Building Codes - NH Law Library - LibGuides

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Introduction ...

To find building codes, you may need to check at the local, state, and federal levels. The state building code sets the minimum standards for the state, but local governments can have more stringent standards. Federal standards may also apply in some situations. Many states, New Hampshire included, adopt "model codes" and then adapt them for their own use. That's why it's never enough just to read the model code. You must also look for any state or local amendments to the model code and read them together.

State Building Code Review Board

• New Hampshire. Dept. of Safety. State Building Code Review Board "The State Building Code Review Board (BCRB) is responsible for recommending legislation to amend the New Hampshire Building Code. The board aims to provide consistency with the application of laws, rules, or regulations, to avoid undue economic impacts on the public, by considering the cost of such amendments, and to promote public safety best practices."
• NH.gov. How State Building Code Amendments Are Adopted [PDF]
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  "Any amendments approved by the BCRB must be ratified by the state legislature and signed by the Governor before they are effective."
• New Hampshire. Dept. of Safety. State Building Code Review Board. Laws and Rules "A list of laws and rules that pertain to the NH Building Code Review Board."
• New Hampshire. Dept. of Safety. State Building Code Review Board. State Fire & Building Codes "[These codes] apply to every municipality and property owner statewide are the minimum requirements for all buildings and structures. A locality may also adopt local bylaws or ordinances, provided they are more stringent than the requirements of the state codes. New Hampshire has adopted the national model codes and standards with amendments. ... Code enforcement officials, architects, and engineers often to need to refer to previous versions of the State Building & Fire Codes and amendments that were in effect when a building was built or occupied." Previous versions are included on this site.
• New Hampshire. Dept. of Safety. State Building Review Board. Amendments & Exhibits, State Building Code "This page is a resource for tracking the status of proposed code amendments. The exhibits on this page do not necessarily mean the board has approved, in whole or in part, the proposed changes."

Please remember that this guide is for information purposes only and is not comprehensive. It is intended as a starting point for research, to illustrate the various sources of the law, and to provide guidance in their use. NH Law About ... is not a substitute for the services of an attorney.

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• Last Updated: Nov 17, 2025 11:20 AM
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