Create the Office of Engineering and Codes.

SB 700 creates a new Office of Engineering and Codes within North Carolina's Department of Labor to centralize oversight of building codes, manufactured housing standards, and home inspection regulations. It transfers existing councils and boards - including the Building Code Council, Manufactured Housing Board, and Home Inspector Licensure Board - to this office, which will be led by a State Engineer appointed by the Labor Commissioner (with Senate confirmation). The State Engineer gains authority to adopt rules, enforce compliance, impose civil penalties (ranging from $100 to $1,000 per violation), and conduct investigations, while ensuring public access to most records. This bill directly affects contractors, home inspectors, manufacturers, and local governments responsible for code enforcement.