Brief (1)
SB 391 would give the Secretary of Administration the authority to interpret and grant variances to building code requirements for state construction projects. Proposed variances related to fire safety codes must also be approved by the State Fire Marshal.
Background
The bill was introduced by the Joint Committee on State Building Construction at the request of the State Architect. Under current law, state capital improvement projects are not subject to local building codes or permits. Instead, the Secretary of Administration approves construction contract documents before they are placed for bids to ensure each project complies with standards established by the Secretary. Unlike most local governments, the state does not have a formal mechanism to review those situations, such as renovating historical structures, where the current building codes do not fit the project.
The State Architect, the State Fire Marshal, and a representative of the Kansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects appeared in support of the bill. Written testimony in support of the bill was submitted by the Director of Facilities for the State Board of Regents. No conferees appeared in opposition to the bill.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html