North Summit News

The Ohio Senate has approved Senate Bill 6, a measure introduced by State Senator Kristina Roegner aimed at streamlining the building inspection process in Ohio. The bill seeks to make the process more efficient and cost-effective by providing an expedited appeals option for contractors who disagree with recommendations made by building inspectors.

"This expedited inspection appeals process for contractors at the state and local level, at the contractor’s expense, is the workable solution to keep projects on track, on time, on budget and to keep Ohioans working safely," said Roegner. "A product of work over multiple General Assemblies, Senate Bill 6 will benefit not only builders and contractors but also the businesses needing the building and their end customers - everyday Ohioans."

Senate Bill 6 outlines specific procedures for handling expedited appeals. When such a request is made, either the state board of building appeals or a local board must begin addressing it within one day, excluding weekends and legal holidays as defined in section 1.14 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Additionally, a hearing must be held within five days of receiving the request, again excluding weekends and legal holidays.

To support this expedited process, Senate Bill 6 permits boards of building appeals to conduct meetings virtually.

The bill will now proceed to the House for further consideration.