Alabama House Bill HB566

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/25
• Refer: 4/10/25

Caption

Residential Home Construction, approval by licensed architect or professional engineer not required if construction under three stories in height

Impact

If enacted, HB566 would effectively limit the existing requirements under Section 34-2-32 of the Code of Alabama, which currently mandates that an architect's or engineer's approval is needed for construction plans involving residential buildings of less than 2,500 square feet. By removing this requirement for structures under three stories, the bill could expedite the approval processes, making it easier for homeowners to proceed with construction without the additional step of securing professional approval.

Summary

House Bill 566 seeks to modify the regulatory landscape surrounding the construction of single-family residences in Alabama. The bill proposes that counties and certain municipalities be prohibited from requiring plans for the construction of single-family homes under three stories in height to be approved by a registered architect or licensed professional engineer. This legislative change aims to simplify the construction process and potentially reduce costs for builders and homeowners alike, particularly for smaller residential projects.

Contention

While the bill aims to promote efficiency and possibly lower costs, it may also raise concerns among professionals in the architecture and engineering fields who argue that the safety and quality of construction could be compromised without oversight from licensed professionals. Additionally, particular attention must be given to the exemption of Baldwin County from the provisions of the bill, which may lead to inconsistencies in how residential construction is regulated across different regions within the state.