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 municipalities are responsible for issuing permits and collecting fees related to the state building code, with provisions for those municipalities lacking a building official. Key deletions from current law include the removal of references to local codes and previous enforcement mechanisms under RSA 674:51 and RSA 47:22.

The bill also 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. It mandates that local amendments to the building code be submitted to the state building code review board for confirmation, with a deadline for submission set for July 1, 2025. Additionally, the bill prohibits municipalities from enforcing certain ordinances, such as those requiring automatic fire suppression systems in specific residential buildings, and restricts local regulations on energy systems. The bill repeals existing statutes related to municipal powers over building code amendments and clarifies the appeals process for local building code decisions, with an effective date of 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