Please read this post for important information about changes taking effect on January 1st. This blog covers changes to the submittal requirements for Concurrent Review and Infrastructure Construction Plans, and changes to the N.C. State Building Codes. It will also provide details of the recently approved TC-8-15, new instructions for submitting presentations to City Council, and links to the latest Development Services quarterly performance reports.
First up – the content of the Concurrent Review and Infrastructure Construction Plan signature block is not changing. However, a new submittal requirement will begin effective January 1. From then on, the signature block must be located in the lower right-hand corner of each plan sheet. For more details, please visit the process web pages (linked above) or contact the Development Services Customer Service Center at 919-996-2495.
Also taking effect on January 1st are changes to the N.C. State Building Codes, particularly the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reference standards. The N.C. Building Code Council adopted amendments that have been approved by the Rules Review Commission and could apply to the following codes:
• 2011 NC Electrical Code (based on the 2011 NEC)
• 2012 NC Building, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential Codes (based on the 2009 International Codes)
• 2015 NC Existing Building Code (based on the 2012 IEBC)
These amendments revise, delete or add to the adopted N.C. State Building Code. From what I understand, the changes are too numerous to cover in this blog. Changes to the code are listed on the N.C. Department of Insurance website. Please note that the current NFPA reference standards apply to all projects that have a transaction number issued by the City of Raleigh prior to January 1, 2016. The new NFPA reference standards will be enforced on all projects issued a transaction number on or after January 1, 2016. Any questions regarding these changes may be answered by Steve Berry, Assistant Fire Marshall/Construction, at 919-996-5972.
In other news, the City is in the process of upgrading the video presentation system in Council Chambers. The laptop and projector perched on the rolling cart will no longer be used. The new system will be comprised of more modern technology, including a touch-screen monitor to highlight specific areas of interest. The new system will deliver improved picture quality and readability. No other computers or electronic devices may be connected to the new system. Members of the public must submit their video presentation files for review to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (or in person to the Public Affairs office) no later than 5:00 p.m. the Wednesday prior to the Council meeting at which they will appear. City staff must submit in the same fashion by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the Council meeting. Once files are submitted, all presentations will be placed on the presentation computer by City staff.
And while this occurred last month, I have not yet blogged about the recent approval of TC-8-15, an ordinance to modify the street connectivity and street access standards in the Unified Development Ordinance. The ordinance permits City Council to accept zoning conditions to alter block perimeter and site access standards in conjunction with a rezoning case. Questions regarding this text change may be directed to Eric Hodge, Assistant Planning Administrator, at 919-996-2639.
Lastly, the Communications office has just completed an update of the Development Services quarterly performance reports. The latest reports reflect the number of building permits issued per month through September 2015, as well as benchmark data for plan review performance and approval rates per review cycle.
Whew! That was a lot to cover. Be sure to check out next week’s blog – we’ll fill you in on some new development projects. Until then, enjoy the cool shot of air this week. I hear it will be in the seventies again next week!
