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Committee advances bill allowing virtual reinspections and a 15-day inspection “shot clock,” sends measure to general orders
Summary
House Bill 266 would allow live virtual inspections for reinspections, authorize permit holders to hire ICC‑certified third‑party inspectors when a state or local inspection is not completed within 15 days, and set refund and notification requirements, the sponsor told the House Business Committee on Feb. 19.
Representative Josh Wheeler presented House Bill 266 to the House Business Committee on Feb. 19 as a package of changes to streamline building inspections across Idaho.
Wheeler said the bill permits live virtual inspections only for reinspections and includes guardrails: the inspector must confirm the correct address, the video must be live, and virtual reinspections are not allowed for structures over three stories. The bill also creates a 15-day “shot clock” for municipalities and state agencies to complete an inspection; if the inspection is not performed within that period the permit holder may obtain a third-party inspection from an ICC‑certified inspector.
Wheeler and witnesses described refund provisions and other safeguards. Wheeler clarified that if an inspection is not timely the permit holder is entitled to a full refund of the portion of fees paid for that inspection; a separate 10% refund provision applies when an inspector conducts a failed inspection and does not notify the permit holder within three days of the reason for the failure. Committee members raised concerns that the 15‑day clock is too long, that a permit holder might still face higher costs when a third party’s fee exceeds the municipal fee, and about who bears liability for third‑party inspections.
Kelly Packer of the Association of Idaho Cities testified in support and said a survey of municipalities showed most could meet the 15‑day timeframe; rural cities were the primary concern. Brett Stoddard of the City of Rexburg and the Association of Idaho Building Officials said many jurisdictions already perform same‑day or next‑day inspections and that staffing constraints in some rural areas explain longer delays elsewhere.
Committee members debated the proposal and its timeframe. Representative Palmer moved a substitute motion to send HB266 to general orders for amendment; that substitute motion passed. The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript; the chair announced the motion carried.
