NH HB1555

Local fire chiefs and authorized subordinates may grant variances from the state fire code when special property conditions exist or when a fire safety engineer certifies an alternative method is equally safe, with applicants required to sign an indemnification waiver

Property owners who complete construction under a valid building permit receive a 20-year exemption from retrofitting requirements when subsequent fire code changes would render their work non-compliant, effective for permits issued on or after July 1, 2026

Creates a de novo appeal process where the state fire marshal must hold a hearing within 40 days and issue a written decision within 30 days on local fire chief variance decisions, with further appeal available to the building code review board

Estimated state expenditures of $199,000 in FY 2027, $203,000 in FY 2028, and $212,000 in FY 2029 to fund two new positions (building inspector and administrative assistant) to handle additional appeals and variances

Local municipalities may experience minimal increased expenditures of less than $10,000 each for developing variance policies and responding to appeals