H675 - 2019 Building Code Regulatory Reform. (SL 2019-174)

Overview: S.L. 2019-174 does all of the following:

• Requires the North Carolina Building Code Council (Building Code Council) to:
• Create a form for inspection certifications by licensed engineers and licensed architects.
• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis for all proposed changes to the North Carolina Energy Conservation Code.
• Consult with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to study options for on-site disposal of demolition debris.
• Requires the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board (Q-Board) to establish a standard certificate for a residential changeout inspector.
• Clarifies the definition of building "component."
• Prohibits cities and counties from requiring:
• Licensed engineers and licensed architects inspecting building components or elements to submit information other than that required on the inspection certification form.
• Residential building plans submitted by licensed engineers and licensed architects to be under seal unless required by the North Carolina State Building Code (State Building Code).
• Developers to bury existing above ground power lines.
• A minimum square footage for residential structures.
• Requires cities and counties to:
• Complete initial residential plan reviews within 15 business days.
• Issue temporary certificates of occupancy in certain circumstances.
• Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to falsely claim or suggest that a person, firm, or corporation is a licensed general contractor.
• Exempts, under certain circumstances, temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery from the State Building Code permit requirement.
• Authorizes the Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors to establish and issue a Residential Fire Sprinkler Design License.
• Extends to October 1, 2021, the requirement to report to the Department of Insurance (DOI), any residential framing inspection resulting in 15 or more violations.
• Requires the DOI to issue a guidance paper by October 1, 2019, on the review of residential building plans.

This act has various effective dates, please see the full summary for more detail.