2008 National Electrical Code mandatory as of October 5, 2009.

Read the NJBA response here.

Recent amendments to the Uniform Construction Code, now require a fire sprinkler head over exterior residential balconies, decks and ground floor patios where the building is of Type V (i.e. wood framing) construction and built to the International Building Code (IBC). Although all residential structures built to the IBC are already required to have interior fire sprinklers, the amendment adds exterior sprinklers. The requirement becomes mandatory for permit applications submitted after January 6, 2009. Structures built to the International Residential Code or balconies, decks and patios added to existing structures are exempt from the sprinkler protection requirements.

 2006 International Codes Updates

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.

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.

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.).

A law requiring a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area of one- and two-family dwellings became effective on November 1, 2005.

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.

The Department of Community Affairs has received several requests for clarification on the accessibility requirements for sales offices at developments of single-family homes.