Hassan issues first veto

Gov. Maggie Hassan issued her first veto of 2016 on a bill related to building permits.

The bill, SB 446, requires the Building Code Review Board to adopt rules that allow building inspectors to ask for "only such data as is reasonably required" in a building permit application.

Bill supporters testified that building inspectors sometimes demand excessively time consuming and costly evaluations that have minimal impact on a project.

"We’re just asking to tip the balance just a little bit in favor of the property owner, and after all, it’s their property," said Executive Councilor Dave Wheeler.

In her veto message Gov. Hassan wrote, "Senate Bill 446 unnecessarily ties the hands of local officials, limiting their ability to gather the information necessary to determine the scope of work, what code needs to be applied and the cost of the permit. As a result, it will be more difficult for building inspectors to properly vet projects and ensure that applicants meet the necessary requirements to keep the public safe. Furthermore, the proposed legislation would have set a vague and ambiguous standard, which could lead to an increase in litigation."

Do you think building inspectors have a reasonable amount of power to evaluate building permits?  Share your opinion in the comments.