HB 244 aims to reorganize and modernize New Hampshire's building and fire code by repealing certain sections of the Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) and reenacting them with modifications. Key changes include the replacement of the term "building inspector" with "building official" to broaden the definition of enforcement officials, as well as the introduction of new definitions for "district commissioners," "local governing body," and "municipality." The bill grants health officers and building officials the authority to evacuate dangerous premises and mandates that municipalities enforce the state building code without local modifications, except as allowed by law. It also prohibits local regulations requiring automatic fire suppression sprinklers in certain residential buildings and ensures individuals can choose their energy systems without undue restrictions.

Additionally, HB 244 establishes a Building Code Board of Appeals to handle appeals regarding decisions made by building or fire officials, with specific provisions for local bodies acting as appeals boards. The bill outlines the structure, appointment process, and operational procedures for the board, including the authority to administer oaths and compel witness attendance. It introduces new provisions for handling fees associated with appeals, mandates public accessibility of these fees, and clarifies the process for issuing cease and desist orders. The bill also amends existing laws related to building inspections, enforcement, and penalties for violations, streamlining the regulatory framework while enhancing clarity and compliance measures. Overall, HB 244 seeks to strengthen the enforcement of building regulations and improve the efficiency of local governance in New Hampshire.

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
As Amended by the House: 155:39-d, 155-A:1, 155-A:2, 155-A:3, 155-A:4, 155-A:10-a, 155-A:11-b, 205-D:12, 310:14, 319-C:5, 356-A:3, 672:7, 673:3, 673:10, 673:14, 673:15, 673:22, 674:13, 674:15, 674:29, 674:30, 674:32-c, 674:41, 674:60, 674:63, 674:66, 675:1, 675:3, 675:4, 675:7, 675:8, 675:9, 676:4-b, 676:5, 676:14, 676:15, 676:17, 676:17-a, 676:17-b