Which North Carolina Building Code Applies to Your Project?

Projects in North Carolina are still built to the 2018 North Carolina State Building Codes. They are based on the 2015 International Codes with state amendments and have been in effect since January 1, 2019. The 2024 edition has been delayed by state law. A June 2026 state licensing board notice put its earliest possible date at May 1, 2027, and said no date has been set. Confirm the edition with your building department when you apply for a permit.

Why the 2024 code is delayed

Under Session Law 2025-2, the 2024 code takes effect 12 months after the State Fire Marshal certifies that it has been published and distributed and that the Residential Code Council is fully constituted. Until then, the Office of State Fire Marshal says the 2018 code stays in effect. The June 1, 2026 update from the state plumbing, heating and fire sprinkler licensing board says the date has been postponed several times and depends on the General Assembly approving the Governor's nominees, which had not yet happened.

One state code, enforced locally

The State Building Code can regulate every type of building anywhere in North Carolina. Under G.S. 143-138, local codes generally do not take effect until the responsible Code Council approves them. Floodplain management regulations are an exception. Local offices review plans, issue permits and inspect work.

• Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement issues building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits across the county's 524 square miles.
• Durham's City-County Building and Safety Department serves both the city and the county of Durham.
• Fayetteville's Permitting and Inspections Division enforces the North Carolina State Building Code.
• Raleigh issues permits through its Permit and Development Portal, where all general contractor and subcontractor information must be entered.

Energy code and climate zones

The residential energy code is the 2015 IECC with North Carolina amendments. The commercial energy code is the 2015 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 with amendments. Both have been in effect since January 1, 2019. Insulation, window and moisture details depend on the county's climate zone in the U.S. Department of Energy guide:

• Zone 3A mixed-humid: Mecklenburg and Cumberland counties.
• Zone 3A hot-humid: New Hanover and Brunswick counties.
• Zone 4A mixed-humid: Wake, Guilford, Durham, Forsyth and Buncombe counties.
• Zone 5A cold: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga and Yancey counties.

Coastal counties add a CAMA check

In the 20 coastal counties, the Division of Coastal Management runs the CAMA permit program. Minor permits cover projects such as single-family houses and are issued by local governments under contract with the Division. In New Hanover County, the local permit officers work in the County Inspections Department.

What to do before you design

1. Ask your building department which code edition will apply on the date you plan to apply for a permit.
2. Design to the energy code climate zone for your county.
3. Ask whether local floodplain rules apply to your lot.
4. In a coastal county, check early whether you need a CAMA permit.
5. If the state sets a 2024 code date while your project is in design, confirm the edition again before you apply.