Bill > SB503

This bill aims to promote the use of lumber harvested and milled in New Hampshire by ensuring that spruce-pine-fir-south (SPFS) lumber, when graded according to specific standards, is accepted in the state building code wherever spruce-pine-fir (SPF) lumber is specified. The bill acknowledges that New Hampshire's northern climate, soils, and growing conditions are similar to those in Canada where SPF lumber is graded, and that the same species of spruce, pine, and fir are harvested in both regions. Currently, New Hampshire lumber is often graded as SPFS, which is perceived as a separate and slightly weaker classification than the international SPF designation, creating a disadvantage for local sawmills and the forest products industry. This bill seeks to eliminate this technical barrier by allowing SPFS lumber from New Hampshire to be used interchangeably with SPF lumber, provided it is graded by a permitted grader or an accredited agency, and that structural design and inspection use the appropriate SPFS design values. While this change is intended to facilitate the use of local wood, licensed architects and engineers can still specify higher strength materials if needed for safety and structural integrity, and must also consider and offer construction options using SPFS lumber. Municipalities will accept either a native lumber certificate or an accredited agency grade stamp as proof of grade.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1287&inflect=2