Welcome to the latest edition of “Cliff's Notes.” This monthly email is written by NCHBA Director of Codes and Construction Cliff Isaac.

2024 NC Building Codes Delayed

Signed into law on March 19, HB 47 (Disaster Recovery Act of 2025) delays the effective date for both the commercial and residential codes 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.

It appears that a few of the 2024 NC Codes are now available for purchase. The 2024 NC Residential Code is still being worked on and will be available in mid-May. Ideally, at least six months should be allowed for the entire construction industry to understand all the code changes.

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

2024 NC Administrative Code (available for purchase now)
2024 NC Residential Code (available mid-May from ICC)
2023 NC Electrical Code (based on the 2023 NEC with NC Amendments)

The unpublished new 2024 approved codes that focus on residential dwellings and structures are the following:

2024 NC Residential Code

Residential Code Change per Statute

In Session Law 2023-49 (SB 166), Section 2.4 changes a small detail where hazardous locations exist. Section R308.4.6 in the NC Residential Code states, “Glazing where the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is less than 30 inches above the plane of the adjacent walking surface of stairways, landings, between flights of stairs and ramps shall be considered to be a hazardous location.” Notwithstanding several exceptions shown below, Session Law 2023-49, establishes that glazing adjacent to a landing at the top of a stairway or ramp located more than 18 inches above the landing shall not be considered to be a hazardous location.

This simply moves the locations that are considered hazardous at the top of the stairway or ramp from any glazing less than 30 inches to any glazing less than 18 inches. The new NC Residential Code Council (when they meet) will need to amend the 2024 NC Residential Code to incorporate this change. Until that time, please refer to Session Law 2023-49, Section 2.4 for glazing located at the top of stairs if this applies to your residential project.

Upcoming Electrical Code Change (when codes take effect)

The new 2023 NC Electrical Code (based on the 2023 NEC) has changed the requirements for outlets in kitchens. Section 210.52(C)(3) of the 2023 NEC requires that:

"Kitchen receptacle outlets in islands and peninsulas must be installed on or above countertop or work surfaces and if a receptacle outlet is not provided, provisions must be provided for the addition of a receptacle outlet in the future."

The 2023 National Electrical Code changed its policy on the locations of receptacles used for islands and peninsulas, and will no longer accept them when installed below the countertop under the 2023 NC Electrical Code (for permits issued under the new 2024 NC State Building Codes). Instead, the three only options are:

Option 1 - the installation of receptacle outlets above the countertop, but not more than 20 inches above, or
Option 2 - the installation of receptacle outlets within the countertop, or
Option 3 - the installation a of junction box with a metal conduit for future receptacle outlets.

When the new NC Residential Code Council starts meeting this year, we are hopeful that they will review this section of the Electrical Code and make changes. Do you think a change needs to happen? Should there be a forth option to allow outlets below the countertops? Please see the new survey question below and weigh in!

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 trade or material supplier does North Carolina need more of? (ex: masonry, plumbing, lumber, etc.)

Several results were repeated, but here is the general list that members need more of:

Trained competent labor

Lumber

Mechanical tradespeople

Electricians

Civil Engineers

Plan Designers

Tile installers

Masons

Remodelers

Plumbers

Framers

Appliances

Survey Question

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

Answer Survey

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

My best,

Cliff Isaac, PE

Director of Codes and Construction

North Carolina Home Builders Association