barn is internally wired for electricity or contains an elevator or other

conveyance, the wiring or the elevator or other conveyance complies with applicable

law.

2. All areas of the barn used for wedding receptions or other social events

satisfy applicable state accessibility requirements.

3. Each year, there is at least one period of 90 consecutive days in which the

barn is used for no more than one social event.

4. Smoking and all open flames are prohibited in the barn and within 50 feet

of the barn, except for certain catering services.

5. The barn satisfies certain fire protection and posting requirements.

The bill authorizes the Department of Safety and Professional Services to

conduct inspections of barns that are subject to the bill's requirements. Additionally,

under the bill, DSPS may, if it finds a structural analysis is necessary, conduct or

have another person conduct a structural analysis of a barn to determine the barn's

fitness for conducting wedding receptions and other social events. DSPS may require

the owner of a barn to rectify any structural unsoundness that renders the barn

unsafe for that use.