Committee Summary for House Committee on Housing (04/22/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB188 00:02:31.040 - 9:01:13 AM	Public Hearing	allowing independent permitting and inspections, and allowing local governments to authorize licensed engineers and architects to perform building code inspections.	Murphy, Keith(R)[B+]2024

SB188: New Hampshire Building Officials Association, Vice President Information Only00:02:31.040 - 9:01:13 AM; The speaker, representing the New Hampshire Building Officials Association, expressed collaboration with building professionals, municipal officials, and code experts to review Senate Bill 188. They have reformatted key provisions to ensure consistency with existing state statutes and preserve the bill's original intent. They have previously testified and provided a list of statutory and procedural conflicts, and are excited to work directly with the subcommittee to offer actionable recommendations. They propose adjustments to enhance the effectiveness and enforceability of the bill, which should be incorporated directly into the bill's language.
SB188: Michael Hagen, New Hampshire Building Officials Association Information Only00:07:29.039 - 9:06:11 AM; Michael Hagen discussed the proposed changes to Senate Bill 188, highlighting that the building official should retain the right to veto unqualified parties. This veto should not be arbitrary but based on written reasons. He mentioned the city of Keene's current use of approved third-party lists for plan review and inspections, which the bill aims to standardize across communities. He outlined seven key points of change, including the integration of these changes into code language, redefining business days, clarifying complaint routes, and proposing fee structures.
SB188: Phil Sherman, Chair, Building Code Review Board Information Only00:05:38.720 - 9:04:20 AM; Phil Sherman clarified that he worked as a scribe to integrate the bill's intent into code language without advocating for or against the bill. He emphasized that the model codes within the state building code carry the weight of statute, necessitating amendments to avoid conflicts. He outlined the process of amending the model codes to incorporate the bill's intent and discussed the seven key points of change proposed by the New Hampshire Building Officials Association.
SB188: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Support00:18:53.840 - 9:17:35 AM; Matt Mayberry expressed agreement with most of the proposed changes by the building officials, emphasizing the need to integrate these changes into the building code. He supported the 'for cause' requirement for denying a licensed professional and raised concerns about the proposed 'business days' definition, which could lead to lengthy delays in smaller towns like Madbury. He suggested using calendar days instead to ensure a more reasonable timeline for permit issuance and certificate of occupancy.
SB188: Tim Mativia, President, New Hampshire Seacoast Code Officials Association Support00:23:23.360 - 9:22:05 AM; Tim Mativia, representing the New Hampshire Seacoast Code Officials Association, initially opposed Senate Bill 188 but now supports the changes proposed by the New Hampshire Building Officials Association. He highlighted the necessity of third-party inspections for certain types of inspections like concrete, compaction, and welding. He explained how municipalities like Portsmouth and Somersworth have utilized third-party services and supported the proposed fee reductions for using third-party reviewers and inspectors.
SB188: Alex Katrubis, Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire Support00:36:14.800 - 9:34:56 AM; Alex Katrubis, representing the Associated General Contractors of New Hampshire, supported the bill as it came from the Senate, noting that it addresses challenges faced by commercial contractors. He appreciated the efforts of building officials to work with industry stakeholders to refine the bill. He urged the committee to adopt the proposed amendments, believing they would help solve issues between development and local government.