Governor Cooper Signs HB 489

North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, signed HB 489 - 2021 Building Code and Development Regulatory Reform on Aug. 30, 2021. This bill was strongly supported by the GCAA and AANC.  It was one of the several bills we advocated for as part of Lobby Day 2021.  It approves the use of the C900 pipe in certain applicable projects.  Provisions concerning the C900 pipe (Section 7) went into effect when the bill became law.  Other provisions of the bill also became effective when the bill became law or will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

Some highlights of the bill:

• General Contractors seeking license – adds a criminal background check requirement.
• Requires the NC Building Code Council (“Council”) to review the economic impact of a proposed change to the code submitted by the proponent of the code change which is often the manufacturer of the product sought to be mandated. Typically, the proponent offers its version of the economic costs which may not be reliable given the proponent’s financial interest in the approval of the change. The intent of this provision is to ensure that the Council receives an accurate analysis of the financial impact of the proposed change before taking action.
• Provides the Council with greater flexibility with local fire ordinances.
• Changes how the sight triangle is calculated on DOT roads, by using the actual stopping point of vehicular traffic (edge of pavement) and not the end of the right of way.
• Creates a uniform standard for local-delegated sedimentation control programs including a maximum permit fee cap of $100. At least three local programs currently charge in excess of $600 for a permit. This provision also provides the developer and builder greater flexibility in choosing how to manage sedimentation on-site.
• Allows C900 piping for certain applicable projects.

Click here to access a copy of the ratified bill.