The Seventh Edition of the Code for Single and Two Family Dwellings
The new Seventh Edition of the Code for Single and Two-Family Dwellings became effective on April 1, 2007. Members of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (Board) approved a nine (9) month concurrency period where, at his\her discretion, a code user was allowed to use either the Sixth or Seventh Edition of the Code when designing, building, renovating and\or adding to a single or two-family dwelling. The concurrency period expired on December 31, 2007 and The Seventh Edition of the Code for Single and Two-Family Dwellings came into full force and effect on January 1, 2008. Therefore, users are no longer allowed to use the Sixth Edition of the Code.
The Seventh Edition Code establishes some new construction license categories. However, the Board has voted to delay implementation of these new categories until July 1, 2008 to allow for a sufficient phase-in period. New license categories include:
- Residential Roof Covering
- Residential Window and Siding
- Residential Demolition Only and
- Residential Solid Fuel Burning Appliance Installation
The Seventh Edition also allows for qualified licensees to be considered for “grandfathered” status which would allow an individual to receive a license in one or more of the new categories without taking an examination. In order to apply for a grandfather license in one or more category, candidates must demonstrate sufficient experience in the specific category of license. It is important to note that qualifications are submitted under pains and penalties of perjury. Qualifications for each license category are defined on the Board’s Application for Grandfathered License as well as the new code. Please be cautioned that the Board may revoke a license if it is determined that a candidate obtained a license by fraudulent means.
In order to apply for a grandfathered license, please download and follow instructions to by visiting the BBRS website. Candidates will have until the July 1, 2008 deadline to file for a license under the grandfather provisions. Following the July 1, 2008 date, candidates will be required to take and pass a license examination.
New License categories are considered to be subsets of the Board’s existing Construction Supervisor License and pertain only to work performed on single and\or two-family dwellings, whether new or existing. The new categories are intended to establish a license hierarchy whereby a candidate with limited experience in a particular construction discipline may be eligible to receive a window and siding license, for instance, but may not be eligible for an Unrestricted License.
Although eligibility requirements have not changed for the Board’s three existing license categories (Unrestricted, Restricted and Masonry Only), the method by which a candidate will be required to demonstrate compliance have changed and the Board has issued guidelines relating to what is considered acceptable vs. unacceptable experience for existing license categories. In each category, license candidates will be required to present a letter of attestation identifying that the candidate possesses required minimum qualifications and will be required to categorize specific projects in which the candidate has been involved.
Once fully implemented, the hierarchy categories and new license requirements will include:
Unrestricted License – The unrestricted license defines the highest category license. Licensees in this category may perform all work as defined by the code for this level and work in any license category below. Candidates are currently required to take and pass an examination to receive a license in this category. Demonstration of qualifications for license will change as identified above beginning July 1, 2008.
Restricted License – The restricted license defines the second highest category license. Licensees in this category may perform all work as defined by the code for this level and work in any license category below. Candidates are currently required to take and pass an examination to receive a license in this category. Demonstration of qualifications for license will change as identified above beginning July 1, 2008.
Masonry Only License – The masonry only is considered to be a specialty license. Licensees in this category may perform only work as defined by the code for this level. Candidates are currently required to take and pass an examination to receive a license in this category. Demonstration of qualifications for license will change as identified above beginning July 1, 2008.
NEW -
Residential Roof Covering License – The residential roof covering is considered to be a specialty license. Licensees in this category may perform only work as defined by the code for this level. Candidates will be required to demonstrate qualifications, take and pass an examination to receive a license in this category beginning July 1, 2008.
NEW -
Residential Window and Siding License – The residential window and siding is considered to be a specialty license. Licensees in this category may perform only work as defined by the code for this level. Candidates will be required to demonstrate qualifications, take and pass an examination to receive a license in this category beginning July 1, 2008.
NEW -
Residential Demolition Only License – The residential demolition only is considered to be a specialty license. Licensees in this category may perform only work as defined by the code for this level. Candidates will be required to demonstrate qualifications, take and pass an examination to receive a license in this category beginning July 1, 2008.
NEW -
Residential Solid Fuel Burning Appliance Installation License – The residential solid fuel burning appliance installation is considered to be a specialty license. Licensees in this category may perform only work as defined by the code for this level. Candidates will be required to demonstrate qualifications, take and pass an examination to receive a license in this category beginning July 1, 2008.
Please visit the DPS website in the coming months for additional information regarding the new code, license categories and related information.