The Ohio Building Officials Association supports responsive, responsible, and accountable rule-making that promotes uniform, fair, and consistent enforcement across Ohio’s jurisdictions.
Having reviewed AG 106—which provides updates to certification types, cross-training qualifications, and residential department scopes; establishes provisions for the use of certified third-party plan reviewers and inspectors; and makes minor adjustments to continuing education provider approvals—the Ohio Building Officials Association believes the proposed changes will provide reasonable relief to its members' department operations and to the public as the professional workforce and available resources continue to evolve.
Among other things, AG 106:
- Allows building departments to supplement their capabilities by permitting applicants to engage third-party plan reviews and inspections for the building official’s acceptance during short-term workforce shortages or for complex, infrequent projects.
- Offers third-party review and inspection options to applicants when a building department cannot provide services within required timeframes: 30 days for reviews and 4 days for inspections.
- Maintains exclusive jurisdiction by the Ohio Board of Building Standards (OBBS) over third-party plan reviewers’ and inspectors’ certifications, rather than dividing authority among multiple boards.
- Preserves the Building Official’s authority to accept or deny reports from third-party plan examiners and reviewers, to issue approvals, and to collect fees.
OBOA urges its members to share their support for AG 106 with their jurisdictions and stakeholders, and to refer to
OBOA’s analysis, the
Ohio Board of Building Standards, and future OBOA communications for additional details.