Edwards re-introduces bill to reduce red tape for WNC homebuilders, municipalities

U.S. Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) re-introduced the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act, which will expand the definition of building codes to include the latest two published editions rather than just the latest single edition, to prevent burdens on states, homebuilders, and local municipalities. Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) is co-lead of this bipartisan legislation.

Every three years, the International Code Council (ICC) is tasked with publishing an updated set of international building codes that includes the world’s safest and most efficient building practices to reduce risk from natural disasters and other environmental hazards. The most recent edition was published in 2024.

Once the ICC publishes their new codes, states are required to update their building codes to comply with the most recent edition of the International Building Code. Updating building codes is a lengthy, burdensome process for states, resulting in many states not updating their codes. This leads to America’s homes being built according to outdated, less-resilient standards.

The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act provides greater flexibility to state and local governments, thereby increasing adherence to codes and preserving and promoting more resilient buildings in communities to make sure that they are prepared for disaster if it ever strikes.

The bill is also expected to stabilize building costs by reducing the frequency that the trade industry must adapt their techniques to meet new codes.

Lastly, the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act will create a pilot program as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program to allow families to safety proof their homes using grant money.

“The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act will reduce burdensome red tape on trade industries, state and local governments, and communities in Western North Carolina while enhancing their resiliency against potential environmental and structural disasters. This bill is more important now than ever as Western North Carolina recovers from Hurricane Helene,”said Edwards. “The last thing our economy needs is another regulation driving up housing costs, and this bill will make sure building codes don’t add to an increase by making permanent common-sense reforms to our building codes system.”

Titus said, "I am proud to co-lead the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2025 which will ensure that homebuilders and local governments have much-needed flexibility in disaster mitigation planning and building. Last year’s devastating hurricanes and record-breaking heat magnify the need for legislation to prepare our communities. I’m proud that this bill includes my proposal to create a pilot program for retrofitting homes to make them more resilient to the impacts of natural disasters, giving homeowners an extra layer of protection.”

Chairman Carl Harris, National Association of Home Builders said, “NAHB commends Rep. Edwards for introducing the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act. He championed this legislation in the 118th Congress because he opposes needless regulatory mandates that raise housing costs. This bill will help ease the nation’s housing affordability woes by preserving local control over the code adoption process. In turn, this will help builders build more homes and reduce housing costs.”

“BuildStrong America fully supports the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act,”said Executive Director Dr. Natalie Enclade, BuildStrong America. “In the wake of recent disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton and devastating wildfires, this legislation is more critical than ever. We applaud Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-NC), for leading the way on crucial retrofits to protect lives, reduce risks, and save dollars in recovery costs.”

Senior Vice President of Federal and Political Affairs Jimi Grande, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies said, “Now more than ever, we need to make sure Americans and their communities have as many tools as possible, including stronger building codes, to prepare for the next disaster and strengthen their defenses. The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act provides flexibility for state and local governments to apply for FEMA mitigation grants, and - crucially - establishes a funding program to help harden existing structures through retrofits. This bill will reduce risk, prevent damage from natural disasters, and most importantly save lives. NAMIC thanks Congressman Edwards for his dedication to this commonsense proposal and looks forward to seeing the measure signed into law.”

Background

• In 2018, the Disaster Recovery Reform Act established the definition of building codes relating to hazard mitigation to include the latest two published editions of relevant codes, specifications, and standards.
  • This definition sunset in October 2023.
• No studies exist indicating that using the two latest editions of building codes makes states more vulnerable to damage during a disaster.
  • Contrarily, a FEMA study found increased major reductions in property loss from natural disasters among buildings that were built prior to the year 2000 versus current codes.