In a significant but largely overlooked development, North Carolina’s plan to adopt a new statewide building code has officially been pushed back—impacting timelines for contractors, developers, and local building departments across the state.

Thanks to a provision added to House Bill 47 (H47), backed by Senator Tim Moffitt (R-Henderson, Polk, Rutherford), the 2024 North Carolina State Building Code—originally expected to take effect on July 1, 2025—is now on hold. The bill essentially delays the effective date until at least July 31, 2026, pending a series of formal steps.

What’s Behind the Delay?

Per Section 5.12 of the bill, the new building code cannot take effect until two conditions are met:

1. Publication & Distribution: The State Fire Marshal must certify that the 2024 Code has been printed, distributed to relevant state and local officials, and made available for public purchase.

2. Residential Code Council Formation: The State Fire Marshal must also confirm that the Residential Code Council has been fully established—an administrative process reliant on appointments from both the Governor and the General Assembly.

While the Fire Marshal’s office has projected the Code will be ready for release by July 31, 2025, the timeline for council appointments remains uncertain. Until both requirements are completed and certified, the clock won’t start on the 12-month waiting period needed before the new Code becomes effective.

What This Means for You

For the time being, the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code remains the official standard. However, there is some flexibility: if a building owner or their representative specifically requests it, the 2024 Code can be used as an alternative method of compliance.

This delay also gives the Building Code Council additional breathing room to revisit and potentially revise parts of the 2024 Code before implementation. Whether any changes will actually happen during this period remains to be seen.

Bottom Line

If you’re involved in construction planning, permitting, or inspections in North Carolina, don’t expect the new building code to take effect in 2025. The earliest implementation is now likely mid-to-late 2026.

In the meantime, staying current on developments from the Building Code Council and the State Fire Marshal’s office will be key. As updates emerge, we’ll be here to break down what it means for you and your projects.