• SB 711, for instance, will allow qualified architects and engineers to sign off on plan reviews for certain residential structures, so the builder doesn't have to send them through the Building Codes Division or a local building department for approval.

• SB 714 will allow use of uniform "minor label" permits statewide for minor construction projects, so that a contractor working in multiple jurisdictions can purchase a single set of labels instead of having to apply for permits from a patchwork of state and local offices.

• SB 715 will give builders with critical construction projects the option of asking the Building Codes Division to do the legwork to expedite plan review, permits, and inspections in collaboration with local agencies, so that contractors can spend their time building instead of tracking paperwork.

• House Bill 2564 was introduced at the request of the Oregon Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) and Plumbers, Steamfitters and Marine Fitters Local 290. The bill allows the Building Codes Division to issue combination licenses to contractors who qualify in several plumbing or electrical specialties, rather than requiring them to hold separate licenses with different applications, fees and expiration dates for each specialty.

• House Bill 2717 was introduced at the request of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The bill exempts certain kinds of industrial electrical equipment from current certification and evaluation requirements and provides alternative methods to meet state standards.

The construction-related legislation is part of the Governor's larger effort to streamline regulatory requirements and procedures in order to reduce burdens on businesses while maintaining protections for workers, consumers, public safety and the environment.

In February, the Governor issued an executive order requiring state agencies to review their business regulations, establish plans to streamline them, and identify ways to improve services to regulated businesses. The Governor noted that other bills relating to regulatory streamlining have either passed the legislature or are in legislative committees. They relate to everything from use of water rights to restaurant licensing and inspections to trucking regulation.

"Growing the economy isn't just about what business can do for Oregon - it's also about what Oregon can do for business," said Governor Kulongoski. "It's a change of attitude that says we're going to work with our partners in industry and labor to make sure our economic engine runs smoothly and efficiently. These construction measures are only the beginning of a much larger effort to make sure that state government is doing everything it can to promote entrepreneurship and cut out-of-date, burdensome and redundant regulations."

Bob Shiprack, of the Oregon Building Trades Council, joined Governor Kulongoski to highlight the construction streamlining bills.

"We are heading in the right direction," Shiprack said. "Oregon's regulatory process can be a minefield of regulation. These bills will simplify the construction process, cut time and costs, and help get Oregon back to work."

Jay Hansen, of CJ Hansen Company, hosted the governor at a project site his company is handling for Willamette University. He is also president of the Oregon Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors and testified before the legislature on construction streamlining legislation.

"These bills will save my business time and money," Hansen said. "Simplifying the permitting and licensing process will help free our business from unnecessary regulation. I support the Governor´s efforts to create an environment that fosters business in our state and these bills are a good start."

• Eliminates conflicts within the code.
• Allows qualified architects or engineers to sign off plan reviews for certain residential structures.
• Eliminates certain plan-review requirements on simple construction projects.
  
  

• Authorizes an e-commerce study for a Building Codes Division pilot program that:
• Speeds permit application and payment.
• Allows permit applicants to apply, pay for, and get approval on-line.
  
• Allows on-line building-plan submittal.
  
  

SB 714 -- Statewide alternative inspection program (Signed by the governor 6/13/03, effective 1/1/04)

• Allows an owner or contractor to purchase an alternative permit in one location and use it anywhere in the state.
• Promotes statewide compliance through use of inexpensive, easy-to-use minor permits for minor construction work.
• Allows contractors greater flexibility and rewards contractors in good standing.
  
  

• A cross-agency team ensures that critical projects proceed without government roadblocks.
• Supports the state´s economic development efforts.
• Facilitates ´shovel-ready´ industrial sites.
  
  

HB 2717 Industrial electrical equipment (Signed by the governor 6/11/03, effective immediately)

• Exempts qualified manufacturers from unnecessary regulation.
• Provides five alternative methods for products to be certified as safe.
  
  

HB 2564 License consolidation (Signed by the governor 5/28/03, effective 1/1/04)

• Allows contractors with multiple licenses to apply on one form, pay one fee, and renew on one date.