North Carolina Senate receives bill from Sen. Lee proposing private construction inspection program

State Sen. Michael V. Lee has introduced a new bill that would allow private inspectors to perform building inspections if local departments do not complete them within required timeframes, as detailed by the North Carolina State Senate.

The measure, filed as SB 1039 on April 30 during the 2025 regular session, appears on the record as the ‘Construction Inspection Efficiency Act.’

The summary below, based on the actual bill text, may include clarifications for easier understanding.

Essentially, the legislation would establish a statewide framework for certified and registered private construction inspectors and firms. It permits property owners, permit holders, contractors and their representatives to hire these professionals for residential or commercial building inspections if a local inspection department fails to act within 10 business days or by an agreed-upon date. The bill outlines requirements for qualifications, testing, education, registration, insurance and conflict of interest, mandates the use of standard forms and reports, and provides for “private certificates” of compliance with the State Building Code. Local governments would be required to accept valid private inspection reports, grant fee credits or refunds as applicable, and would not be liable for work covered by such reports. Most provisions are set to take effect July 1, 2027.

Sen. Lee, who is one of two sponsors of this proposal, filed the largest number of bills—54—during the 2025 regular session.

Legislation in North Carolina goes through a detailed process before becoming law. It begins when a lawmaker files a bill, which then goes to a committee for review. Each chamber must hold three readings on the bill. If a bill is amended after passing one chamber, both must ultimately agree on the final language. Once both legislative branches pass the same version, the bill is sent to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is out of session) to sign, veto, or allow it to become law without a signature.

To follow the progress of various bills and measures, visit this link.

Lee completed his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1991 and earned his JD from Wake Forest University Law School in 1997.

Lee, a Republican, has represented North Carolina’s 7th Senate district since 2023, succeeding former state senator Jim Perry.