SB168 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve LivingstonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

State Board for Registration of Architects, exemption from registration as architect expanded to include townhomes, duplexes, and buildings containing single family residence units, Sec. 34-2-32 am'd.

Summary

SB 168 expands the architect registration exemption to include townhomes, duplexes, and other single-family residence buildings that are built to specified codes.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 34-2-32 to allow individuals who plan or oversee the construction of townhomes, duplexes, or other single-family residence buildings to avoid needing architect registration, provided the structure is designed and built according to the International Residential Code or other codes adopted by Alabama for one- and two-family dwellings. The exemption applies regardless of the building’s size. Existing exemptions remain for farm buildings, certain utility works, and small buildings under 2,500 square feet not intended for assembly occupancy, and the general rule that licensed architects would still be required for non-exempt projects stays in place.

Who It Affects

• Builders, developers, and owners of townhomes, duplexes, or other buildings containing single-family residence units who design or oversee construction without needing an architect registration (if code-compliant).
• Registered architects and architecture firms, who may see changes in demand for planning and oversight on the exempt projects.

Key Provisions

• Expands the exemption from architect registration to include townhomes, duplexes, and other buildings containing single-family residence units, regardless of size, when designed and built according to the International Residential Code or state-adopted codes for one- and two-family dwellings.
• Continuing exemptions for farm buildings, certain utility structures, and small buildings under 2,500 square feet not used for assembly occupancy.
• Maintains rules that non-exempt projects still require a registered architect and clarifies that incidental architectural or engineering work may be performed within the scope of respective professional practices.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Architects, State Board for Registration of