The state building code, RSA 155-A, is by reference, automatically in force in every town in the state, no matter whether the town adopted it or not.
The only reason that the state building code is on the ballot is because the Planning Board wants to go beyond the minimum required by the code. If the proposed building code, in Article 9, were rejected by the voters, the state building code would still be in effect in Lyndeborough. The only thing that would be rejected by voting no would be the additional items that the Planning Board and building inspector have in the new building proposal.
The permit term changes from two years to six months in the new building code. If you had a project which exceeded six months, you would have to apply for a new permit every six months, if not started. Expired permits may be renewed at the discretion of the building inspector. I guess it would increase income for the town and or the building inspector, but it would not be landowner-friendly. The code enforcement officer would have new powers.
All throughout the proposal is the language “…at the discretion of the Building Inspector” or “as determined by the Building Inspector.” From that language I guess that it would be moot if you were to have a different interpretation on a particular item of the proposed building code in Article 9.
Ginny Chrisenton
Lyndeborough