By law, public notice of proposed rules must be given by publication in newspapers of record. The purpose of these notices is to give the public a chance to respond to the proposals. The public notices for administrative rules are now also available online at https://secure.vermont.gov/SOS/rules/ . The law requires an agency to hold a public hearing on a proposed rule, if requested to do so in writing by 25 persons or an association having at least 25 members.

To make special arrangements for individuals with disabilities or special needs please call or write the contact person listed below as soon as possible.

To obtain further information concerning any scheduled hearing(s), obtain copies of proposed rule(s) or submit comments regarding proposed rule(s), please call or write the contact person listed below. You may also submit comments in writing to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, State House, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 (802-828-2231).

2025 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.

Vermont Proposed Rule: 25P022

AGENCY: Department of Public Safety – Division of Fire Safety

CONCISE SUMMARY: The 2025 Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code establishes the minimum standards to protect the public from the risks of fire, explosion, hazardous materials, dangerous structural conditions and carbon monoxide poisoning within public buildings. These amended rules provide updates and incorporate more recent editions of the same national codes and standards that are currently adopted. These rules include requirements for the addition of carbon monoxide detection in some occupancies, protection of lithium-ion batteries, building energy storage systems, escape window clarifications, sprinkler system, requirement modifications, and the inclusion of grab bars to prevent slips and falls. These amendments are also intended to provide clarity of the intent of currently adopted codes and standards and to incorporate existing interim operational guidance.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Landon Wheeler, Division of Fire Safety, 45 State Drive Waterbury, VT 05671 Tel: 802-479-7566 Fax: 802-479-7562 E-Mail: Landon.Wheeler@vermont.gov URL: https://firesafety.vermont.gov/.

FOR COPIES: Michael Desrochers, Division of Fire Safety, 45 State Drive Waterbury, VT 05671 Tel: 802-479-7566 Fax: 802-479-7562 E-Mail: landon.wheeler@vermont.gov

2023 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules.

Vermont Proposed Rule: 25P023

AGENCY: Electricians Licensing Board

CONCISE SUMMARY: The Proposed 2023 Vermont Electrical Safety Rules (VESR) will update the technical codes and standards, including the adoption of the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) also known as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70. This will better coordinate the license examination with the state apprenticeship program, establish an expiration date for a permit and a process for refunding permit fees. These rules also provide requirements for filing an electrical work notice, inspection and energizing procedures, details powers of enforcement and licensing disciplinary procedure.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dennis Blair, Dept. of Public Safety-Division of Fire Safety, 45 State Drive, Waterbury, Vermont 05671 Tel: 802-760-7408 Fax: 802-479-4446 E-Mail: dennis.blair@vermont.gov URL: https://firesafety.vermont.gov/.

FOR COPIES: Landon Wheeler, Dept. of Public Safety-Division of Fire Safety , 45 State Drive, Waterbury, Vermont 05671 Tel: 802-479-7566 Fax: 802-479-4446 E-Mail: landon.wheeler@vermont.gov.

The 2025 Vermont Plumbing Rules.

Vermont Proposed Rule: 25P024

AGENCY: Plumbers Examination Board

CONCISE SUMMARY: The primary focus of these rules is to update the currently adopted 2021 International Plumbing Code to the 2024 edition. The 2024 International Plumbing Code and updated rules will allow for more current methods and materials to be utilized. Rules are amended to clarify intent of the code and answer frequently asked questions. Some of the new changes include gender neutral/multi user restroom provisions, a clarification of specialist license fields, new definitions, additional clarifications and terminology.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: John A. Hammer, Dept. of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, 45 State Drive Waterbury, VT 05671 Tel: 802-249-0271 Fax: 802-479-7562 E-Mail: john.hammer@vermont.gov URL: https://firesafety.vermont.gov/.

FOR COPIES: Landon Wheeler, Dept. of Public Safety-Division of Fire Safety, 45 State Drive, Waterbury, Vermont 05671 Tel: 802-479- 7566 Fax: 802-479-7562 E-Mail: landon.wheeler@vermont.gov.