RISBC-11 Certification of Building Code Officials and Inspectors

Regulation Authority:

R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-107.1 through 23-27.3-107.7

Purpose and Reason:

 The Building Code Standards Committee (BCSC) is proposing amendments to the Rhode Island Building Code, which is the primary building code that applies to all buildings that are not a one or two-family residences. The current version of this regulation adopted the International Code Council’s (ICC) International Building Code (IBC), 2018 version, with RI specific amendments. Currently, the BCSC has proposed adopting the 2021 version of the IBC. The proposed amendments to the IBC 2021 model code are for consistency with the other building code regulations in Title 510 and the Fire Safety Codes in Title 450, compliance with RI statutes, and ensure that the model codes align with the needs of this state.

Additionally, all the building code regulations simultaneously being amended have been edited for clarity and internal consistency of formatting and style, and to be easily read with the other building code regulations and the model codes that these regulations adopt. Formatting changes include: listing every model code chapter and stating whether each chapter is adopted, adopted with changes or deleted; leading all changes with the model code section number for quick reference; and focusing on model code numbering to simplify citation and avoid confusion.

Part 11 is amended to overhaul building official and inspector certification procedures to ensure clearer, more practical process.

§ 11.1 is amended to reference R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-27.3-107.1 through 23-27.3-107.7.

§ 11.2 is amended to update the purpose of the regulation. 

§ 11.3 is amended to update defined terms for increased clarity.

§ 11.4 is amended to require a certificate instead of a letter confirming satisfaction of qualifications for building code officials and inspectors.

§ 11.5 is amended to provide clarification and specific application requirements for building code official and inspectors; 

§ 11.6 is amended as to Building Official applicants and provides two alternatives to obtain certification based on experience, employment, and a certification exam for Option 1 and experience and employment for Option 2. These amendments remove and/or streamline previously confusing and impractical options for certification; as to the Building Inspector -1 and -2 applicants and provides two alternatives to obtain certification for both Building Inspector -1 and -2 based on education, experience, and certification. These amendments clarify qualification requirements and remove inconsistencies between the options for qualification; as to Mechanical Inspector, Electrical Inspector, and Plumbing Inspector applicants and clarifies options for meeting certification qualifications based on professional licensure and experience. 

§ 11.7 is amended as to continuing education requirements in order to specify the necessary approval for, duration and frequency of, and record-keeping for such continuing education programs. § 11.8 is amended as to the state building inspector certification programs to provide greater clarity and detail related to certification program class requirements, including specific topics, hours of instruction, and eligibility.