NC House OKs building code editions to last longer

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Sponsors of a bill to revise North Carolina's residential building code on a longer cycle and to prevent local governments from offering additional inspections have gained more state House support.

The House gave its final approval to the measure 99-18 on Tuesday and sent it to the Senate.

The bill would extend the cycle for revising the code from the current three-year practice to a required six years. Cities and counties also couldn't initiate regular, routine inspections on their own beyond what the code requires unless a state council allows them. Home builders support the changes, while local governments and an environmental group oppose them.

The House tentatively approved the measure Monday night with 88 "yes" votes. The bill was amended slightly Tuesday to address one concern.