Legal/Regulation: Page 104
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Berkeley balcony contractor seeks restraining order against DA
The construction firm that built the apartments where six students died has asked to be present for all inspections.
By Sharon O'Malley • July 1, 2015 -
Congress nixes $10M fund to crack down on worker misclassification
The NAHB opposed the expenditure, saying it might encourage states to find problems "where none exist."
By Sharon O'Malley • June 30, 2015 -
Explore the Trendline➔
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TrendlineLegal Issues
Contracts, disputes, change orders and delays can keep builders up at night. Construction Dive covers some of the top issues facing the industry.
By Construction Dive staff -
Construction workers at heightened risk of painkiller abuse
Drug use can delay an injured employee’s return to work and escalate workers’ comp costs.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 30, 2015 -
NC considers law to exempt builders from taxes on vacant new houses
The measure would reclassify unsold homes as "inventory" to encourage more construction in the state.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 29, 2015 -
Prosecutors launch criminal investigation in Berkeley balcony collapse
Lawyers have said convictions in construction-defects cases are rare.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 26, 2015 -
U.S. Supreme Court validates claims of 'unintentional bias' in housing
The justices wrote, however, that the Fair Housing Act may not put developers in a ‘double bind of liability.’
By Sharon O'Malley • June 25, 2015 -
Inspections, codes under review after Berkeley balcony collapse
The solution, city and state officials say, could be in revamping building codes.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 24, 2015 -
Brazil requests U.S. assistance in investigation of Petrobras, contractor kickback scandal
The heads of the country’s two biggest construction firms were arrested last week for their alleged involvement.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 23, 2015 -
Senate votes to strip VA oversight of its own major building projects
The legislation — a result of the Aurora, CO, hospital debacle — signals a major reform of the Department of Veterans Affairs' construction management system.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 22, 2015 -
PA construction owners indicted for defrauding U.S. DOT
The owners allegedly set up a sham corporation to win federal highway contracts earmarked for disadvantaged firms.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 19, 2015 -
Builder of Berkeley apartments with collapsed balcony faced prior lawsuit, OSHA violations
A local television news crew found a dozen violations from the federal agency and a legal complaint about the balconies on another property built by Segue Construction.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 19, 2015 -
Deep Dive
Deck disasters: How can builders help prevent tragedy?
This week's fatal balcony collapse in Berkeley, CA, has brought heightened attention to structural safety issues. Builders can learn from past cases and educate homeowners to avoid accidents.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 18, 2015 -
LA Gov. Jindal retains construction funding authority as legislative reform attempt fails
Lawmakers have said the governor uses his control over project spending as leverage to win votes for unrelated legislation.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 18, 2015 -
CA Supreme Court: Developers must offer affordable housing at city's request
The judges unanimously shot down a suit calling the practice unconstitutional.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 17, 2015 -
Construction resumes in Sacramento community after 7-year FEMA-imposed ban
Natomas, CA, has received more than 1,000 applications from contractors looking to finish partially completed projects that were interrupted by the federal moratorium.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 17, 2015 -
DOJ to prosecute roofing company owner for worker's death
The case is a rarity in the industry, as company execs aren't often indicted for workplace fatalities.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 17, 2015 -
Midwestern conservatives aim to kill 'prevailing wage' laws
Indiana took the lead when it scrapped its statute in April.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 17, 2015 -
5 construction industry firms score FAA exemptions for drones
A Dayton, OH, commercial contractor is the latest to get the coveted permission.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 12, 2015 -
MN builders bugged by new termite prevention requirement
HUD has deemed the southern part of the state at a "slight to moderate risk" of infestation.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 12, 2015 -
NYC public works construction workers earn up to 177% more than private sector: Report
Prevailing wages are a hot-button issue in the city, as government officials debate whether to include a new requirement in a reform package.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 12, 2015 -
House narrowly passes transportation bill with Amtrak funding cuts
The Republican-backed measure allots $40.3 billion to the Highway Trust Fund.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 11, 2015 -
DC zoning panel finalizes regulations for pop-up rowhouses
The city commission voted to limit the height of the skinny structures to 35 feet and restrict builders from dividing them into more than two condo units.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 11, 2015 -
MT city considers 1% 'public art' fee on commercial construction
Officials estimate that Helena, MT, could raise $670,000 over two years with the measure.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 10, 2015 -
NYC mayor proposes 'mansion tax' to pay for affordable housing plan
Bill de Blasio's suggested surcharge on $1.75 million homes would help raise the $1.9 billion still needed, but it faces significant opposition from some legislators.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 9, 2015 -
TX law permits homeowners to install solar panels during neighborhood construction
The new measure stops developers from requiring owners to wait until a subdivision is 100% complete before altering their houses.
By Sharon O'Malley • June 8, 2015
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