NC Building Code Regulation Changes (HB675)
July 27, 2019: The “2019 Building Code Regulatory Reform” bill was signed into law by the Governor. HB675 passed both the Senate and House with a 157 yes votes and only 3 no votes. This bill is part of larger effort by Rep. Brody in reforming and updating the NC Building Code and enforcement process.
“AN ACT TO MAKE VARIOUS CHANGES AND CLARIFICATIONS TO THE STATUTES GOVERNING THE CREATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF BUILDING CODES. ”
A quick summary of the changes that take effect on October 1st, 2019.
This is just a quick and simple summary click here to see the bill in its entirety
3rd Party Inspection of Components
A licensed architect or licensed engineer can inspect and certify certain components or elements of the building. This certification must be completed on the official form. The city/county cannot require information other than what is listed on this official form:
Permit number.
Date of inspection.
Type of inspection.
Contractor's name and license number.
Street address of the job location.
Name, address, and telephone number of the person responsible for the inspection.
Burying Power Lines
Developers and builders DO NOT have to bury power lines under these criteria:
The power lines existed above ground at the time of first approval of a plat or development plan by the city.
The power lines are located outside the boundaries of the parcel of land that contains the subdivision or the property covered by the development plan.
Tiny Home Regulations
Cities can no longer create ordinances that set a minimum square footage of any structures for One- and Two-Family Dwellings. This preempts any ordinance that would outlaw tiny home developments.
Permitting for Outdoor Theaters
No permit shall be required for any construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration of temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery that are being used for less than one year in one location and are inspected by the assigned fire code inspector.
Temporary Certificates of Occupancy
A permit holder may request and be issued a temporary certificate of occupancy if the conditions and requirements of the North Carolina State Building Code are met.
Single Family Plan Review
If a city/county chooses to review residential building plans for any structures, all initial reviews must be performed within 15 business days of submission of the plans. Residential building plans are not required for one- and two-family dwellings to be sealed by a licensed engineer or licensed architect unless required by the North Carolina State Building Code.
Residential Fire Sprinkler Design License
The Board shall establish and issue a Residential Fire Sprinkler Design License for use by persons who hold the appropriate Residential Fire Sprinkler Contractor License to design and install the proper multipurpose fire sprinkler system required by the North Carolina Building Code.
Learn More And Join The Conversation
RSVP to Bryan@cltpr.com to attend this informal but productive conversation on the current changes and needed changes surrounding NC Code and Enforcement.
CLT Public Relations provides Land-Use Advocacy and Regulatory Consultation