Who enforces each one, what edition applies, and what changes next. 7 of 8 areas verified on primary sources. OSHA state plan for public employers only; private employers under federal OSHA.
| Area | In force | Authority | Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-5:76); State Fire Prevention Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-3) = 2018 International Fire Code, New Jersey Edition, adopted Apr 15, 2024Replaced the 2015 IFC edition (operative Jul 1, 2018). Adds energy-storage/solar chapter and combustible-mulch limits (operative Apr 15, 2025). Subchapter 4 (N.J.A.C. 5:70-4) sets retroactive fire-safety requirements for existing buildings. SourceVerified on the source | Local enforcing agencies (municipal/fire district fire officials); DCA Division of Fire Safety, Bureau of Fire Code Enforcement, in state-enforced towns; DCA Division of Fire Safety adopts the code | In forceIn force; no 2021/2024 IFC New Jersey edition proposal found on DFS pages (UCC moved to 2024 I-codes Aug 17, 2026, so fire and building code editions now differ) |
| Building | Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23): IBC/2024 NJ ed., IRC/2024 NJ ed., IMC and IFGC/2024, National Standard Plumbing Code/2024, NEC/2023, IECC/2024 + ASHRAE 90.1-2022; effective Aug 17, 2026Adopted via R.2026 d.087 (58 N.J.R. 1882(a)), replacing the 2021 I-codes in effect since Sep 6, 2022. For six months after a subcode revision takes effect, complete permit applications may be reviewed under the prior code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.6). SourceVerified on the source | Municipal construction officials (local enforcing agencies, N.J.A.C. 5:23-4); DCA Division of Codes and Standards adopts the UCC and performs enforcement activities reserved to the Department (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.11) | Grace period ends Feb 17, 2027Grace period for complete permit applications under the 2021 codes ends Feb 17, 2027 (six months after Aug 17, 2026 per N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.6; date computed) |
| Elevators | UCC Elevator Safety Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-12): most recent ASME A17.1 edition referenced by the building subcode (now IBC/2024 NJ ed. Ch. 35; edition year unknown), plus ASME A18.1 and A90.1; no A17.3 reference foundRoutine visual inspections every six months; escalators periodically inspected at least every six months; periodic tests at intervals no longer than ASME A17.1 Appendix N-1; enforcing agency sets each building's cycle. Devices need a compliance certificate to operate. SourceReported, in verification | Each municipality chooses state jurisdiction (DCA Division of Codes and Standards, Elevator Safety Unit), its own elevator subcode official, or a third-party agency; the construction official issues certificates of compliance | In forceIn force; no pending subchapter 12 rule found (text current through Aug 17, 2026; 5:23-12.2 last amended Dec 19, 2022); referenced ASME A17.1 edition follows the IBC/2024 NJ ed. adopted Aug 17, 2026 |
| Boilers | Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Law (N.J.S.A. 34:7-14 et seq.; 12-month plant inspections under N.J.S.A. 34:7-25) + N.J.A.C. 12:90Covers boilers with 10+ sq ft heating surface, or 10 kW/40,000 Btu/h serving 6+ family dwellings or places for 25+ people. Steam boilers inspected yearly; hot-water heating boilers externally yearly, internally every 24 months. SourceVerified on the source | NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Bureau of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Compliance; after the initial state inspection, owners may use state or authorized insurance-company inspectors; certificate must be posted in the equipment room | In forceIn force; no pending rule change found (LII copy shows N.J.A.C. 12:90 last changed effective Nov 4, 2024, 56 N.J.R. 2300(b) - REPORTED) |
| Pools | Public Recreational Bathing, N.J.A.C. 8:26 (readopted effective Jun 13, 2023; chapter expires Jun 13, 2030)Covers pools, spas/hot tubs, wading pools, bathing beaches and aquatic facilities. Guest-only hotel/motel pools are 'specially exempt' from lifeguard and first-aid staffing but must meet design, water-quality, disinfection and operating rules. SourceVerified on the source | Local health departments inspect and handle complaints; NJ Department of Health Public Recreational Bathing Project interprets the rule; NJDOH and local health authorities enforce (N.J.S.A. 26:1A-9) | In forceIn force; no pending amendment found; chapter expires Jun 13, 2030 (beyond 24 months) |
| Lodging | Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law (N.J.S.A. 55:13A) + Maintenance of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings (N.J.A.C. 5:10, last amended effective Aug 7, 2023)Hotels (10+ units or sleeping facilities for 25+ persons) must register with DCA, recertify registration annually (P.L.2019, c.202), and be inspected at least every five years; Uniform Fire Code Subchapter 4 applies. SourceVerified on the source | DCA Division of Codes and Standards, Bureau of Housing Inspection (registration, five-year cyclical inspections, certificates of inspection); local fire officials enforce the Uniform Fire Code | In forceIn force; no pending statewide hotel-safety rule found |
| Workplace | New Jersey PEOSH State Plan covers state and local government employees only; private employers (hotels, HOAs, facilities) are under federal OSHAOSHA lists New Jersey's Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health plan, run by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, as covering state and local government workers; federal OSHA standards apply to private-sector employers. SourceVerified on the source | U.S. Department of Labor - OSHA (private sector); NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development PEOSH (public sector only) | In force |
| Retrofit | Structural Integrity Law, P.L.2023, c.214 (effective Jan 8, 2024): periodic engineer structural inspections of condominium/cooperative 'covered buildings' plus association capital reserve studiesCovers concrete, masonry, steel or hybrid condo/co-op buildings of any height; rentals exempt. First inspection near the CO's 15th anniversary (buildings already 15+ years old were due Jan 8, 2026); repeats at engineer-set intervals up to five years. SourceVerified on the source | Owners/associations retain NJ-licensed engineers; DCA Division of Codes and Standards administers; associations must also update capital reserve studies at least every five years | Rolling cycleRolling: initial inspections as buildings reach 15 years after CO; repeat inspections and reserve-study updates at most every five years; no fixed statewide date in the next 24 months |
New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-5:76); State Fire Prevention Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70-3) = 2018 International Fire Code, New Jersey Edition, adopted Apr 15, 2024. Replaced the 2015 IFC edition (operative Jul 1, 2018). Adds energy-storage/solar chapter and combustible-mulch limits (operative Apr 15, 2025). Subchapter 4 (N.J.A.C. 5:70-4) sets retroactive fire-safety requirements for existing buildings. Enforced by: Local enforcing agencies (municipal/fire district fire officials); DCA Division of Fire Safety, Bureau of Fire Code Enforcement, in state-enforced towns; DCA Division of Fire Safety adopts the code.
Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23): IBC/2024 NJ ed., IRC/2024 NJ ed., IMC and IFGC/2024, National Standard Plumbing Code/2024, NEC/2023, IECC/2024 + ASHRAE 90.1-2022; effective Aug 17, 2026. Adopted via R.2026 d.087 (58 N.J.R. 1882(a)), replacing the 2021 I-codes in effect since Sep 6, 2022. For six months after a subcode revision takes effect, complete permit applications may be reviewed under the prior code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.6). Enforced by: Municipal construction officials (local enforcing agencies, N.J.A.C. 5:23-4); DCA Division of Codes and Standards adopts the UCC and performs enforcement activities reserved to the Department (N.J.A.C. 5:23-3.11).
Elevators: Each municipality chooses state jurisdiction (DCA Division of Codes and Standards, Elevator Safety Unit), its own elevator subcode official, or a third-party agency; the construction official issues certificates of compliance (UCC Elevator Safety Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-12): most recent ASME A17.1 edition referenced by the building subcode (now IBC/2024 NJ ed. Ch. 35; edition year unknown), plus ASME A18.1 and A90.1; no A17.3 reference found). Boilers: NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Bureau of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Compliance; after the initial state inspection, owners may use state or authorized insurance-company inspectors; certificate must be posted in the equipment room (Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Law (N.J.S.A. 34:7-14 et seq.; 12-month plant inspections under N.J.S.A. 34:7-25) + N.J.A.C. 12:90).
New Jersey runs an OSHA-approved state plan that covers state and local government employers only (New Jersey Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) State Plan, NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development). Private employers, including hotels and commercial buildings, answer to federal OSHA.
Building: Grace period ends Feb 17, 2027 (Grace period for complete permit applications under the 2021 codes ends Feb 17, 2027 (six months after Aug 17, 2026 per N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.6; date computed)); Feb 17, 2027: End of the six-month UCC grace period: complete permit applications can no longer be reviewed under the 2021 codes; 2024 I-code subcodes (IBC/2024 NJ ed. etc.) mandatory (date computed: Aug 17, 2026 effective date + six months per N.J.A.C. 5:23-1.6).
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