House Bill 893 Summary

• Authorizes private commercial inspectors to conduct inspections of commercial buildings and structures for compliance with the North Carolina State Building Code, excluding boilers and elevators.

• Establishes certification and registration requirements for private commercial inspectors through the Department of Insurance, with Level I, II, and III certificates available for five inspection types: building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire inspection.

• Requires permit holders using private commercial inspectors to provide a payment guarantee of 125% of the local government's estimated inspection costs and execute a written contract specifying inspection responsibilities and reinspection procedures.

• Mandates local governments complete plan reviews for sealed commercial and multifamily building plans within 21 business days, with option for permit applicants to use third-party reviewers (including private commercial inspectors) if the local government cannot meet deadlines, resulting in permit issuance within 3 business days and fee waiver.

• Provides liability protection for local governments and the Commissioner of Insurance upon accepting signed private commercial inspector reports and certificates of compliance with the State Building Code.