Boise (670 KBOI News) – A bill which would stop city or county governments from passing stricter building codes than those approved by the state is headed back to the House, after clearing the Senate.
The House will have to approve amendments made to House Bill 547 in the Senate, before it can go to the Governor for his signature or veto.
Senator Jim Guthrie of Inkom argued for the bill, saying when cities like Boise adopt their own, or international building codes, it can make housing even more expensive than it already is.
“This creates problems for builders and adds expense to home,” said Guthrie. “The adoption of these newer codes by the cities poses an undue burden on the builders, who are now required to deal with substantially differing codes, from one city to an adjacent city, or a city to an adjacent county, sometimes literally from one side of the street to the other.”
Guthrie said the bill does allow local governments to make changes for unique circumstances, like snow loads, wind, and geologic and seismic characteristics.
Boise has adopted a “green” building code, which is the International Green Construction Code. It governs everything from landscaping, wastewater, and even bike paths and bike parking.
