North Carolina Occupancy Limits Under State Building Code

G.S. 143-138 authorizes the Building Code Council to adopt a uniform State Building Code that preempts conflicting local building regulations. The code incorporates International Building Code occupancy load calculations based on square footage, exits, and use group classification. For short-term rentals, transient lodging in single-family dwellings is generally subject to R-3 residential occupancy standards. Cities cannot adopt building code amendments that lower the safety standards or reduce required egress.

Exceeding code-calculated occupancy or violating egress requirements can result in stop-work orders, certificate of occupancy revocation, and civil penalties. Local code enforcement officers issue citations under G.S. 160D-1116.