House Bill No. by Representative Gadberry amends existing laws to clarify the scope of incidental engineering work that architects are permitted to perform. Specifically, it allows architects to engage in minor mechanical, electrical, or civil-structural engineering work that is incidental to their architectural practice, provided that this work is secondary in nature and significantly less in scope compared to the architectural work. The bill stipulates that such incidental engineering work includes tasks like additions and renovations that do not require major adjustments to engineering calculations. Additionally, it limits site work, such as drainage and grading, to areas within five feet of the foundation.

The bill also modifies the procedures for plan reviews conducted by the state fire marshal. It maintains the requirement for the fire marshal to provide a list of compliance issues when plans do not meet state regulations. However, it adds that this list is not required if the plans are submitted in violation of the new provision regarding incidental engineering work by architects. This change aims to streamline the review process while ensuring that safety and compliance standards are upheld.

Statutes affected:
HB387 Original: 40:1(C)(1)