New Jersey updates building codes, gives applicants until Feb. 17 to use previous standards

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey has adopted updated building codes that introduce new safety requirements, strengthen fire protections and improve energy efficiency, with a six-month grace period allowing certain construction permit applications to be reviewed under the previous standards.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs outlined the changes during an Oct. 22 session of its Mayors & Legislators Resource Series, which provided municipal officials and state lawmakers with information about the updated codes that took effect Aug. 17, 2026.

The session focused on the Division of Codes and Standards, its responsibilities and the changes that builders, design professionals and local construction officials need to understand.

“Building codes protect every family that walks into a home, a school, a workplace, or a public establishment,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Governor Sherrill has made it clear that our job at DCA is to make it easier and faster for developers to get their work inspected while maintaining strong construction and building safety standards under the Uniform Construction Code. These updates make New Jersey’s buildings safer and more energy efficient. Local officials play a key role in putting them into practice, and this series gives them the information they need to do it.”

The updated standards include the 2024 International Building Code, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code, along with the 2024 National Standard Plumbing Code and 2023 National Electrical Code.

Under the six-month grace period, applicants who submit a complete permit application, including all required prior approvals, by Feb. 17, 2027, may still have their projects reviewed under the previous building codes.

Key changes to New Jersey’s building codes

The updated building codes introduce several changes affecting residential and commercial construction, including:

• High-rise buildings: Occupiable roofs are now counted when determining whether a building qualifies as a high-rise, adding safety protections in situations where rooftop crowds can make firefighting and emergency rescues more difficult.
• Adult changing stations: Certain large assembly, retail, educational and highway rest stop facilities must provide adult changing stations.
• Snow load requirements: Updated standards account for significantly increased snowfall in most areas when determining the structural loads buildings must withstand.
• Sleeping lofts: New rules for sleeping lofts in small residential units address emergency exits, protective guards and smoke alarms.
• Lithium-ion batteries: Stronger fire protection requirements apply to lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems in residential and commercial buildings.
• Garage doors: Doors separating garages from homes must be self-latching and self-closing.
• All-gender restrooms: The updated plumbing code recognizes all-gender restroom facilities.

Energy efficiency improvements

The revised energy standards are also expected to improve building efficiency. According to DCA, new homes constructed under the 2024 energy code are approximately 8% more energy efficient than homes built under the 2021 edition.

For commercial buildings, national estimates indicate approximately 9.8% savings in site energy consumption and a 9.3% reduction in carbon emissions. A new credit-based system also allows residential builders to select energy efficiency improvements that best fit their projects.

DCA’s Division of Codes and Standards works with municipalities to establish and enforce building regulations throughout New Jersey. The division oversees the Uniform Construction Code and Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law, inspects amusement rides, elevators and state government buildings, and licenses rooming and boarding houses and homeless shelters.

The division also administers the New Home Warranty Program and licenses contractors who evaluate and remove lead contamination.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said the resource series provides municipal leaders with information to improve local government operations.

“The DCA’s Mayor & Legislators Resource forums have been an invaluable asset to municipal leaders and staff across our communities. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to learn from subject-matter experts, exchange best practices, and gain critical insights into the issues that directly impact local governments and residents,” said City of Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Through these forums, our teams are better equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to strengthen our partnership with the DCA and enhance our effectiveness in serving the public. Most recently, the code enforcement session offered practical guidance and valuable information on available resources that can help municipalities improve compliance, address community concerns, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

South Orange Village Mayor Sheena C. Collum emphasized the importance of collaboration between state and municipal officials when addressing building safety and code enforcement.

“Mayors see firsthand how state decisions on code enforcement impact the quality of life in our communities. That’s why I appreciate DCA bringing mayors and legislators together for conversations that actually matter. We know what’s working, what’s not, and where changes are needed,” said South Orange Village Mayor Sheena C. Collum. “This forum gives us an opportunity to address property maintenance, housing conditions, public safety, and the challenges municipalities face every day. Sometimes we just need clearer standards, stronger partnerships and less red tape to get things moving. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: safe neighborhoods, stronger communities, and a government that delivers for the people we serve.”

East Orange Department of Public Works Director Elizabeth Collins said the updated standards highlight the need for municipalities to remain informed about construction requirements affecting public facilities.

“DCA’s presentation reinforced the importance of staying informed about New Jersey’s evolving construction codes, particularly as they relate to maintenance, renovation, and structural integrity of our municipal facilities,” said East Orange Department of Public Works Director Elizabeth Collins. “Continued guidance and collaboration with DCA are and will always be essential to maintaining compliance, strengthening public safety, and ensuring responsible management of our municipal infrastructure.”

Municipal officials, contractors and residents with questions about the updated building codes or the Uniform Construction Code can contact DCA’s Code Assistance Unit at 609-984-7609 or by emailing codeassist@dca.nj.gov.

A recording of the Oct. 22 session and previous presentations is available through the department’s Mayors & Legislators Resource Series video playlist.

The resource series will continue monthly, with future sessions highlighting different DCA programs and services. The department also oversees local government management and finance, affordable housing, eviction and homelessness prevention, community planning, historic preservation, disaster recovery and information privacy initiatives.