Senate committee hears bill to let owners rebuild nonconforming homes after major loss

Representative Ben Koppelman, sponsor of House Bill 1500, told the Senate Industry and Business Committee the bill is intended to ensure homeowners can rebuild after a catastrophic loss even when local zoning has made their property "nonconforming." "This bill is designed to give people the peace of mind that if they have a catastrophe, major loss, that they do have the ability to rebuild their home," Koppelman said.

The bill, which the committee heard at a public hearing, would apply only to residential structures. Under the draft language described by Koppelman, a nonconforming residential structure that is damaged more than 50% in value may be repaired, replaced, improved, maintained, restored or rebuilt if the owner: applies for a building permit within six months; begins restoration within one year; keeps the rebuilt structure within the original footprint, height and number of off-street parking spaces; and complies with applicable building, fire, sanitary and health codes.

Supporters told the committee the measure addresses problems that…