H489 - 2021 Building Code and Dev. Reg. Reform. (SL 2021-121)

Overview: S.L. 2021-121 amends laws that apply to general contractors; the State Building Code; and various laws pertaining to development regulation by local governments under Chapter 160D of the General Statutes including:

• Authorizing the State Licensing Board for General Contractors to require criminal background checks for licensure applicants, and making other changes to the laws that relate to the Board.
• Requiring the Building Code Council to obtain additional economic analysis or cost-benefit analysis on certain proposed revisions or amendments to the State Building Code.
• Establishing the beginning point for measuring sight distances at street intersections.
• Limiting the need for separate erosion control plans for development of individual residential lots where an approved master erosion control plan exists; providing for developer options when submitting erosion control plans for development of multiple residential lots; and prohibiting requiring a silt fence where certain topographic features exist.
• Requiring the Building Code Council to adopt rules amending provisions of the North Carolina Fire Code, the North Carolina Residential Code, and the North Carolina Plumbing Code.
• Amending Section 4 of S.L. 2020-61 with additional definitions and clarifications that relate to building and accessory building sewer systems and their permitting requirements.
• Requiring DOT to add approved subdivision street improvements designated as public to the State highway system for maintenance within 90 days.

Except as otherwise provided, this act became effective August 30, 2021. Sections 1(a) and 1(b) became effective January 1, 2022. Section 5(c) of this act became effective October 1, 2021. Section 9 became effective January 1, 2022.