Important Building Code Updates
- Building Code Regulatory Reform, or NC House Bill 255, become law in North Carolina, effective Oct. 1, 2015.
- Water and Sewer Related Changes, or House Bill 538, become law in North Carolina, effective Aug. 11, 2015. This bill requires municipal wastewater systems to accept the collection of liquid condensate.
- NC State Code Amendments, effective Jan. 1, 2016.
Inspections Department Requirements
For the safety of our citizens, the North Carolina General Assembly requires local governments to create an inspections department to perform the duties and responsibilities set forth in NC § 160A-412. These duties include enforcement of state and local laws relating to the construction and maintenance of buildings and other structures, and the installation of plumbing, electrical, hvac systems, fire alarms and sprinklers.
For uniformity, the NC State Building Code is adopted and amended by the NC Building Code Council for implementation across the state.
The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety and welfare. Per section 8-52 of the Town of Cary Code of Ordinances, the Town has adopted the North Carolina State Building Code. The only building regulations enforced by the Town are those found in the state-adopted Building Code in force at the time of permit for construction.
Codes currently used in the State of North Carolina (Link provides electronic copies of the following codes)
Effective date 6/1/12
- 2012 North Carolina Administrative Code
- 2012 North Carolina Building Code
- 2009 ICC ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings
- 2012 North Carolina Plumbing Code
- 2012 North Carolina Mechanical Code
- 2012 North Carolina Fuel Gas Code
- 2012 North Carolina Fire Prevention Code
Effective date 7/3/12
- 2011 National Electrical Code
- 2012 North Carolina Residential Code
- 2012 North Carolina Energy Conservation Code
Effective 3/1/12 (use was optional 1/1/12 – 2/29/12)
- 2012 North Carolina Residential Code
- 2012 North Carolina Energy Conservation Code
Effective 3/1/15
- 2015 North Carolina Existing Building Code
Effective 1/1/10 – Expires 3/1/18 (3-year overlap with existing building code)
Resources
For more information about N.C. State Building Codes, the Building Code Council, Code Interpretations and Temporary Rules, visit the NC Department of Insurance - Office of the State Fire Marshall site.