La. House Refuses to Relax Statewide Building Code Rules

The Louisiana House of Representatives rejected a proposal to loosen statewide building codes enacted after the 2005 storms, concerned that insurers will refuse to write policies for homes built under relaxed standards.

Under current law, construction of a new home requires certification from a licensed inspector that the structure conforms with uniform building codes. The codes were enacted after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, in hopes that building tougher, more wind-resistant homes would reduce damage in future storms and lower property insurance rates.

House members narrowly rejected a bill by Rep. James Fannin that would scale back the inspection requirement, spurred by complaints from north and central Louisiana residents who said the inspectors charge too much and are in short supply.

“We have a situation where we do not have enough certified inspectors to be able to inspect all the work that’s being done in a timely manner,” said Fannin, D-Jonesboro.

Fannin needed support from 53 members but the vote failed in a 52-45 vote. Fannin could bring it up for another vote.

On the Net: House Bill 486 is posted at http://legis.state.la.us/.