NC H291

Local governments must complete initial plan review and issue building permit decisions for commercial and multifamily building plans within 21 days, with communication between the government and design professional to resolve issues.

If additional information or plan resubmission is requested, the local government has 15 days from receipt to review and issue a building permit.

If local governments cannot meet the 21-day deadline, they may use the Department of Insurance's Code-enforcement officials or third-party architects/engineers to conduct the review, with the local inspection department bearing all costs and unable to pass them to applicants.

If the local government fails to issue a permit within the required timeframes, applicants may hire third-party architects/engineers or use the Department of Insurance to review and approve plans, after which the local government must issue permits within 72 hours and refund or waive all plan review and permit fees.

Local governments are discharged from liability for plan reviews performed by third parties and cannot delay permits based solely on missing specifications or manufacturer engineering information; the act becomes effective October 1, 2022.