Senate Bill 166 - Building Code Regulatory Reform

• Backflow Preventer Requirements: Prohibits public water systems from requiring customers to install backflow preventers on existing connections unless the Department determines high hazard conditions exist; limits testing to once every three years for residential irrigation systems.

• Water Service and Building Permits: Prohibits redundant water service shut-off valves in residential dwellings; allows building permit applicants to receive fee refunds (10% per business day) if local governments don't complete initial plan reviews within 20 business days.

• Model Homes and Development: Clarifies requirements for model homes in subdivisions to allow temporary mixed-use occupancy with sales offices; establishes 45-day review periods for water distribution system and sewer extension applications with engineer certification.

• Building Code Council Reorganization: Restructures the Building Code Council into two separate councils—one for commercial/multi-family construction (13 members) and a new Residential Code Council (13 members)—with revised appointment authority and quorum requirements.

• Fire Code and Environmental Standards: Limits local fire prevention codes for residential dwellings to those prescriptively required by the North Carolina Residential Code; clarifies stormwater "built-upon area" definitions to exclude certain surfaces like artificial turf and porous pavements.