New Hampshire updates to 2015 International Codes

Jurisdictions across the United States continue to ensure that homes, schools, offices and other buildings within their communities remain safe and sustainable by adopting and implementing coordinated building regulations — such as the International Codes — that allow for new products and innovative technologies to provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace. New Hampshire passed legislation in July of 2019 to support life safety through the adoption of state building code and fire code amendments, embracing renewable energy, and establishing training and certification programs. The codes went into effect on September 15, 2019. New Hampshire last adopted international building codes in 2009.

“We were excited to see this important legislation pass in New Hampshire,” said International Code Council Government Relations Senior Vice President Sara Yerkes. “They are taking an important step to elevate building safety and make it a priority for people throughout the state. The Code Council stands ready to assist the building industry in New Hampshire to ensure a smooth transition to the updated codes.”

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed House Bill HB 562 — Relative to the State Building Code — which updated the definition of the state building code to include the 2015 editions of the International Building Code, the International Existing Building Code, the International Plumbing Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Energy Conservation Code, and the International Residential Code and adds the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code to the definition of the state building code. Sponsored by Representatives Rebecca McWilliams and Howard Moffett and signed into law on July 22, 2019, the bill also ratified certain amendments to the state building code adopted by the state building code review board.

Several codes have amendments to address specific New Hampshire concerns; many have been carried over from the previous codes. Building amendments can be found on the New Hampshire Building Code Review Board website.

Building permit applications have already started. For building permit applications that have been submitted for review prior to September 15, 2019, please check with the local building department on how the code change may affect your application; or for state and university buildings the State Fire Marshal’s Office.