House Committee Begins Hearings on Legislation to Clarify Ohio Building Code and State Fire Code

COLUMBUS—The House Commerce and Labor Committee today began hearings on House Bill 65, announced bill sponsor State Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord).

The bill will require the Director of Commerce, in collaboration with the board of building standards, state fire marshal, and local building departments to clearly define the rules surrounding the Ohio Building Code and State Fire Code.

House Bill 65 also clarifies the maximum occupancy of a venue does not include outdoor areas.

“House Bill 65 ensures Ohio businesses can follow consistent and predictable standards statewide and will help attract new wineries to Ohio,” said Callender during sponsor testimony. “I will continue to work to make Ohio the most business friendly state in our nation.”

The legislation came to fruition as a result of difference in interpretations of the agriculture exemption for Ohio farm wineries based on jurisdiction. 

House Bill 65 will continue to receive hearings in committee.