NH subcommittee advances changes to bill allowing third‑party permitting and inspections

A House Committee on Housing subcommittee advanced proposed amendments to Senate Bill 188 on third‑party permitting and inspections on a voice vote, with members saying the changes aim to integrate the bill’s provisions into the New Hampshire state building code and clarify oversight, fees and timelines.

The changes presented to the subcommittee would direct the Building Code Review Board to amend the state building code to allow owners or owners’ agents to use “approved agencies” — described as ICC‑certified building officials, licensed architects or engineers — to perform construction‑document review and required inspections. Michael Hagan, vice president of the New Hampshire Building Officials Association, told the committee the amendments are intended to “preserve the original intent of the Senate bill, while also enhancing clarity and ensuring consistency” with existing state statutes.

The proposed amendments formalize several points the subcommittee discussed: 1) a building official may deny a proposed third‑party agency but must provide written reasons; 2) municipalities may audit approved agencies and, on clear and convincing evidence of negligence, suspend an agency’s ability to work in that municipality for up to one year; 3) the bill would require a certificate of insurance from…