Missouri doesn’t have statewide building code standards, and recently, two bills were introduced by the Missouri House and Senate to change that. Senate Bill 743 and House Bill 2870 aim to create a comprehensive framework for statewide building codes that include electrical, mechanical, building, plumbing, property maintenance, and other areas of construction. Generally, this standardization is positive for Missouri’s construction industry. An issue that our construction clients often face is trying to navigate the web of varying codes for each county and municipality. This leads to situations where contractors are adhering to the code for the county, but unbeknownst to them, the municipal code is more stringent or vice versa. Figuring out the correct code and going back to fix it costs contractors more time and money. Therefore, standardization of building codes would promote clarity and increase efficiency. The new law would require localities that have already adopted building codes to use the new standards. However, it appears that there is some flexibility for localities to adopt more stringent codes as long as they don’t conflict with the new standards. Areas of the state that did not already have building codes can choose to adopt these standards, but are not required to.
The law would establish the Missouri Building Codes Commission, which would be responsible for holding public hearings to amend building codes. All new facilities constructed for the state, except for agricultural buildings, would have to comply with the standards established under the Act. Residential reoccupancy inspections would have to use a reoccupancy checklist when there is a change in ownership, tenants, or occupants. The codes would be based on model codes from professional organizations such as the International Code Council and the National Fire Protection Association. Statewide codes will be reviewed and updated every six years to incorporate new materials and best practices. Missouri building codes other than fire codes will be administered by the State Codes Manager, and the fire code will be administered by the State Fire Marshal.
The Commission would establish a schedule of fees for the issuance and renewal of certain permits. They would also charge an additional fee for the permits that will be collected by the relevant locality. Therefore, those in the industry could see increased costs for permits. The Act further establishes a fund where the state fees, grants, and appropriations by the General Assembly will be deposited for uses specified in the Act. Senate Bill 743 is sponsored by Senator Justin Brown, and House Bill 2870 is sponsored by Representative David Casteel. Both bills died in committee, but proponents of the bills remain hopeful they will pass in the upcoming legislative session. Charles Hinderlighter, the coalition director for Safer + Simpler Missouri, stated, “Our goal is not to pass this year. Our goal this year is to get input,” he said. “It’s time to really dig in in the state capital and get input from legislators to see what their appetite is and see what issues they see.” Illinois is adopting a statewide building code this year, and he hopes Missouri will follow suit.