New Legislation Requiring Fewer than Four Submittals for Residential Building Projects

Introduction of Legislation Impacting Submittals for Residential Buildings

This year, Utah adopted new legislation requiring fewer than four submittals for residential building projects. The legislation, a collaborative effort between the Property Rights Coalition and the Utah State Legislature, aims to standardize the approval process for residential developments, enhance housing affordability, and streamline procedures to address Utah’s housing shortage. These changes are strategic measures designed to tackle the state’s pressing housing challenges.

Impact on Approval Process for Residential Developments

Ben Duzett, the Site Civil Residential Department Manager at FOCUS, brings nine years of invaluable expertise to the AEC industry and clarifies the impact of the new building code.

“The intent is a quicker turnaround from financing, decreasing the cost of interest, and getting additional homes on the market as fast as conceivable to help make a dent in Utah’s housing shortage,” said Ben.

Previously, each municipality had its own set of requirements. This lead to varying review and approval timelines. The new legislation aims to standardize the residential property approval process across the state.

Navigating the Challenges of the New Legislation

As with any new legislation, initial challenges are inevitable and require careful attention. One such challenge has been the broad interpretation of the law by different municipalities. Such discrepancies result in an increase in submittals being rejected as incomplete. The key for residential engineers is to thoroughly understand each city’s codes and requirements. This ensures that all checklist items are completed before submission. Incomplete proposals are more likely to be rejected, slowing the approval process. At FOCUS, we are committed to providing complete and accurate submittals from the start. We maximize the benefits of this streamlined process.

FOCUS’s Commitment to Guiding Clients Through Change

“FOCUS is thoroughly dedicated to guiding our clients through these legislative changes, ensuring a smooth and successful process for all involved: our clients, the impacted cities, and our partners,” said Ben Duzett.

At FOCUS, we hope our adaptive and proactive approach enables us to expertly navigate the complexities of these changes. By working closely with cities, clients, and partners, we aim to play a significant role in addressing the housing shortage and affordability issues facing our state.