(a) Buildings constructed by the State of North Carolina or by any agency or institution of the State in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the Department of Administration or by The University of North Carolina or one of its affiliated or constituent institutions pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 116-31.11 shall not be subject to inspection by any county or municipal authorities and shall not be subject to county or municipal building codes and requirements.

(b) Inspection fees fixed by counties and municipalities shall not be applicable to such construction by the State of North Carolina. County and municipal authorities may inspect any plans or specifications upon their request to the Department of Administration or, with respect to projects under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 116-31.11, The University of North Carolina, and any and all recommendations made by them shall be given consideration. Requests by county and municipal authorities to inspect plans and specifications for State projects shall be on the basis of a specific project. Should any agency or institution of the State require the services of county or municipal authorities, notice shall be given for the need of such services, and appropriate fees for such services shall be paid to the county or municipality; provided, however, that the application for such services to be rendered by any county or municipality shall have prior written approval of the Department of Administration, or with respect to projects under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 116-31.11, The University of North Carolina.

(c) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, including any local act, no county or municipality may impose requirements that exceed the North Carolina State Building Code regarding the design or construction of buildings constructed by the State of North Carolina. (1951, c. 1104, s. 4; 1967, c. 860; 1971, c. 563; 1985, c. 757, s. 170(a); 1997-412, s. 10; 2001-496, s. 8(c); 2005-300, s. 1.)