HB 244 seeks to reorganize and modernize New Hampshire's building and fire codes by repealing certain sections of the current RSA and reenacting them with modifications. Key amendments include granting health officers the authority to order evacuations of hazardous buildings, clarifying the roles of municipal officials in code enforcement, and updating enforcement mechanisms to ensure local ordinances align with state regulations. The bill replaces references to RSA 674:52-a with RSA 155-A:3-f and introduces new definitions for local enforcement agencies, such as building inspectors and fire chiefs. It also establishes a process for local legislative bodies to enact building code enforcement mechanisms, which must be confirmed by the building code review board.

Additionally, HB 244 outlines the responsibilities of building inspectors, mandates the issuance of certificates of occupancy before the use of newly constructed or remodeled buildings, and prohibits municipalities from requiring automatic fire suppression systems in certain residential units. The bill enhances the structure and accountability of building code boards of appeals, detailing their operational procedures, including the collection of fees and the maintenance of records. It also modifies the public hearing process for zoning and historic district ordinances, ensuring transparency and public participation. Overall, HB 244 aims to streamline building and land use regulations while ensuring public safety and compliance with state standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147:16-a, 153:5, 155:39-d, 155-A:1, 155-A:2, 155-A:4, 155-A:7, 155-A:10, 205-D:12, 205-D:18, 310:14, 319-C:5, 319-C:5-a, 356-A:3, 672:7, 673:3, 673:10, 673:14, 673:15, 673:22, 674:12, 674:13, 674:15, 674:21, 674:29, 674:30, 674:32-c, 674:41, 674:51, 674:53, 674:60, 674:63, 674:66, 675:1, 675:3, 675:4, 675:7, 675:8, 675:9, 676:2, 676:4-b, 676:5, 676:14, 676:15, 676:17, 676:17-a, 676:17-b