NH Building Code and Fire Code Updates
August 12, 2024
On August 2, 2024, Governor Sununu signed into law House Bill 1059, which updated the NH State Building Code (RSA 155-A) to the 2021 editions with NH amendments. Note, the Energy Code remains at the 2018 edition. The code updates, retroactively, went into effect July 1, 2024 however, are not required to be fully enforced until January 1, 2025. https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/pdf.aspx?id=32332&q=billVersion
Attached are two documents provided by the New Hampshire Building Officials Association. The first offers some clearer explanation and implementation guidance. The second is the complete list of NH amendments to the building codes
Also, be aware that two other very important bills are signed into law by the Governor.
House Bill 1065 permits up to 4 residential units without sprinklers and restricts communities from being more restrictive with sprinklers for four until residential buildings. https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/pdf.aspx?id=32333&q=billVersion This law becomes effective as of October 1, 2024 (60 days after passage)
- Senate Bill 437 limits the local authority to amend the state building code and requires all local amendments, including existing, must be submitted to the Building Code Review Board (BCRB) for review and confirmation prior to enforcing local amendments. https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/pdf.aspx?id=31256&q=billVersion. This bill was signed into law on May 31, 2024 and became effective as of July 1, 2024.
Finally, be aware that Effective August 13, 2024, the State Fire Code will be updated to the 2021 Edition of NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, with modifications from the Board of Fire Control.
I encourage everyone to review all of this information and be familiar with any impacts the new laws may have on code officials, builders and contractors.
If there are questions you can reach out to the city of Portsmouth inspections department.