(a) The State Fire Commission shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code to safeguard life and property and to ensure the quality of construction of all structures erected or renovated throughout this state through the adoption of a State Building Code. The rules shall be in accordance with standard safe practices so embodied in widely recognized standards of good practice for building construction and all aspects related thereto and have force and effect in those counties and municipalities adopting the State Building Code: Provided, That each county or municipality may adopt the code to the extent that it is only prospective and not retroactive in its application.

(b) The State Fire Commission may propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code, regarding building construction, renovation and all other aspects as related to the construction and mechanical operations of a structure. The rules shall be known as the State Building Code.

(c) The State Fire Commission shall propose a rule for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code to include building energy codes in the State Building Code.

(d) (1) The State Fire Commission may propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code, establishing state standards and fee schedules for the licensing, registration, certification, regulation and continuing education of persons which will conduct inspections relating to the State Building Code, which include, but are not limited to, building code officials, inspectors, plans examiners and home inspectors.

(2) The State Fire Commission shall propose rules for legislative approval requiring applicants for home inspector licensing, registration or certification to submit to a state and national criminal history record check as set forth in this section and may deny licensing, registration or certification based upon the results of the criminal history record check.

(e) The State Fire Commission may establish advisory boards as it considers appropriate to encourage representative participation in subsequent rulemaking from groups or individuals with an interest in any aspect of the State Building Code or related construction or renovation practices.

(f) For the purpose of this section, the term “building code” is intended to include all aspects of safe building construction and mechanical operations and all safety aspects related thereto. Whenever any other state law, county or municipal ordinance or regulation of any agency thereof is more stringent or imposes a higher standard than is required by the State Building Code, the provisions of the state law, county or municipal ordinance or regulation of any agency thereof governs if they are not inconsistent with the laws of West Virginia and are not contrary to recognized standards and good engineering practices. In any question, the decision of the State Fire Commission determines the relative priority of any such state law, county or municipal ordinance or regulation of any agency thereof and determines compliance with State Building Code by officials of the state, counties, municipalities and political subdivisions of the state.

(g) Enforcement of the provisions of the State Building Code is the responsibility of the respective local jurisdiction. Also, any county or municipality may enter into an agreement with any other county or municipality to provide inspection and enforcement services: Provided, That any county or municipality may adopt the State Building Code with or without adopting the BOCA National Property Maintenance Code.

(h) After the State Fire Commission has promulgated rules as provided in this section, each county or municipality intending to adopt the State Building Code shall notify the State Fire Commission of its intent.

(i) The State Fire Commission may conduct public meetings in each county or municipality adopting the State Building Code to explain the provisions of the rules.

(j) The provisions of the State Building Code relating to the construction, repair, alteration, restoration and movement of structures are not mandatory for existing buildings and structures identified and classified by the State Register of Historic Places under the provisions of section eight, article one of this chapter or the National Register of Historic Places, pursuant to 16 U. S. C. §470a. Prior to renovations regarding the application of the State Building Code, in relation to historical preservation of structures identified as such, the authority having jurisdiction shall consult with the Division of Culture and History, State Historic Preservation Office. The final decision is vested in the State Fire Commission. Additions constructed on a historic building are not excluded from complying with the State Building Code.