Bill > H2189

This bill establishes a special commission composed of eleven members to investigate and study how building codes are applied when older buildings in "gateway cities" (which are typically older, industrial cities undergoing revitalization) are converted into "mixed-use developments" (buildings containing both residential and commercial spaces). The commission will include representatives from the Department of Public Safety, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards, legislative committees focused on economic development and public safety, and appointees by the Governor who are an architect, a building inspector, and a developer experienced in such conversions. Their task is to identify ways to address challenges within existing building codes to facilitate these conversions while ensuring public safety and accessibility, and they are required to report their findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees and the Gateway City Caucus by July 1, 2014.