SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8

(By Senators Bowman and Bailey)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance continue to study the need for a rehabilitation subcode to the state building code.

Whereas, Professionals in the building codes and development fields have repeatedly raised concerns that the application of the state's current construction codes can present significant barriers to the improvement or redevelopment of existing buildings and older structures; and
 Whereas, A building rehabilitation code program would encourage investment in existing neighborhoods through a uniform method of rehabilitation and reuse of existing buildings; and
Whereas, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC) have created code revisions and new documents regarding existing building remodeling procedures and guidelines to be adopted by those organizations in 2002; and
Whereas, Pursuant to House Concurrent Resolution No. 58, adopted during the 2001 regular session of the Legislature, Interim Subcommittee C of the Joint Committee on Government Organization undertook the study of rehabilitation building codes, but did not adopt legislation due to the pendency of the adoption of codes by the National Fire Protection Association and the International Code Council; therefore, be it
 Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to continue to study the need for a rehabilitation subcode to the state building code and to continue to examine the current requirements for compliance with the code for rehabilitation projects, the impact of state building code requirements on the costs of rehabilitation structures and alternatives to compliance with the code that are currently available as well as review studies at the national level affecting the adoption of rehabilitation subcodes in order to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the same; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2003, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.