NC H768

R-2 apartment buildings of Type V construction and apartments/hotels/motels not exceeding two stories with direct exterior egress from each unit are exempt from in-building emergency responder communication coverage system requirements under the NC Fire Code.

Existing emergency responder communication systems in newly exempted buildings may be disconnected, with specific procedures for removing power sources, disconnecting donor antennas, and labeling signal boosters.

Vacancies on sanitary district boards (in districts providing water/sewer service in counties with more than 17 municipalities) must be filled by remaining board members with a resident from the same residency district as the vacating commissioner.

Department of Environmental Quality must process 401 water quality certifications for projects eligible for Army Corps Nationwide or Regional General Permits within strict timelines: 5 business days for fee notification, 30 business days for completeness review, and 10-15 business days for final decision after completeness.

Failure by DEQ to meet certification deadlines results in automatic waiver of the state certification requirement, and the Department cannot require applicants to withdraw applications; effective October 1, 2025.