This bill revises the existing laws governing the state building code and local enforcement mechanisms, specifically prohibiting local legislative bodies from making changes to the state building codes, particularly regarding the technical requirements of the state fire code. New legal language allows local municipal ordinances to implement administrative amendments to the state fire code, provided these amendments are not less stringent than the state code and are reviewed according to RSA 153:4-a, II. The bill clarifies that the issuance of permits and collection of fees related to the state building code are reserved for municipalities, with provisions for those without a building official. Key deletions include the removal of references to local codes and previous enforcement mechanisms under RSA 674:51 and RSA 47:22, emphasizing that local amendments are only permissible if the state code is significantly outdated compared to published model codes.

Additionally, the bill establishes a building code board of appeals and outlines the authority of local building officials to accept design documents, issue permits, perform inspections, and issue certificates of occupancy. Local amendments to the building code must be submitted to the state building code review board for confirmation, with a deadline for cities to submit proposed ordinances 90 days before adoption and for towns within 10 days after their final public hearing. The bill also repeals certain provisions that previously allowed municipalities to amend state building codes and clarifies the appeals process for local building code decisions. The effective date of the act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 155-A:1, 155-A:2, 155-A:3, 675:1
As Amended by the House: 155-A:2, 155-A:4, 155-A:7, 155-A:10, 155-A:11-b, 674:34, 675:1
As Amended by the Senate: 153:5, 155-A:2, 155-A:4, 155-A:7, 155-A:10, 155-A:11-b, 674:34, 675:1
Version adopted by both bodies: 153:5, 155-A:2, 155-A:4, 155-A:7, 155-A:10, 155-A:11-b, 674:34, 675:1
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 153:5, 155-A:2, 155-A:4, 155-A:7, 155-A:10, 155-A:11-b, 674:34, 675:1