Bill > H768

This bill directs the North Carolina Building Code Council to establish specific exemptions from emergency responder communication coverage requirements in the state's building and fire codes. The bill defines exemptions for certain types of buildings, including: apartment buildings not exceeding 75 feet in height with wood framing and fewer than 150 units, two-story apartment and lodging buildings with direct exterior egress, buildings subject to the Residential Code, and buildings under 12,000 square feet without basement areas. The bill also allows existing emergency responder communication systems in exempt buildings to remain installed, though they may be deactivated. The North Carolina Building Code Council is required to adopt rules that incorporate these exemptions, with the rules being substantively identical to the bill's provisions. Until permanent rules are adopted, local governments are instructed not to enforce emergency responder communication coverage requirements against buildings meeting the specified exemption criteria. The bill's provisions will expire once permanent rules are implemented, and it becomes effective immediately upon becoming law. The goal appears to be reducing compliance burdens for certain types of smaller or lower-risk buildings while maintaining flexibility for existing communication systems.

Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H768