Regulatory Reform

Position Statements

• A/E Procurement
• Architects in Government
• Architectural Education
• Capitol Budgeting
• Codes and Standards
• Community
• Design of State Funded Transportation Systems
• Energy--Codes & Energy
• Equal Opportunity
• Historic Preservation
• Housing
• Insurance Regulation/Tort Reform
• Owner’s Project Representative
• Public Works Project Delivery
• Registration and Licensing
• Regulatory Reform
• School Construction
• Statute of Repose
• Sustainable Design
• Taxes
• Transportation

The Council believes the protection of the environment and the development of a healthy economy are compatible objectives that can be met by improving the way land use is regulated. There must be clear priorities for the economy, the environment, and the process to make decisions. The Legislature should adopt laws that establish clear and achievable requirements and that minimize the necessity for regulatory interpretation.

To achieve these ends, the Council supports:

• ·Streamlining the permitting process at all levels and by all permitting authorities;
• Increasing categorical and administrative exemptions for minor new construction and minor land use decisions within urban growth areas
• The work of the Permit Assistance Center in recommending ways to streamline and coordinate environmental permitting as well as ways to improve the public’s trust, confidence and participation in the permitting process.

The Council supports the right of Owners to timely regulatory reviews. Costs due to time lost in the review and appeals process has become a major influencing factor in the viability of a project irrespective of whether or not the project meets the appropriate regulatory standards.