§ 160D-1501 — Model homes within subdivision developments

(a) Definition. - For the purposes of this section, a "model home" means a residential dwelling built within a subdivision development constructed in compliance with the North Carolina Residential Code which will be temporarily utilized to display the dwellings and products offered, within the same subdivision development, to prospective purchasers.
(b) Temporary Mixed Occupancy; Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Issuance. - A model home may include an area designated as a Business Group B occupancy, including for use as a sales office and conducting development-related business with prospective purchasers. Upon completing the construction of a model home, a local government may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy pursuant to G.S. 160D-1116 if the permit holder, in their request for the temporary certificate of occupancy, designates certain areas within the model home as a Business Group B occupancy.
(c) Accessibility Requirements. - An area designated as, or leading to, Business Group B occupancies within the model home must meet accessibility requirements as required by State and federal law. Any other areas shall only be utilized for display purposes for prospective buyers to view the developer's product and for no other purpose.
(d) Display Area Signage. - A permit holder receiving a temporary certificate of occupancy for a model home pursuant to subsection (b) of this section must conspicuously post and maintain signage at entrances to model home display areas specifying that the display area is only for prospective buyers to view the developer's product and for no other purpose.
(e) Utility Connections to Model Homes. - All persons and units of local government authorizing the connection of electrical, water, sewer, and any related utility services to a model home must connect services requested by a permit holder upon issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy to a model home pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.
(f) Permit Holder to Disconnect Bathroom Facilities. - A permit holder receiving a temporary certificate of occupancy for a model home pursuant to this section shall shut off all water to bathroom facilities within a model home. Equitable bathroom facilities for accessibility shall be provided on the premises. (2024-49, s. 1.11(a).)