Key Legislative Wins for GCAA and the Multifamily Industry

We’re pleased to share some exciting legislative updates. Over the last several days, Governor Josh Stein signed several key bills into law that represent significant wins for the multifamily industry. These bills, supported through the efforts of our industry partners at the Apartment Association of NC and McGuire Woods, will have lasting impacts on housing development, cost savings, legal clarity, and infrastructure planning.

Below is a quick summary of each bill and why it matters to our industry:

H768 – Emergency Responder Communication Code Exemptions

What it does:
Exempts certain buildings—specifically R-2 Type V apartment buildings that meet egress requirements and two-story or shorter buildings with direct exterior exits—from costly emergency responder radio system coverage under Section 510 of the NC Fire Code. The bill also clarifies that existing systems in these buildings do not need to be removed, but may be disconnected following proper procedures.

Why it matters:
This change could save developers and property owners tens of thousands of dollars per project, reducing unnecessary retrofit costs while maintaining safety in high-risk structures. It’s a major cost-saving win for multifamily development and ongoing property management.

S690 – Various Real Estate and Business Law Changes & H620 – AOC Agency Requests (Eviction Appeals Clarification)

What it does:
After stalling late last week, a key legal clarification originally included in H620 was successfully inserted into S690. This change clarifies a 2024 law that allows rental housing providers to recover attorney’s fees only if:

• The provider is the prevailing party, and
• The resident appealed the case without a valid reason (i.e., to delay or in bad faith).

Why it matters:
This strengthens legal protections for rental housing providers by discouraging frivolous eviction appeals, reducing legal costs, and streamlining court proceedings.

H948 – The P.A.V.E. Act (Projects for Advancing Vehicle-Infrastructure Enhancements)

What it does:
Allows Mecklenburg County to place a 1% local sales and use tax referendum on the November 2025 ballot, with revenue dedicated to transportation infrastructure.

• 40% will go to road-related projects (e.g., sidewalks, EV charging, bike lanes).
• 60% will fund public transit (e.g., buses, rail, micro-transit).
• Establishes a Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority to oversee planning, implementation, and accountability.

Why it matters:
Reliable, well-planned transportation systems are essential for housing access and economic development. GCAA supports the County placing this referendum on the 2025 ballot and its eventual passage to improve mobility for residents and ease commuting challenges for our workforce.

We’ll continue to track implementation steps and keep you informed as these measures move forward. Please reach out with any questions.