House committee substitute to the 2nd edition makes the following changes. 

Specifies that the exemption from the requirement for a professional architectural seal set forth in proposed subdivision (1) of GS 83A-13(c1) applies to a commercial building project with a total value of less than $300,000 and a total project area of less than 3,000 square feet in gross floor area (previously set the threshold at 3,000 square feet, not specifying gross floor area).

Adds to new GS 160D-1104(d1) to also prohibit local governments from adopting, in addition to the prohibition against enforcing, any variance requiring that plans and specifications for any alteration, remodeling, renovation, or repair of a commercial building or structure be prepared by and under the seal of a registered architect or registered engineer if the costs are less than $300,000 or if the total building area does not exceed 3,000 square feet in gross floor area, with specified qualifications as previously described.

Further amends GS 160D-1110(c) to now align the thresholds for the permitting exemption for any construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alterations performed pursuant to the State Building Code (Code) in any single-family residence or farm building, and any commercial building, to costs of $20,000 or less (was, $15,000 or less for single-family residences and farm buildings and $20,000 or less for commercial buildings). Maintains the five stated exceptions to the permitting exemption. Specifies that no permit is required for pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of porches and exterior decks which otherwise meet the requirements of subsection (c).

Further amends and makes conforming changes to GS 143-138, modifying subsection (b5) to set the threshold for which no permit can be required under the Code or any local variance for any construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration performed in accordance with the current edition of the Code in any single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building at costs of $20,000 or less (was, set at $15,000 and limited to single-family residences and farm buildings). Revises the five exceptions to mirror those set forth in GS 160D-1110(c), as amended.

Revises the effective date provisions of the act to make the act applicable to construction, installation, repair, replacement, remodeling, renovation, or alteration projects beginning on or after October 1, 2021 (was, projects begun on or after that date).

Changes the act's titles.