Pursuant to the State Building Code R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3, the Building Code Standards Committee has promulgated Regulation SBC-18, entitled “Use of Native Lumber” Dated February, 1, 1993. In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-27.3-109.1(1) through (4) of the Code, the Committee has the authority to adopt appropriate rules and regulations when necessary. The enclosed regulations were issued to govern the use of native lumber within the State of Rhode Island. Said lumber shall be certified as to grade and species for use in the building of structures.

This regulation governs the use of native lumber within the State of Rhode Island. The regulation requires each lumber mill to be registered initially for $25.00 and pay an annual registration fee of $10.00. Each mill shall be identified by its name, logo or trademark. Certification of the grade and species of lumber shall be done by the mill. Review of the mills practices shall be by the Commissioner’s Office and suspension of practice and appeals shall be subject to hearings before the Building Code Standards Committee.

In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-109.0 of the State Building Code, the following rules and regulations shall control the use of native lumber.

18.3.1 Regulation

Each mill engaged in producing native lumber within the State of Rhode Island shall be registered by the State Building Code Standards Committee.

18.3.2 Application Fee

Applications shall be accompanied by a registration fee of twenty-five ($25.00) dollars. This initial registration fee shall be valid for one (1) year.

18.3.3 Renewals

Registration for subsequent renewals shall be accompanied by a renewal fee of ten ($10.00) dollars following initial registration.

18.3.4 Identification

Each registered mill shall be identified by its name or approved logo and/or trademark.

18.3.5 Revocation and suspension

The State Building Code Standards Committee may suspend or revoke the registration of any such mill. Notice of suspension or revocation shall be in writing with the reasons set forth therein and served in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-122.0 of the Rhode Island State Building Code.

18.3.6 Suspension Notice

Upon suspension or revocation of a mill’s registration, said mill shall immediately cease engaging in the certification of native lumber. The filing of an appeal with the State Building Code Standards Committee shall stay such suspension or revocation subject to R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-127.1 of the Rhode Island State Building Code.

18.3.7 Appeals

Any one aggrieved by the decision of the Committee may appeal to the State Building Board of Standards and Appeals in accordance with Section 127 of the Code.

18.3.8 Products Evaluated and Identification

All native lumber used for structural purposes be identified by the mills and certified as to species and grade as provided in section 1705.0.

18.3.9 Inspection by the State Building Commissioner or his Agent

The commissioner shall investigate the entire process of manufacturing, certifying, handling, storing or transporting of native lumber produced pursuant to the approved regulations and the code provisions as they deem necessary, at any reasonable hour with or without prior notice upon receipt of written complaint. The results of any such investigation shall be forwarded to the Building Code Standards Committee for disposition.

18.3.10 Record-Keeping

Each registered mill shall maintain a file of Certifications of Native Lumber issued. Each certificate shall be numerically sequenced and available for inspection and review during normal working hours by staff of the Office of the State Building Code Commission.