Building Code Update: New Residential Code Available, But Not Currently Effective

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

Effective Date of the 2024 NC State Building Codes

The effective date of the new 2024 NC Residential Code is tied in with the formation of the NC Residential Code Council and publication of the NC State Building Codes. It is undetermined when the new Codes will come into effect.

In a letter from the Office of State Fire Marshal, an update to the effective date of the 2024 NC State Building Code was sent out and posted online.

The new 2024 NC Codes can be used as an alternate as stated.

Until further notice, the current effective codes for dwellings built in North Carolina are the following:

2018 NC Residential Code
2018 NC Administrative Code
2017 NC Electrical Code (2017 NEC with NC Amendments)

We will continue to keep you updated on the codes and Residential Code Council.

2024 NC Residential and Administrative Codes

Don't forget! The 2024 NC Residential Code book is finally published. We were able to purchase both the 2024 NC Residential Code and the 2024 NC Administrative Code and now you can purchase them as well.

The published new 2024 approved codes that focus on residential dwellings and structures are the following:

2024 NC Administrative Code

2024 NC Residential Code

Here, you can find 2023 NC Electrical Code (based on the 2023 NEC with NC Amendments)

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.

Code Book Sales

Job-Site Permit Box Recommendation

This is an example of a permit box. While it may be used on job-sites throughout the state, knowing and sorting out all the information can be time-consuming. I recommend stepping up your game to the next level.

For roughly $20 more, a better permit box can be purchased from the local hardware store. These commercially manufactured boxes have several advantages over the “mailbox” type permit box. Commercial type permit boxes:

Can be better organized and provide more room for documentation

Provide a better water-resistant barrier against precipitation

Give the inspector easy access to mark the inspections complete or leave notes

Can be reused multiple times because of the plastic material

It is very important that documents are organized and labeled to provide building inspectors and others a faster way to find, assess and comment. Having the inspectors or others spend valuable time sorting through all the papers and documents reduces the amount of work that could be performed for everyone involved. Please consider using gallon size plastic zip lock type bags for smaller plans (11x17) and documents that would greatly reduce the possibility of water damage to them.

Survey Question

Are you building or remodeling more, less or roughly the same number of homes in 2025?

Take Survey

We will share the statistics from this survey in next month's edition of Cliff's Notes. If you have an interesting survey idea, please email me at cisaac@nchba.org.

Cliff Isaac, PE

Director of Codes and Construction

North Carolina Home Builders Association

(919) 676-9090

cisaac@nchba.org