Effective May 24th, Code Enforcement will not accept any new submittals in our older Electronic Plan Management (EPM) portal. All new plan review projects should be submitted through Accela. Projects that are already in progress will remain in EPM at this juncture. Thank you for your patience and for being our valued customer.
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Code Change Central
The North Carolina Building Code Council has approved the codes and confirmed transition dates for the new 2024 N.C. State Building Code family, which will apply from 2025 forward.
The effective date of the 2024 N.C. Building Code suite is in flux due to new state legislation. The latest information Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement has been provided is that the 2024 N.C. State Building Code suite shall become effective July 1, 2025. At this time, no plans designed under the 2024 code will be accepted by our office. This will stay in effect until further guidance is provided by the N.C. Building Code Council. We will continue to update this page and our customers as we learn more. Please also watch for communication from your licensing boards and the Building Code Council.
2024 N.C. Administrative Code and Policies
2024 N.C. Residential Code
2023 N.C. Electrical Code (NFPA 70, 2023) with amendments
2024 N.C. Building Code
2024 N.C. Fire Code
2024 N.C. Existing Building Code
2024 N.C. Mechanical Code
2024 N.C. Fuel Gas Code
2024 N.C. Plumbing Code
Note: The 2024 N.C. Energy Conservation Code is under legislative review for review with N.C. General Assembly for the long session in 2025. Considering this, the 2018 N.C. Energy Conservation Code will remain effective until further notice.
The section below contains key changes Mecklenburg County's code administrators have identified to assist our customers in understanding how the 2024 N.C. State Codes will impact them. This list is not comprehensive, nor does it imply that changes not listed are less important or will not be enforced. All customers should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the 2024 Codes.
Key Changes in 2024 N.C. Codes
Code Books: Code books are expected to be available for purchase on the ICC website by the end of year 2024.
Energy Code: The 2024 Energy Code remains frozen pending legislative action. Until further notice, the energy requirements from the 2018 North Carolina Residential Code will remain in effect.
Vested Rights: Under NCGS 160D-108, projects may claim vested rights under specific circumstances. To remain under the 2018 code using vested rights, an Alternate Materials and Methods (AMM) request must be submitted to Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. This request must detail the specific circumstances qualifying the project for vested rights. If the AMM is approved, the project may proceed under the 2018 code.
Story-Attic Definition Removed: The definition of story-attic has been removed from the 2024 Residential Code. This change renders our previous interpretations of story-attic invalid, as the updated code introduces clear language and requirements that supersede prior guidance. Until these updates are clarified through specific project applications and enforcement practices, our prior interpretations should no longer be relied upon for compliance. Interpreting new sections of the code can be challenging, much like applying untested laws. Practical application may evolve as projects are reviewed and approved. While we rely on the intent of the code and our best judgment, interpretations may adapt real-world scenarios provide further insight.
GS 160D-108 and Three- and Four-Family Dwellings: Last August, GS 160D-108 (Session Law 2023-108) was passed, requiring the Residential Building Code Council (RBCC) to amend the NC Residential Code to include three- and four-family dwellings. However, the RBCC has not yet been appointed, and rulemaking for these dwellings will not begin until the council is established on January 2025.
A2L Refrigerants: Federal changes regarding A2L refrigerants have no significant impact on low-rise residential buildings.
Code Academy Training
Beginning in 2025, Residential Code Academy training sessions will be held in-person at our offices. These sessions will focus on updates in the new residential code. Designers, builders, architects, and engineers are invited to attend our monthly inspector training sessions, typically held the first Wednesday of every month from 8:00–10:00 am (contact us for confirmation).
Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement (LUESA) 2145 Suttle Avenue, Charlotte NC 4th Floor Conference Rooms
For further clarification or questions, you may contact any of the following:
Combustible stairs now allowed in 1-A podium buildings per 510.2 when conditions are met
Section 706.1.1 Party Walls --- Party/Firewall not required when dividing building for ownership purposes under certain conditions.
1009.6.2 , exception for interior area of refuge
2024 Building Code Chapter 11 and ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard
NCSBC Chapter 11 new scoping for Electric Vehicle charging stations
ICC A117.1-2017 section 410.5.1 New larger size requirement in new buildings for Platform lifts
ICC A117.1-2017 section 305.3 Clear floor space increased from 48 inches to 52 inches
ICC A117.1-2017 section 507 accessible routes through parking must be physically separated from vehicular traffic
ICC A117.1-2017 section 304.3.1 increased size of circular turning space from 60 inches to 67 inches
The 2023 NC Electrical Code will be effective in 2025. This particular code change cycle will prove more challenging than previous adoptions. Commercial and residential projects will adhere to the same edition of the NC Electrical Code ( 2023 NEC with N.C. Amendments). Additionally, this cycle we see that many longstanding amendments have expired that residential projects have received benefits from for a decade. Specific items that should be reviewed are as follows:
Expanded GFCI requirements for protections that include receptacles and hard-wired equipment in residential and commercial applications
Expanded AFCI requirements in commercial applications and residential coupled with the expiration of previous amendments
Expanded requirements for surge protection for residential and commercial services and feeders
New requirements for exterior residential service disconnecting means
Extensive changes to pool equipotential and perimeter surface bonding
Of course, there are many other changes to consider; please use the links below to view or acquire 2023 NEC editions, and the list of applicable N.C. Amendments.
