This bill revises the existing laws governing the state building code and local enforcement mechanisms, primarily by prohibiting local legislative bodies from making changes to the state building codes that conflict with the state fire code. It allows local municipalities 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 existing regulations. Notably, the bill explicitly states that no amendments to the technical requirements of the state fire code are permitted. Additionally, it repeals and reenacts certain sections to clarify the roles of local enforcement agencies and the authority of local legislative bodies, establishing that local enforcement agencies can be created to enforce the state building code and that municipalities may adopt nationally recognized codes that align with state regulations.

The bill also introduces several amendments related to local building codes, including the establishment of a building code board of appeals and the role of a building official responsible for accepting design documents, issuing permits, and performing inspections. Local amendments to the building code must be submitted to the state building code review board for confirmation, and any amendments not submitted by July 1, 2025, cannot be enforced. The legislation further restricts local ordinances regarding fire suppression systems in residential buildings and prohibits regulations that limit the installation of energy systems. It replaces the term "amendments" with "ordinances" throughout the text, mandates the submission of proposed ordinances for state review, and updates the appeals process for local building code decisions. The effective date for these changes 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