Texas Senate Bill SB1724

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to building codes applicable in the unincorporated areas of a county; authorizing a fee.

Impact

The introduction of SB1724 is expected to standardize building codes in areas not governed by municipal regulations, which provides a more uniform framework for construction. The bill mandates inspections at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with building codes, which could enhance safety and quality in newly constructed properties. Additionally, it allows counties to charge fees to help cover the costs associated with enforcing these standards, thereby creating a potential revenue stream for local governments. The requirement for public notices and comment periods for proposed changes in building codes also encourages public involvement in local governance.

Summary

SB1724 is an act relating to building codes applicable in the unincorporated areas of a county and authorizes certain fees associated with these codes. The bill aims to amend the Local Government Code to better address standards for new residential and commercial construction within the unincorporated areas, establishing clearer definitions and enforcement mechanisms. This legislation empowers county officials to enforce compliance with updated building standards, specifically the International Residential and Building Codes published as of May 1, 2015, while also allowing counties to adopt later versions or establish their own standards that exceed the state regulations.

Contention

Although SB1724 aims to bring oversight and order to building practices in the unincorporated areas, there may be concerns about the extent of control it grants to counties. Critics could argue that imposing additional regulations may make housing more expensive and bureaucratically cumbersome for builders and individual homeowners. Furthermore, the possibility of counties adopting stricter codes could lead to discrepancies in building practices across different regions, which could frustrate developers and affect housing availability. The requirement for public testimonies and hearings may also lead to contention among community members with varying perspectives on building standards.