H.B. 488 Summary

• Reorganizes the Building Code Council and creates a new 13-member Residential Code Council to separately oversee residential building codes (one- and two-family dwellings) effective January 1, 2025.

• Increases the project cost threshold for general contractor licensing requirements from $30,000 to $40,000 and raises the permit exemption threshold from $20,000 to $40,000 for minor construction work.

• Prohibits routine exterior sheathing inspections in regions with wind speeds below 140 mph and restricts local governments from requiring additional inspections beyond those in the State Building Code without approval.

• Prohibits local governments from forcing sewer connections unless they have adequate capacity to treat wastewater, and prevents requirements for payments to local governments for stormwater system maintenance or replacement costs.

• Establishes restrictions on building code amendments including prohibiting changes to mechanical and fuel gas provisions through January 1, 2026, and freezing energy conservation code amendments until 2026.