2006 International Codes |
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The Department of Community Affairs will be removing the five prescriptive requirements [R404.1] from the 2006 International Residential Code that had to be met for a foundation wall to be considered laterally supported.
After August 17, Uniform Construction Code permit applications (including prototype plans) must conform to the 2006 code framework.
Click the MORE button for a list of key changes from the previous codes to the new ones.

View NJBA’s comments submitted to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) on the proposed incorporation of the 2006 International Codes into the Uniform Construction Code.

View a Wind Design Study which analyzes the increased housing costs associated with the proposed codes.

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Adaptable Features Required In Affordable Housing |
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Effective October 1, 2006, amendments to the Fair Housing Act and to the UCC Act will require affordable housing units to meet certain barrier free requirements.

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Contractor Registration Required |
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Home improvement contractors and new home builders who remodel (or renovate) existing residential structures are required to register as a home improvement contractor with the state Department of Law and Public Safety’s Consumer Affairs Division.

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| Board of Public Utility Issues |
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NJBA
has received calls indicating that some utilities have changed their
procedures and policies regarding who arranges and pays for the
trenching and installation of service facilities (e.g., cables,
conduits, mains, etc.).

Read our comments in relation to Extensions of Service, Docket
No. AX 0312 0973, PRN 2004-34

Read our comments in relation to Energy Star
Rebates
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Fire Extinguisher Requirements |
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A law requiring a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area of one- and two-family dwellings became effective on November 1, 2005.

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DCA Issues Guidance on Notices Of
Violations (NOVs) after Certificates Of Occupancy (COs) |
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In a recent decision (DKM v. Montgomery),
the NJ Supreme Court found that local code enforcement agencies
can issue NOVs to builders after the issuance of COs. The
Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has written to Construction
Officials advising them on how to implement the decision. DCA states
that NOVs should be issued for any violation that existed prior
to CO: when in doubt, enforcement agencies should "err on
the side of caution" and NOVs should be issued. DCA
addresses the role of warranty coverage and notes that NOVs would
be issued to the homeowner as well as the builder. Boards
of appeals are responsible for resolving disputes.
For additional
information, contact George
Spais, Director of Codes and Technical
Services at (609) 587-5577.
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| Accessibility and Sales Offices |
The Department of Community Affairs has received several requests
for clarification on the accessibility requirements for sales offices
at developments of single-family homes. 
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