Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Codes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee keeps 50% rebuild threshold, narrows measurement to replacement cost
Summary
After debate over semantics and measurement, the committee agreed to retain a 50% threshold for when damaged structures must meet new codes and clarified the metric should refer to replacement cost rather than building square footage.
Members debated wording in policy 1-6-1 about when a storm-damaged building must comply with current building codes. Terry Mason raised concerns about whether the section should reference "rebuilt" or "replaced," and whether the trigger should be measured by area or cost. Tim Morton said "it doesn't make any sense" as written and urged clearer phrasing to prevent homeowners from enlarging footprints after repairs without permits.
The committee concluded to keep the 50% threshold and to clarify that the measure applies to replacement cost, not merely square footage. A committee member summarized the decision: "50% is fine." Staff were asked to revise the chapter language to remove the semantic ambiguity and to ensure the rule ties to replacement cost and permit limits.
