Substantial Reduction in Wastewater Flow Calculation among the NC HBA Legislative Wins in the 2023 Session

“The 2023 legislative long session was one of the most productive and successful in NCHBA’s history,” said Tim Minton, NCHBA Executive Vice President.

Below are the top 5 NCHBA accomplishments of the year.

Reduced Domestic Wastewater Demand [SB 673 / SL 2023-55]

The bill substantially increases existing capacity by reducing the wastewater flow calculation for new residential construction – from 120 gallons per day per bedroom to 75 gallons per day per bedroom – to reflect current technology (e.g., low-flow toilets, showerheads, etc.)

Created Pathway for Concurrent Sitework During Permitting Process [ SB 677 / SL 2023-142]

NCHBA supported legislation that allows builders and developers to choose whether to perform their horizontal site work concurrently during ancillary permit review, rather than waiting until all permits are in hand.

Stopped Costly Energy Code Mandates [HB 488 / SL 2023-108]

HB 488 was one of the NCHBA’s most significant legislative victories since the creation of the Association in 1963.  Among the most important provisions was the creation of a 13-member Residential Building Code Council.  The legislation also prevented an update to all energy code-related chapters of the NC Residential Building Code, which otherwise had been on track to add a minimum of $20,400 to the price of the average home built in NC.

Reined in Wetlands [SB 582 / SL 2023-63]

NCHBA advocated for the provision in the 2023 Farm Act that constrains the state definition of wetlands to federal jurisdictional claims. Now, not only do NC builders and developers get the benefit of the “Sackett v EPA” ruling, but all state wetlands are now constrained to the federal jurisdiction alone.

Reformed State Stormwater Permitting [SB 673 / SL 2023-55]

NCHBA negotiated for language creating a new ‘shot clock’ to reform the existing 90-day review procedure that resets each time DEQ asks for more information.  The new ‘shot clock’ procedure requires DEQ to determine if an application is administratively complete within 10 working days of receipt, then 60 calendar days to complete its technical review.