December Code Update

Welcome to the December edition of “Cliff's Notes.” This monthly email written by NCHBA Director of Codes and Construction Cliff Isaac highlights the latest code changes, NC Building/Residential Council news as well as recent and past interpretations. This critical information will assist in saving time on inspections across the board.

NC Building Code Council Happenings

On November 16, 2023, the adopted 2024 Existing Building Code, the adopted 2024 NC Building Code, and the adopted 2024 NC Fire Code were heard by the NC Rules Review Commission. The Commission found that the Codes presented were unacceptable because they did not meet the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), nor was the submission within the time limits of the 30 days from the date that was adopted by the NC Building Code Council (NCBCC). The NCBCC will need to determine a path forward to meet the deadline to publish these new Codes as outlined in the General Statutes and reinforced by HB 488. Information can be found relating to this development on the link below, Item IV, #7.

https://www.oah.nc.gov/news/events/rrc-meeting-agenda-november-2023

The NC Home Builders Association is carefully watching to see the NCBCC and NC Department of Insurance’s next steps that will produce the 2024 NC Codes, which would be effective January 1, 2025.

Recent Legislation Concerning the NC Residential Code

Section 26 of HB 600 (Regulatory Reform Act of 2023) limited local governments from requiring additional fire access roads that would exceed the required number as within the NC Fire Code. Also, a clarification to parking space sizes limiting the required size of a typical straight forward parking space to 9 feet by 20 feet. This bill is now Session Law 2023-137.

New Interpretations or Guidance Papers from NCDOI

A reminder about Session Law 2022-46 and 2022-6 concerning the temporary reduction in duct insulation levels for residential construction. As we recall, these laws passed temporarily changed the commercial and residential insulation R-value for ducts installed in ventilated and non-ventilated unconditioned spaces. This allowed for a reduced duct R-values for 2-years, which is set to expire on March 17, 2024. A formal guidance paper is located on NCDOI’s website on this subject.

A reminder on the Residential Plan Review from the formal interpretation located on NCDOI’s website. This interpretation clarifies that the initial residential plan review shall be completed within 15-business days from the submission. Jurisdictions should not be waiting for approval from other departments before this review.

Noteworthy Past Interpretation/Code Change

Effective January 1, 2021, this code revision to the 2018 NCRC allows #57 or #67 stone to be used as fill in areas such as a brick porch slab, a house slab or garage slab without the need for a compaction test up to 4 feet depth. Further, the original interpretation is linked here.

Have a Minute? Take Our Survey

Your answer to the question below will be shared in the January edition of Cliff's Notes.

How many business days is it taking to obtain the initial residential plan review for a single-family dwelling after the submission of the application and plans to the inspection department?

Take Survey

Last month’s survey question results:

Thanks for reading this important email. If you have any suggestions, please email Cliff at cisaac@nchba.org.

My best,

Cliff Isaac, PE

Director of Codes and Construction

North Carolina Home Builders Association