Utah committee approves licensing standards for building and home inspectors

The Senate Business and Labor Committee convened on February 26, 2025, to discuss significant updates to House Bill 58, focusing on the licensing of building officials and inspectors in Utah. The meeting began with a clarification that building officials, inspectors, and private inspectors will now be required to be licensed rather than certified, marking a shift in regulatory terminology.

Senator Epson raised a question regarding the process for obtaining licensure, to which it was confirmed that the Department of Professional and Occupational Licensing (DOPL) would oversee this process. Following this, a motion was made to substitute the title and body of House Bill 58 with a fourth substitute, which passed unanimously with a vote of 5-0.

The bill, as presented, aims to address several key issues identified in a review by the Office of Professional Licensing and Regulation (OPLR). It establishes licensing requirements for building officials, who previously had no mandated experience or licensing. This change is intended to enhance the regulation of building inspectors, ensuring that those who oversee construction standards are adequately qualified.

Additionally, the bill tasks the Uniform Building Codes Commission with addressing common code complaints and violations, utilizing existing funds from a 1% surcharge on building permit fees, thereby avoiding any new costs. Importantly, it introduces licensing requirements for private home inspectors, who previously operated without any certification in Utah. The bill also outlines what constitutes unprofessional conduct for building inspectors.

The committee then opened the floor for public testimony, inviting individuals to share their perspectives on the proposed changes. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discuss the implications of the bill and its potential impact on the construction industry in Utah.