MESSAGE FROM THE LICENSING COMMITTEE
January 2008 Newsletter
BY: Barry Welliver The licensing committee of SEAU has now jumped the first hurdle on the path to creating a structural practice act in the state of
Utah. After meeting with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) to determine how to adjust the language in the Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Licensing Act (Title 58, Chapter 22), the final work was handed over to Senator Fred Fife on December 19, 2007. The bill is presently being written and should be available online sometime during the first part of January 2008. As now defined, professional structural engineering or the practice of structural
engineering means the design and analysis of complex buildings and structures and includes the definition of professional engineering or the practice of professional engineering as defined in section 58-22-102 (9). To create a separate practice act for structural engineering, the first edit was to amend the definition (9) to limit a professional engineer from engaging in the practice of structural engineering. The definition of professional structural engineering given in section 58-22-102
(14) was then expanded to explicitly indicate the areas of practice for professional structural engineers. This list is a slightly modified version of the type III and IV structures defined in the International Building Code with the addition of buildings over five stories or 60 feet and structures with an aggregate gross area greater than 60,000 square feet. Additionally, the definition includes the practice of professional engineering as defined in section 58-22- 102 (9). To accommodate the
perceived need for transitioning some individuals who are currently practicing in the areas now defined for structural engineering, the qualifications section was amended. Section 58-22-302 (f) was expanded to allow an exception to the examinations established by rule for applicants to be allowed to submit a signed affidavit stating that they are competent and currently engaged in the practice of structural engineering. This "window" is set to expire on January 1, 2009, which provides
an effective six month period since the bill would not become law until July 1, 2008. Several other portions of the licensing act are to be modified in this bill to help clarify definitions and administrative procedures as recommended by DOPL. These include a fuller explanation of the exceptions to licensure and revision to residential practice, and the allowance for expert testimony by out-of-state professionals. The proposed bill will create a defined practice for structural engineering
instead of just alluding to complex structures. This is a noteworthy effort for our profession and state. It serves to recognize the need for competent and qualified practice in the design of public and private structures where life safety is to be assured. | 
