CS/CS/HB 459 - Building Design

• Prohibits local land development regulations relating to building design elements from being applied to single- or two-family dwellings, with exceptions for historic properties, flood insurance compliance, chapter 553 regulations, and community redevelopment areas.

• Defines "building design elements" as external color, exterior cladding material, roof style/material, architectural ornamentation, window/door styling, room number/type, and interior layout, excluding structural matters like height, bulk, and location on zoning lots.

• Allows substantially affected persons to petition the Florida Building Commission for a nonbinding advisory opinion on whether a local government regulation is a technical amendment to the Florida Building Code.

• Establishes petition procedures requiring local government response within 14 days and commission issuance of advisory opinion within 30 days, with public notice and comment opportunities.

• Does not affect private covenants or contractual agreements relating to building design elements and becomes effective July 1, 2020.