HB 313: Construction Industry Amendments - Utah

Substitute #4 → Enrolled · 6 edits · Mar 27, 2025

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's construction standards to align with newer national codes, specifically upgrading the National Electrical Code from the 2020 to the 2023 edition and updating various International Codes to their 2021 or 2023 editions. It introduces new rules for blended assisted living facilities, clarifies definitions for energy storage systems and accessory dwelling units, and modifies snow load tables. Additionally, it removes certain water heater regulations for areas not designated as ozone or PM2.5 nonattainment areas.

Scope change

The bill expands the applicability of newer electrical and building codes to the state and adds specific provisions for energy storage systems and historic properties that were not previously detailed in this manner.

REQUIREMENT

Upgraded the adopted National Electrical Code from the 2020 edition to the 2023 edition to reflect current safety standards.

Added specific regulations allowing blended assisted living facilities to house residents without clinical needs for containment under strict conditions.

Updated ground snow load tables and references to a new Utah Snow Load Study for more accurate structural design requirements.

Added signage requirements for Energy Storage Systems to identify battery chemistry on the exterior of dwellings.

ADDED

Added new definitions for 'Energy Storage System' and 'Dual Source Connection' to regulate modern electrical installations.

ELIGIBILITY

Modified water heater regulations to exempt units intended for installation in areas that are not ozone or PM2.5 nonattainment areas.

Introduced → Substitute #1 · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to add a Senate Sponsor and include new sections addressing building codes for assisted living facilities and structural requirements, while retaining the original provisions for updating electrical and plumbing standards. This expands the bill's scope beyond just electrical and plumbing updates to include broader residential building safety and accessibility rules.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include amendments to the International Building Code (IBC) regarding assisted living facilities and general building requirements, in addition to the original focus on the International Residential Code (IRC) and National Electrical Code (NEC).

ELIGIBILITY

Added new provisions allowing blended assisted living facilities to house both residents with and without dementia under specific controlled egress conditions.

REQUIREMENT

Added new structural and inspection requirements for residential buildings, including specific rules for bedroom window egress, accessory dwelling units, and energy storage system signage.

Added new definitions for 'Accessory Dwelling Unit', 'Dual Source Connection', and 'Energy Storage System' to the code.

Modified the list of amended Utah Code sections to include 15A-3-105 and 15A-3-202, reflecting the addition of new building code amendments.

Added new requirements for stair dimensions and fire sprinkler system design in residential occupancies.

TIMELINE

Added a Senate Sponsor to the bill header, indicating a change in legislative sponsorship.

Substitute #3 → Substitute #4 · 10 edits

MAJOR

This bill updates Utah's construction and electrical codes to align with newer national standards, primarily upgrading the National Electrical Code from 2020 to 2023 and the International Residential Code to 2021 editions. The changes include new safety requirements for assisted living facilities, updated electrical outlet rules for kitchens and countertops, and modifications to how historic properties are regulated. The bill also clarifies rules for accessory dwelling units and energy storage systems.

Scope change

The bill expands applicability to include the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code (up from 2020) and adds new code requirements for specific building types like blended assisted living facilities and accessory dwelling units.

REQUIREMENT

Upgraded the National Electrical Code from 2020 edition to 2023 edition for residential electrical installations

Added new requirements for blended assisted living facilities allowing residents without clinical needs to share spaces with those requiring containment

Added new definition for accessory dwelling units as habitable living units within existing single-family dwelling footprints

Updated electrical outlet requirements for kitchen countertops and island work surfaces

Modified snow load requirements and updated ground snow load tables for Utah locations

Added new inspection requirements for weather-resistant exterior wall envelopes and fire-resistance-rated construction

Updated electrical disconnect rules allowing up to six switches or circuit breakers in a single enclosure

Added new requirements for controlled egress locking systems in assisted living facilities

Modified water heater regulations and removed certain requirements for specific areas

ADDED

Added new signage requirements for energy storage systems (ESS) to identify battery chemistry on exterior dwelling signs

Substitute #2 → Substitute #3 · 10 edits

MAJOR

This bill updates Utah's construction and electrical codes to align with newer national standards, primarily upgrading the National Electrical Code from 2020 to 2023 and the International Residential Code to 2021 editions. The changes affect residential building requirements, electrical safety standards, and accessibility rules for assisted living facilities.

Scope change

The bill applies statewide to all building construction, alteration, remodeling, and repair regulated under the State Construction Code, with specific provisions for residential properties and assisted living facilities.

REQUIREMENT

Upgraded the National Electrical Code from 2020 to 2023 edition, requiring compliance with newer electrical safety standards.

Updated the International Residential Code to 2021 edition, affecting residential building construction standards.

Added new requirements for blended assisted living facilities to allow residents without clinical needs for containment in certain conditions.

Modified stairway requirements including riser height, tread depth, and handrail provisions for residential buildings.

Updated electrical receptacle requirements for kitchen countertops and island work surfaces.

Changed snow load requirements and references for Utah-specific ground snow load calculations.

Added requirements for signage identifying battery chemistry in energy storage systems.

Updated electrical disconnect requirements to limit service disconnecting means to maximum of six switches or circuit breakers.

Added new inspection requirements for weather-resistant exterior wall envelopes and fire-resistance-rated construction.

ADDED

Added new definition for 'Accessory Dwelling Unit' to clarify what constitutes a habitable living unit within existing single-family dwellings.

Substitute #1 → Substitute #2 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Utah's construction and electrical codes to align with newer national standards, adds a coordination clause to resolve conflicts with another bill, and makes technical adjustments to various code sections.

Scope change

Added a coordination clause to Section 15A-3-202 to ensure amendments in this bill supersede conflicting amendments in H.B. 175.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the adopted National Electrical Code from the 2020 edition to the 2023 edition.

Added a coordination clause to Section 15A-3-202 to resolve conflicts with H.B. 175 amendments.

Modified requirements for assisted living facilities to allow controlled egress systems with specific safety conditions.

TECHNICAL

Made various technical updates to construction code sections including changes to snow load tables, electrical receptacle requirements, and plumbing inspection procedures.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for accessory dwelling unit, energy storage system, and dual source connection to the International Residential Code.

Construction Industry Amendments

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