Bill description: Senate Bill 1067 allows counties to provide an exemption to owner-builders from following portions of the uniform Idaho Building Code.

Rating: +1

Does it give government any new, additional, or expanded power to prohibit, restrict, or regulate activities in the free market? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce government intervention in the market?

Senate Bill 1067 allows homeowners to make modifications to their house if they desire. First, it defines who an owner-builder is (an individual who has title to real property and subsequently performs her own general contractor services) and, subsequently, provides an exemption for these individuals from having to follow all of the established building code.

Further, this bill will grant to cities and counties the authority to decide whether or not an exemption will be made. The state government has established uniform Code to be applied across the state, but Cities and counties enforce these regulations The building code in Idaho consists of the 2006 International Building Code, the International Residential Code, the International Energy Conservation Code, and the 2006 International Existing Building Code.

If a county or city approves an owner-builder requested exception, then individuals would be able to work on their own private property, including their home and other facilities, such as a barn or garage, without following these regulations. This could allow someone to improve their own house in a way that would otherwise be prohibited, and they could do so for far cheaper. (+1)