The bill amends sections 3781.19 and 3781.20 of the Revised Code and enacts a new section, 3781.21, to enhance the procedures related to building inspections and appeals in Ohio. Key changes include the establishment of a board of building appeals within the Department of Commerce, which will consist of five members appointed by the governor. The board is authorized to set fees for filing and processing appeals, including additional fees for expedited appeals. The bill also clarifies the roles of municipal and county boards of appeals, allowing them to conduct adjudication hearings and grant variances from building requirements, while ensuring that records of proceedings are publicly accessible.

The newly enacted section 3781.21 introduces expedited appeal procedures, allowing individuals to request a faster resolution of their appeals. If an expedited appeal is requested, the board must commence the appeal within one day and hold a hearing within five days. The bill also stipulates that expedited appeals can be conducted via electronic means and establishes a fee structure for these expedited processes, not exceeding $1,000 in total. Additionally, the bill repeals the existing sections 3781.19 and 3781.20, streamlining the legal framework governing building appeals in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3781.19, 3781.20
As Reported By Senate Committee: 3781.19, 3781.20
As Passed By Senate: 3781.19, 3781.20