Bill > HB428

This bill establishes comprehensive new regulations for building and fire codes in New Hampshire, primarily focusing on standardizing and limiting local municipalities' ability to modify state building and fire codes. The legislation prohibits local legislative bodies from making technical amendments to the state building and fire codes, though they can make administrative amendments related to permit issuance and fee collection, provided these are not less stringent than the state codes. Municipalities are still allowed to establish local enforcement agencies and adopt nationally recognized codes that are not inconsistent with the state building code. The bill requires all local amendments to be submitted to the state building code review board for confirmation by August 30, 2024, and introduces new provisions that prevent municipalities from enforcing ordinances that would restrict heating or energy system choices. Additionally, the bill repeals previous statutes related to municipal code amendment powers and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, giving local governments ample time to adjust to the new requirements. The overall intent is to create more uniformity in building and fire safety standards across New Hampshire while preserving some flexibility for local administrative processes.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0330&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB428