1.    The department of commerce, in cooperation with the state building code advisory committee, shall adopt rules to implement, amend, and periodically update the state building code, which must consist of the international building, residential, mechanical, and fuel gas codes.

Terms Used In North Dakota Code 54-21.3-03

  • Amendment: A proposal to alter the text of a pending bill or other measure by striking out some of it, by inserting new language, or both. Before an amendment becomes part of the measure, thelegislature must agree to it.
  • Individual: means a human being. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Rule: includes regulation. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See North Dakota Code 1-01-49
  • year: means twelve consecutive months. See North Dakota Code 1-01-33

2.    The state building code advisory committee consists of:

a.    Two representatives appointed by the North Dakota building officials association, one of whom must be from a jurisdiction of fewer than ten thousand people.

b.    One representative appointed by the North Dakota chapter of the American institute of architects.

c.    One representative appointed by the North Dakota society of professional engineers.

d.    One representative appointed by the North Dakota association of builders.

e.    One representative appointed by the North Dakota association of mechanical contractors.

f.    One representative appointed by the associated general contractors. g.    A fire marshal appointed by the state fire marshal.

h.    One individual appointed by the state electrical board.

3.    The state building code advisory committee shall meet with the department of commerce or a designee of the commissioner of commerce at least once each     calendar year to address proposed amendments to the state building code. The department of commerce may not adopt an amendment to the state building code unless the amendment is approved by a majority vote of:

a.    One representative appointed by the North Dakota chapter of the American institute of architects; b. One representative appointed by the North Dakota society of professional engineers; c.    One representative appointed by the North Dakota association of builders; d.    One representative appointed by the North Dakota association of mechanical contractors; e.    One representative appointed by the associated general contractors; and

f.    Representatives of eligible jurisdictions as established by administrative rule.

4.    The state building code or a building code adopted by a city, township, or county may not include a requirement that fire sprinklers be installed in a single family dwelling or a residential building that contains no more than two dwelling units. The state building code, plumbing code, electrical code, or an equivalent code adopted by a political subdivision must provide that a building designed for and used as a school portable classroom may be constructed and inspected as a temporary structure as defined by the state building code or may be permitted as a permanent school portable classroom. The foundation system of such a structure must comply with the recommendations of the manufacturer’s engineering report for a pre-engineered unit or a structural engineer’s report. Frost-free footings may not be required for a temporary structure that meets the requirements of the state building code unless required by an engineering report. Temporary electrical and plumbing installations may be allowed for any structure by the governmental entities governing those areas of construction or the applicable codes.

5.    For the purposes of manufactured homes, the state building code consists of the manufactured homes construction and safety standards under 24 C.F.R. § part 3280 adopted pursuant to the Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act [42 U.S.C. § 5401 et seq.].

6.    The governing body of a city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code shall adopt and enforce the state building code. However, the state building code may be amended by cities, townships, and counties to conform to local needs.

7.    A modular residential structure or a prebuilt home placed in the state must be constructed in compliance with the state building code. A modular residential structure or a prebuilt home placed in a jurisdiction that has amended the state building code must be constructed in compliance with the state building code and the amendments adopted by that jurisdiction.