Examination of building plans for public buildings, public structures, and places of employment; examination of plumbings plans; and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority. (FE)

The bill creates an exception from building plan examination requirements.

Under the bill, DSPS may not require the submission or examination of building plans for a commercial building that 1) is a single story containing less than 200,000 cubic feet of volume; 2) is not classified by DSPS as intended for certain occupancies and uses, including high hazard uses and educational uses; and 3) a registered architect, registered professional engineer, or designer permit holder prepares and signs, dates, and seals or stamps the building plans.

The bill also creates a similar exception for plumbing plan examination requirements. Under the bill, DSPS may not require the examination of plumbing plans for a plumbing system that 1) involves no more than 25 plumbing fixtures; 2) is in connection with a building or structure that is not classified by DSPS as intended for certain occupancies and uses, including high hazard uses and educational uses; and 3) a registered architect, registered professional engineer, or designer permit holder prepares and signs, dates, and seals or stamps, or a licensed master plumber, licensed master plumber (restricted), or utility contractor signs and dates, the plumbing plans.

Under current law, DSPS must fix and collect fees that, as closely as possible, equal the cost of examining building plans. The bill provides that 50 percent of building plan examination fees must be submitted as a nonrefundable deposit at the time an appointment for examination of building plans is scheduled.