NC H332

Local governments must complete review of sealed commercial, multifamily, and residential building plans and issue permit decisions within 21 business days, or 10 business days if plan resubmission is required, unless all parties agree otherwise.

Local governments may contract with the Department of Insurance's marketplace pool of qualified Code-enforcement officials or with licensed professional engineers or architects to perform third-party plan reviews.

Permit applicants may elect to hire independent third-party reviewers if the local government cannot meet review deadlines; upon certification of compliance with state and local codes, the local government must issue permits within 3 business days and refund or waive all plan review and permit fees.

Third-party plan reviewers must avoid conflicts of interest and cannot have financial interests in or employment with businesses involved in the project's construction, materials, or planning.

Local governments are discharged from liabilities and responsibilities for permits issued based on third-party plan reviews, and cannot delay permits based on pending manufacturer specifications or engineering information.

Effective October 1, 2023, for permit applications submitted on or after that date.