4101:8-1-03 Certified building department.

103.1 General. Before exercising authority in the enforcement of the rules of the board and before accepting and approving plans pursuant to sections 3781.03, 3791.04 of the Revised Code, municipal, township and county residential building departments and their required personnel shall have been certified by the board of building standards pursuant to section 3781.10 of the Revised Code. Application for certification to the board of building standards shall be made on prescribed forms according to the provisions of section 103.

Certification shall not be construed as conferring any jurisdiction to such department to regulate the construction of buildings by the state of Ohio or on land owned by the state of Ohio. This includes, but is not limited to, its agencies, authorities, boards, commissions, administrative departments, instrumentalities, community or technical college districts, but does not include other political subdivisions.

Note: The lands owned by Miami university in the city of Oxford and Oxford township in Butler county and leased to private individuals or corporations under the land rent provisions of the Act of February 17, 1809, as set forth at 7 Ohio Laws 184, are subject to local certified building department jurisdiction and are exempt from these provisions.

103.2 Building department certification requirements. To qualify for certification, a municipal, township, or county residential building department shall conform to the following:

1. Conformity with law. The residential building department shall have been created in conformity with law.

1.1 If the residential building department of a municipality does not hold the certification to enforce plumbing provisions, then the enforcement shall be done by the local board of health.

1.2 A political subdivision with a nonresidential building department certified pursuant to OBC section 103.1, qualifies for certification to enforce the Residential Code of Ohio. The political subdivision must submit an application for additional certification in accordance with section 103.2.1. Personnel shall be qualified pursuant to and the department shall comply with the requirements of this section.

2. Required personnel. The residential building department shall have personnel qualified to execute the duties required for the exercise of enforcement authority, the approval of construction documents, and the making of inspections. All personnel of municipal, township, or county residential building departments, and persons and employees of persons, firms, or corporations whose responsibilities include the exercise of enforcement authority shall be certified by the board of building standards pursuant to section 103.3 prior to performing such duties.

2.1 Residential building official. The residential building department shall have in its employ or under contract one person appointed by the municipality, township, or county certified as a residential building official and designated as responsible for the overall administration of a residential building department and enforcement of the rules of the board. The residential building official certification also qualifies the individual to perform residential plans examination and residential building inspections;

2.2 Residential plans examiner. The residential building department shall have in its employ or under contract at least one person holding a certification as a residential plans examiner or otherwise qualified pursuant to this section, and designated to examine residential construction documents to determine compliance with the rules of the board;

2.2.1 Electrical plans examiner. The department may have in its employ or under contract persons holding an electrical plans examiner certification, designated to examine construction documents related to electrical systems to determine compliance with the rules of the board. If the department does not have in its employ or under contract persons holding the electrical plans examiner certification, then the examination of the construction documents for compliance with the electrical provisions of the code shall be done by the residential plans examiner.

2.3 Residential building inspector. The residential building department shall have in its employ or under contract at least one person holding a certification as a residential building inspector or otherwise qualified pursuant to this section, and designated to determine compliance with approved residential construction documents in accordance with section 109.7 and applicable provisions of this code;

2.3.1 Residential mechanical inspector. The residential building department may have in its employ or under contract persons holding a residential mechanical inspector certification and designated to determine compliance with the approved construction documents for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and the associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping systems in accordance with section 109.7. If the department does not have in its employ or under contract persons holding the residential mechanical inspector certification, then the enforcement of the mechanical provisions shall be done by the residential building inspector;

2.4 Plumbing inspector. If a residential department of a municipality chooses to be certified to enforce plumbing provisions, then that residential building department shall have in its employ or under contract at least one person holding a certificate as a residential plumbing inspector and designated to determine compliance with approved residential construction documents in accordance with section 109.7 and applicable provisions of this code;

2.5 Electrical inspector. The building department shall have in its employ or under contract at least one person holding an electrical safety inspector certification and designated to determine compliance with approved residential construction documents for electrical systems in accordance with section 109.7 and applicable provisions of this code;

2.6 Backup personnel. The department shall have in its employ or under contract, alternate personnel meeting the requirements of this rule, to serve in the event of a conflict of interest or the unavailability of the residential building official, plans examiner or inspectors;

2.7 Replacement personnel. When required personnel leave the employ of the residential department, permanent replacement personnel shall be designated in accordance with the rules of the board within one hundred twenty days;

3. Contract employees. A municipal corporation, township, or county may contract with a certified residential building department, health district, or with persons, firms, or corporations under contract to furnish such services, and meeting the requirements of this rule, to exercise enforcement authority, administer these rules, approve residential plans and specifications and perform field inspections on behalf of such municipal corporation, township, or county, providing such authority is exercised pursuant to such contract and upon application to and approval by the board of building standards;

4. Conflict of interest. No employee or person who contracts for services within the jurisdictional area of the residential department shall perform services for the department which would require exercise of authority given by the rules of the board over any work, or evaluation of any work, furnished by him or by a private contractor that employs him on a full-time, part-time, or incidental basis. Further, such employee or person shall not commit a conflict of interest under sections 102.03 and 102.04 of the Revised Code;

5. Residential building department office. The residential building department shall have an office conveniently located within the area it serves. The office shall be open and staffed to serve the public need and office hours shall be conspicuously posted; and,

6. Availability of inspectors. The residential building department shall be staffed to permit all inspectors to be available for requested inspections as required in section 109.1.

103.2.1 Residential building department certification application. Application for certification of a municipal, township, or county residential building department shall be made on a form prescribed by the board of building standards and shall set forth:

1. Copy of the law creating such a department.

2. Copy of a resolution requesting certification of the residential building department to enforce the rules of the board.

3. The proposed budget for the operation of such department.

4. A chart showing the organization of the residential building department within the governmental body.

5. Data reflecting the population and the size of the area to be served.

6. The number and qualifications of the staff composing the residential building department.

7. The names, addresses and qualifications of persons, firms or corporations contracting to furnish work or services when such persons, firms, or corporations are under contract to furnish architectural, engineering, or inspection services to the municipal corporation, township, or county, and such authority is exercised pursuant to such contract.

8. The names of other municipal corporations, townships, counties, health districts, or other political subdivisions contracting to furnish work or services when such other municipal corporation, township, county, health district, or other political subdivision is under contract to furnish architectural or engineering services to the municipal corporation, township, or county, and such authority is exercised pursuant to such contract and when officers or employees of any other municipal corporation, township, county, health district, or other political subdivision under contract to furnish inspection services to the municipal corporation, township, or county, when such authority is exercised pursuant to such contract.

9. A copy of the ordinance or resolution authorizing a residential building department to enter into a contract with other municipalities, townships counties, health districts, or other political subdivisions, persons, firms or corporations to do their plan approval and inspections.

10. A copy of the contract between the residential building department and other municipalities, townships, counties, health districts or other political subdivisions, persons, firms, or corporations to do their plan approval or inspections.

11. The department within the municipality, township, or county which will be responsible for plumbing inspection if not within the residential building department.

12. The applicant may attach any other charts, maps, statistical data or other information which it determines may be beneficial to the board in considering the applications for certification.

13. Amendments to applications, before formal action is taken by the board, may be allowed by the board. Request for amendments to application shall be made in writing and conform to all the other provisions of this rule.

14. A procedure for residential plan approval, a copy of the residential plan review application, and a copy of the residential department’s approval stamp.

15. The original and six copies of the documents, papers and charts required in paragraphs 1 to 16 of this rule shall be filed with the board. Copies may be reproduced, however, all such copies must be clear and readable.

16. Signature of an authorized representative of the board of township trustees in townships, the board of county commissioners in counties, or the appropriate official in municipalities. (It is suggested that in case of municipal corporations, the legal advisor be consulted to determine the appropriate municipal officer or body which has authority to authorize the making and filing of the application.)

The board may establish a separate application form with waived requirements for jurisdictions with certified non-residential building departments seeking residential certification.

103.2.2 Residential building department certification, public hearing. After the appropriate official in municipalities or the board of township trustees in townships, or the board of county commissioners in counties has made the prescribed application and the same has been examined and considered by the board of building standards, a public hearing on the application shall be held pursuant to section 3781.101 and Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The proposed residential building official of the municipality, board of township trustees, or the board of county commissioners or legal counselor, or other authorized representative, shall be present at the public hearing to explain and give answers to any questions required by the board or such officials may present their positions in writing. The board shall give all interested persons appearing at such public hearing an opportunity to be heard and explain their positions. All persons desiring to be heard at the public hearing shall first be duly sworn or affirmed and a record of the proceeding shall be made by the board.

103.2.3 Residential building department certification, approval or denial. Approval by the board of building standards of an application for certification shall set forth the subject matters for which the municipal, township, or county residential building department under consideration is to be certified. After such approval, the appropriate official in municipalities, board of township trustees in townships, or the board of county commissioners in counties requesting certification, shall be furnished a certificate of approval which shall state the conditions and limitations, if any, under which it has been issued. If the application is denied in whole or in part by the board of building standards, the appropriate official in municipalities, board of township trustees in townships, or the board of county commissioners in counties requesting certification shall be notified in writing of such denial and the reason therefore and to their rights of appeal.

103.2.4 Residential building department certification, reports and assessment.

103.2. 4.1 Reports and information. Certified residential building departments shall submit the following reports and information to the board of building standards:

1. A yearly operational report within ninety calendar days after the end of each calendar year;

2. Notification of changes in personnel of the residential building department who enforce the rules of the board, within thirty calendar days after such personnel have been appointed; and

3. Replies to any special requests or queries made by the board of building standards within thirty calendar days of receipt.

103.2.4.2 Board assessment. Each political subdivision that prescribes fees pursuant to division (F) of section 3781.102 of the Revised Code shall also collect on behalf of the board of building standards an assessment equal to one per cent of those fees imposed for approvals, the acceptance and approval of plans and specifications, and for the making of inspections.

103.2. 4.2.1 Assessment report. The residential building official shall report on the prescribed form and remit monthly by check, the amount of the assessments collected on behalf of the board not later than sixty days following the end of each month in which the assessments are collected.

In the case of residential building departments under contract to exercise enforcement authority pursuant to section 103.2. 1.8, the residential building official shall report and remit to the board for all certified residential departments under contract. The check shall be made payable to the treasurer, state of Ohio.

103.2.5 Residential building department certification, revocation or suspension. Pursuant to division (E) of section 3781.10 of the Revised Code, a certification may be revoked or suspended on application to the board of building standards by any person affected by the exercise of the authority granted under such certification, or by said board on its own motion.

103.2.5.1 Residential building department certification, hearings and appeals. Hearings shall be held by the board of building standards and appeals shall be permitted on any proceedings for certification in the same manner as provided in section 3781.101 of the Revised Code for other proceedings of the board of building standards.

103.2.6 Residential building department certification, to be posted. The certificate issued by the board of building standards to a municipal, township, or county residential building department shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the office of the certified residential building department. In the event of suspension or revocation of certification the residential building official shall, within five days of being notified of such suspension or revocation, surrender to the secretary of the board of building standards, the certificate previously issued and such department, upon suspension or revocation, shall no longer hold out to the public that it is authorized to issue certificates of approval for the construction, repair, alteration of residential buildings specified in section 3781.06 of the Revised Code for which it has been suspended or certification revoked.

103.3 Residential building department personnel. The residential department shall have personnel qualified to execute the duties required to enforce the rules of the board.

103.3.1 Residential building department personnel certification classifications. The certifications issued by the board of building standards, as required in section 103.3, are as follows:

1. Certification as a residential building official qualifies a person to be responsible for the overall administration of a certified residential building inspection department and enforcement of this code. The residential building official certification also qualifies the individual to perform residential plans examination and residential building inspections;

2. Certification as a residential plans examiner qualifies a person to review residential construction documents to determine compliance with the provisions of this code.

2.1 Certification as a residential plans examiner trainee qualifies a person to review residential construction documents under the direct supervision of an individual holding a certification as either a nonresidential master plans examiner or a residential plans examiner.

2.2 Certification as an electrical plans examiner qualifies a person to examine only construction documents related to electrical systems to determine compliance with the rules of the board.

3. Certification as a residential building inspector qualifies a person to inspect residential buildings, HVAC systems and the associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping, in accordance with section 109.7 to determine compliance with the approved residential construction documents.

3.1 Certification as a residential building inspector trainee qualifies a person to inspect residential buildings, HVAC systems and the associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping, under the direct supervision of an individual holding a certification as a residential building official or residential inspector.

4. Certification as an electrical safety inspector qualifies a person to inspect residential electrical systems in accordance with section 109.7 to determine compliance with the approved residential construction documents.

4.1 Certification as an electrical safety inspector trainee qualifies a person to inspect residential electrical systems under the direct supervision of an individual holding an electrical safety inspector certification.

5. Certification as a residential plumbing inspector qualifies a person to inspect residential plumbing systems in accordance with section 109.7 to determine compliance with the approved residential construction documents.

5.1 Certification as a residential plumbing inspector trainee qualifies a person to inspect residential plumbing systems under the direct supervision of an individual holding a plumbing inspector certification.

6. Certification as a residential mechanical inspector qualifies a person to inspect HVAC systems and the associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping in accordance with section 109.7 to determine compliance with the approved construction documents.

6.1 Certification as a residential mechanical inspector trainee qualifies a person to inspect HVAC systems and the associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping under the direct supervision of an individual holding a residential mechanical inspector certification.

103.3. 1.1 Multiple personnel certifications held. A person may hold more than one certification.

103.3.2 Seals. No holder of a certification issued by the board of building standards is authorized to secure a seal in any form or of any type for use in the performance of any of their duties.

103.3.3 Experience requirements of the applicant.

1. Only experience directly related to buildings or structures regulated by the OBC or RCO shall be acceptable for any residential certification.

2. Only enforcement, inspection, or plans examination experience performed in compliance with one of the following shall be acceptable as credit for any residential certification:

2.1 Performing code enforcement functions for an agency or jurisdiction outside the state of Ohio or in a jurisdiction enforcing a model residential building code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for residential buildings or structures of the types regulated by the rules of the board; or

2.2 An individual performing code enforcement functions for a certified residential or non-residential building department who is a holder of a board certification other than that for which application is being made.

2.3 In evaluating experience of an applicant, the board of building standards shall not credit experience gained while acting in violation of rules adopted by the board to establish equivalent experience. In evaluating experience it shall be equivalent experience that provided knowledge as determined by the board of building standards. The experience must provide knowledge of different construction methods, processes and types.

2.4 Experience prior to May 27, 2005, enforcing the provisions of a residential code of a model code organization recognized by the board for residential structures of types regulated by the rules of the board may be considered.

3. For a residential building, plumbing, or mechanical inspector applicant, one year of the required experience may be obtained through education credit pursuant to section 103.3. 9.6.

103.3. 3.1 Residential building official. An applicant for a residential building official certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

1. Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer;

2. At least five years experience as a residential contractor or nonresidential contractor or superintendent with responsibility for obtaining approvals and inspections of structures regulated by the rules of the board, or

3. Experience as specified in section 103.3.3(2).

103.3. 3.2 Residential plans examiner. An applicant for a residential plans examiner certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

1. Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer;

2. At least five years experience in building design and construction for residential or non-residential buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board or experience specified in section 103.3.3(2); or

3. Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to section 103.3.9.

103.3. 3.2.1 Electrical plans examiner. An applicant for an electrical plans examiner certification shall meet the following requirement:

1. At least five years experience as a full-time electrical safety inspector in a certified building department.

103.3. 3.3 Residential building inspector. An applicant for a residential building inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

1. At least three years experience as a contractor or supervisor for residential or non-residential buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board or experience as specified in section 103.3.3(2);or

2. At least three years experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a code adopted for buildings or structures regulated by this code or the OBC; or,

3. Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to section 103.3.9.

103.3. 3.4 Residential plumbing inspector. An applicant for a residential plumbing inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

1. At least seven years experience as a plumbing contractor or supervisor for residential or non-residential buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board or experience as specified in section 103.3.3(2);or

2. At least seven years experience as a skilled tradesman for plumbing work subject to inspection under a code adopted for buildings or structures regulated by this code or the OBC; or,

3. Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to section 103.3.9.

103.3. 3.5 Mechanical inspector. An applicant for a residential mechanical inspector certification shall meet one of the following requirements:

1. At least three years experience as an HVAC systems contractor or supervisor for residential or non-residential buildings regulated by the rules of the board or experience as specified in section 103.3.3(2); or

2. At least three years experience as a skilled tradesman for HVAC systems and the associated refrigeration, fuel gas, and heating piping for residential or non-residential buildings regulated by the rules of the board; or

3. Successful completion of a trainee program pursuant to section 103.3.9.

103.3.4 Examination requirements of the applicant. Applicants meeting the appropriate experience requirements of section 103.3.3 shall furnish the board approved certification or evidence of passing board approved examinations for the appropriate certification category issued by a national model code organization or a testing agency or entity recognized by the board.

If, at the time of application for a residential building official, plans examiner, building inspector, mechanical inspector, or plumbing inspector certification, the applicant has not passed the examinations required in this section, but has met all other requirements for the appropriate classification, the board may grant an interim certification for a one-time, eighteen-month period during which the applicant shall pass the prescribed examinations. The interim certification shall expire eighteen months from date of approval if the applicant fails to show evidence of successfully completing the examinations within the interim period.

103.3.5 Personnel certification application, filing and processing. Applications for residential certification will be received at the office of the board. The application shall expire if not used in one year.

Each applicant shall submit, with the formal application, proof of the statements made by attaching such documentary evidence, affidavits, registrar’s statements, diplomas, published data, photographs, or legible reproductions, (all eight and one-half inches by eleven inches where possible) or any other sworn or proven evidence as, in the discretion of the board, may be sufficient to show the board that the applicant is eligible. A nonrefundable fee of thirty dollars shall be remitted with the application.

103.3. 5.1 Records. The board shall retain, as a permanent part of the application, any or all documents submitted, which shall be properly marked for identification and ownership. Original documents may be replaced by legible reproductions of such documents, at the request and expense of the applicant.

103.3. 5.2 Personal appearance. Personal appearance before the board, if required, shall be at the time and place designated by the board.

103.3. 5.3 Disapproval. Failure to comply within ninety days from date of written request from the board for additional evidence or information or to appear before the board when such an appearance is deemed necessary by the board, may be considered as just and sufficient cause for disapproval of the application.

103.3. 5.4 Board action. All applications shall be considered individually by the board, based upon recommendations of the advisory committee, and the action taken shall be recorded in the minutes, noted on the application form, and the applicant so notified.

103.3.6 Continuing education. Holders of certificates shall attend any mandatory board sponsored continuing education courses and complete at least thirty hours of board approved continuing education in their respective classification prior to the expiration date of the certificate.

1. Course approval application. Application for course approval shall be on forms provided by the board. The actual contact course hours shall be clearly discernible.

2. Course credit. The board shall approve courses in each of the classifications and establish hour equivalencies for continuing education credit. Course credit shall only be given for training in the respective classification. Courses approved for more than one classification may be applied to each certification for which training is required. No credit shall be approved for duplicate courses within the same certification period. Instructors of approved courses may apply course hours taught toward their continuing education requirements.

3. Failure to complete. Failure to complete the number of hours required shall result in forfeiture of the certification. It shall be the responsibility of the certificate holder to furnish the board with proof of completion of all board approved courses for which credit is sought.

103.3.7 Issuance of certificate and renewal. An appropriate certificate shall be issued to the applicant upon completion of the qualification requirements of section 103.3.3. The term of the certificate for applicants granted interim approval, if subsequently issued, shall begin on the date of interim approval.

103.3. 7.1 Renewal. The certificate holder shall renew at three-year intervals.. The term of all initial certificates shall expire on the last day of June or December following three full years from the date of issue or board approval.

103.3. 7.2 Applications for renewal. Applications for renewal of a certificate shall be submitted to the board of building standards at least thirty days prior to the expiration date. In addition to the form prescribed by the board, applicants for renewal shall submit a certificate renewal fee of thirty dollars and evidence of having attended board-sponsored required continuing education courses or their board-approved equivalents and successfully completed thirty hours of approved educational courses prior to the expiration of the current certificate.

103.3. 7.3 Failure to renew. Any holder of a certificate which has expired through failure to renew may obtain a renewal within one year from the date of its expiration provided the holder has met all requirements for renewal including payment of the renewal fee. All applications for renewal of expired certificates shall be processed as renewals during the one year following expiration and processed as new applications after one year except that the holder of an expired certificate shall also be required to satisfy the continuing education requirements prior to recertification.

The holder of a certificate which has expired shall not perform any duties for which a certification is required.

103.3.8 Revocation or suspension of certificate. The board upon its own motion or upon written complaint of any person affected by enforcement or approval of plans, shall investigate the actions of the holder of a certificate if there is an allegation implying:

1. The practice of fraud or deceit in obtaining the certificate;

2. A felony or crime involving moral turpitude;

3. Gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in performance of his duties; or

4. Failure to complete the continuing education requirements prior to expiration date of the certificate.

103.3. 8.1 Complaint. When a complaint against a certificate holder has been investigated and substantiated by evidence:

1. The certificate holder shall be notified of the charges by certified mail, return receipt requested. The certificate holder shall be informed that a hearing before the board must be requested thirty days from the date of the mailing. The applicant may be represented by counsel;

2. The board shall schedule a hearing seven to fifteen days after receipt of the request, unless another date is mutually agreed upon by both parties. The board may continue or postpone the hearing upon application by the party or upon its own motion;

3. An adjudication hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.09 of the Revised Code;

4. Following the hearing, the board may either dismiss the complaint or issue an order revoking or suspending certification. Failure by the certificate holder to request a hearing shall cause the board, after a hearing, to issue an order revoking or suspending certification; and

5. The party affected shall be sent a certified copy of the order and informed by certified mail, return receipt requested, that he may appeal the order within fifteen days to the court of common pleas in Franklin county pursuant to sections 3781.10, 3781.101, and 119.12 of the Revised Code.

103.3.9 Trainee program requirements.

103.3. 9.1 Trainee applicants. Trainees shall meet the following requirements:

1. A trainee applicant shall be a full-time employee of a political subdivision or of an inspection agency whose responsibility is to provide full-time inspection services under contract to a political subdivision certified to enforce the “Residential Code of Ohio for One- , Two-, and Three-Family Dwellings”.

2. A trainee applicant shall be under the direct supervision of a trainee supervisor.

3. A residential building or mechanical inspector trainee applicant shall also have at least one year experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a model residential or non-residential code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for buildings or structures regulated by this code or the OBC, or submit evidence of eligibility for education credit pursuant to section 103.3. 9.6.

4. A residential plumbing inspector trainee applicant shall also have at least three years experience as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection under a model residential or non-residential code of a national model code organization or a code adopted for buildings or structures regulated by this code or the OBC, or submit evidence of eligibility for education credit pursuant to section 103.3. 9.6.

103.3. 9.2 Trainee supervisors. A trainee supervisor shall:

1. Be a full-time employee of the same political subdivision as the trainee and shall be available to the trainee during normal working hours;

2. Currently possess the certification for which the trainee is being trained;

3. Be responsible for no more than two trainees at one time and shall immediately notify the board of the trainee(s) under supervision;

4. Notify the board of any change in supervisor or trainee status within thirty days;

5. Supervise, check, and sign the trainee’s inspections and reports or a plans examiner trainee’s plans examinations;

6. Provide to the board a report documenting at least twenty-five inspections or plans examinations made yearly by the trainee under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor, with an evaluation of the trainee at the end of the first six months of the program, at the end of one year, and annually afterward.

103.3. 9.3 Trainee sponsor (political subdivision) requirements. The trainee sponsor (political subdivision) shall:

1. Direct the residential building official to certify to the board that the trainee is a full-time employee of the political subdivision and is under the direct supervision of an individual possessing the certification for which the trainee is being trained; and

2. Provide the trainee with a copy of the current rules of the board.

103.3. 9.4 Trainee certification. The board shall issue a trainee certification to each applicant who has met the qualification requirements.

The certification shall expire four years from the date of applicant approval by the board. After a minimum of two years and upon satisfactory completion of the trainee program pursuant to section 103.3. 9.5, the trainee may apply for certification in the respective classification. The trainee certification is not renewable and upon expiration the individual may not reapply as a new trainee for a period of one year.

103.3. 9.5 Trainee course and work requirements. A residential building, plumbing, or mechanical inspector trainee shall complete at least one hundred hours of approved continuing building code education courses. The trainee shall perform at least twenty-five inspections annually while in the trainee program under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor. The trainee shall also complete the appropriate examination requirement pursuant to section 103.3.4 prior to the completion of the trainee program.

A residential plans examiner trainee shall perform at least twenty-five plans examinations yearly under the direct supervision of the trainee supervisor and complete at least one hundred hours of approved continuing building code education courses. The trainee shall also complete the appropriate examination requirement pursuant to section 103.3.4 prior to the completion of the trainee program.

103.3. 9.6 Education credit. An applicant for a building, plumbing, or mechanical inspector, or trainee certification may obtain credit for one year of the required experience through education, if one of the following is met:

1. The applicant shall document nine hundred or more contact hours of training in an Ohio department of education approved vocational education program at the high school or adult level; or

2. The applicant shall document the completion of a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree program in building design or construction.

103.3. 9.6.1 Documentation. Supporting documentation may include a certificate of completion, a career passport, a transcript, a college degree or diploma granted by an accredited or state-sponsored institution.

103.3. 9.6.2 Educational programs. Education credit shall not be prorated or combined for partial or full credit and shall be awarded only upon successful completion of a specific educational program.

Miscellaneous course work or isolated classes shall not be considered.

Vocational instructional programs that are acceptable for credit include:

1. Air conditioning, heating, and ventilation.

2. Carpentry.

3. Electricity.

4. Masonry.

5. Plumbing and pipefitting.

6. Building maintenance.

7. Fire fighting.

103.3. 9.6.3 Other programs. The successful completion of other specific vocational instructional programs of a minimum of nine hundred contact hours may be considered by the board if the training is directly related to the design and construction of buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board.

103.3. 9.6.4 Associate degrees. Technical education instructional programs offering associate degrees include:

1. Architectural/construction technology.

2. Heating and air conditioning technology.

3. Fire science technology.

4. The successful completion of other specific technical education instructional programs offering degrees may be considered by the board if the training is directly related to the design and construction of buildings or structures regulated by the rules of the board.

Effective: 01/01/2009

R.C. 119.032 review dates: 05/27/2011

Promulgated Under: 119.03

Statutory Authority: 3781.10(A)

Rule Amplifies: 3781.10, 3781.11, 3791.04

Prior Effective Dates: 5/27/06, 7/1/07, 1/1/08