NC H853

Local governments cannot condition certificates of occupancy for commercial buildings on additional requirements beyond applicable codes when plans are submitted by licensed design professionals (engineers or architects).

Local governments must complete administrative review of development approval applications within 30 days and notify applicants whether the application is complete or provide a written deficiency list identifying each deficiency, the specific law or ordinance basis, and corrective actions needed.

Developers may correct deficiencies and resubmit, request a second administrative review within 10 business days with written explanation, or appeal the decision; if unrelated changes are made to a corrected application, it is treated as a new application.

The North Carolina Building Code Council receives $20,000 in nonrecurring funds for the 2021-2022 fiscal year to implement cost-benefit analysis provisions related to this act.

Sections 1 and 2 become effective January 1, 2022, and apply to development approval applications submitted on or after that date.