Welcome to the latest edition of Cliff's Notes, NCHBA's monthly building codes update written by Director of Codes and Construction Cliff Isaac.

2024 NC Residential Code Books Update

Click this link for member discount through the Office of State Fire Marshal! This will save between 9%-25% depending what you purchase on the website. You must go through OSFM’s website for the discount to apply.

Click "Purchase State Building Code Online" button and then select the codes you wish to purchase. Enter the quantity and Add to Cart. You do have to Register and sign in as you move towards purchasing the books. It saved about 9% on the two code books we bought.

As a reminder, the effective date for both the commercial and residential codes has been delayed until 12 months after the NC Residential Code Council is set and the publication of all the NC State Building Codes. This simply means that one can apply for a permit under the current 2018 NC Codes until the close of business at the end of a month sometime in the second half of next year (we will keep you in the loop), and build that building or structure under the current 2018 NC Codes. You can use the new 2024 NC Codes as an alternate method if you wish now.

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This example shows a townhome building that contains 5 single family (attached) units. The Engineer has placed the property lines (PL) as shown in RED. Notice that each individual unit is a measurable distance from the front and back of the property line.

A

Represents the distance from the exterior end wall of the townhome to the property line. Session Law 2023-49 allowed the rating to be 0 hours when this wall is 6 or more feet from an adjacent building. In this case, let’s assume the next townhome building in 20 feet away. The Engineer chose to offset the property line 3 feet from the exterior end wall, which is compliant, but now that distance can be 0 feet.

B

Represents the common wall between townhome units with the property line in the middle. This fire separation wall can be rated 1-hour with automatic residential fire sprinklers or a 2-hour fire separation wall with no fire sprinklers.

C

Represents the front and back property line. Table 302.1 in the NC Residential Code still applies for the rating of 1-hour for construction that is within 3 feet of the property line (fire separation distance). Therefore, Engineers need not place the property lines less than 3 feet (in this case) from the front or back of the townhome unit (or combustible type construction such as a wood deck), unless rated 1-hour. This example shows the property lines at the front and back a good distance away as typically seen.

A second example (below) shows the property lines set too close to the front on three of the six townhome units. According to Table 302.1, those would require a rating of 1-hour. In addition, if the back patio was made from combustible construction like wood, it would need to stay back at least 3 feet from the property line. Notice that the patio on the third unit is also on the common property line (next to L15). This would also need to shift (like the others) to the left by at least 3 feet if the patio is made of combustible construction.

It is very important that property lines on townhome complexes are drawn to meet the NC Residential Code. Building inspection departments may require the property lines shifted (at the front or back) to comply with fire separation distance requirements per the Code. An option is to obtain a deeded easement that no one will build within the fire separation distance. This all takes time to do and should be avoided.

Updated Timeline for the 2024 NC Residential Code and the NC Residential Code Council

Here is an updated schedule on items relating to the 2024 NC Residential Code:

Survey Question Results

What do you believe needs to change in the new electrical code provision about outlets in islands or peninsulas?

Out of those that responded, 86% would like to see the outlets installed below the countertop as an option.

We will pause on a new survey question this month. If you have an interesting survey idea, please email me at cisaac@nchba.org.