Sec. 1. 32 MRSA c. 8 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 8

OFFICE OF BUILDING CODES

§411.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Licensed building inspector.__"Licensed building inspector" means an individual who has been licensed by the Office of Building Codes under this chapter to inspect commercial and residential buildings and to certify to the office that the building and energy codes have been met.

2.__Office.__"Office" means the Office of Building Codes established in section 412.

3.__Owners or developers.__"Owners or developers" means the owners or developers of commercial or residential buildings.

§412.__Office of Building Codes established

The Office of Building Codes is established within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to carry out the functions of this chapter.__The purpose of the office is to ensure uniform code compliance and efficient oversight of the construction of new residential and commercial buildings in the State.

§413.__Certification requirement

All owners or developers shall certify to the office through either the code enforcement officers of the municipality in which the building is located or licensed building inspectors that a newly constructed residential or commercial building meets all applicable local or state building and energy codes.__ A municipality may choose to provide inspection services through municipal code enforcement officers for buildings that are located in that municipality but is under no obligation to provide these services.__If a municipality chooses not to provide these services, owners or developers shall contract with licensed building inspectors to provide these services.

§414.__Licensing requirement