The implementation of the 2024 North Carolina State Building Code ("2024 Code") has been postponed. Originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025, recent legislative actions have introduced several delays, including considerations for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in Western NC. The most recent extension, enacted through S.L. 2025-2, pushes the effective date of the 2024 Code to 12 months after the State Fire Marshal certifies that two key conditions have been met:
- Publication and Distribution – The Building Code Council and Residential Code Council must complete the publication and distribution of the fully adopted 2024 Code, ensuring that all state and local officials receive copies and that the public can purchase the updated code.
- Residential Code Council Formation – The Residential Code Council must be fully constituted in compliance with state regulations.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has been actively preparing the 2024 Code for release. The International Code Council (ICC®), the State’s publishing partner, is currently finalizing the printing and digital versions of the 2024 Code. All components, except for the 2024 North Carolina Energy Conservation Code, have been submitted for publication. The Energy Conservation Code was finalized on March 24, 2025, and is now being processed for printing.
OSFM anticipates that printed copies of the 2024 Code will be available for distribution to state and local officials and for public purchase by July 31, 2025. However, the timeline for the formation of the Residential Code Council is beyond OSFM’s control, as it depends on appointments made by the Governor and General Assembly.
Interim Use of the 2024 Code - Until the official effective date is determined, the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code remains in effect. However, per Section 102.5 of the 2018 North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies, the 2024 Code may be used as an alternative method of construction if requested by a building owner or their agent.
The 2024 Code consists of ten adopted codes:
- 2024 North Carolina Building Code
- 2024 North Carolina Residential Code
- 2024 North Carolina Existing Building Code
- 2024 North Carolina Energy Conservation Code
- 2024 North Carolina Fire Code
- 2024 North Carolina Fuel Gas Code
- 2024 North Carolina Mechanical Code
- 2024 North Carolina Plumbing Code
- 2023 North Carolina Electrical Code
- 2024 North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies
NC Fire Marshal Brian Taylor emphasized the importance of this transition, stating, "Ensuring the safety and integrity of our buildings is our top priority. While the delay provides additional time for preparation, we encourage builders, designers, and code officials to familiarize themselves with the 2024 Code as it will set the standard for years to come. Our office remains committed to supporting this transition and providing the necessary resources to facilitate compliance."
Recognizing the importance of a smooth transition, OSFM is committed to keeping code officials, design professionals, and builders informed. The agency will continue to provide updates and guidance as necessary. Please refer to the link below for a file that provides links to the approved rules that compromise 2024 North Carolina State Building Code: https://www.ncosfm.gov/codes/codes-current-and-past
Link to free view of 2018 NC Codes: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/north-carolina