Morse: Say no to pricey architectural redesigns

BOISE - Rep. Ed Morse wants to end the government-mandated architectural redesigns that local entities may require for aesthetic reasons on industrial and commercial building construction projects.

Morse's state legislation to do just that gained introductory approval Thursday in the House Local Government Committee.

Morse, R-Hayden, told committee members he's concerned that architectural redesigns ordered by government entities on the basis of aesthetics sometimes become too pricey.

Mainly, Morse said he is concerned with function - including safety considerations - over form when it comes to the industrial and commercial building projects.

"What this piece of legislation does, is reconsider and pull back zoning powers in the state to help safety and welfare, and get out of aesthetic issues - like beautification - and whether or not the building as designed meets subjective standards of appearance," said Morse, a real estate appraiser and consultant.

He added: "Some of these communities are requiring redesign of buildings based on beauty and aesthetics. It's expensive and it's time-consuming."

After some questions, Local Government voted unanimously to print the legislation as a bill. The next step in the legislative process is a full committee hearing.