New Jersey · Building code

The building code in force in New Jersey now.

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. 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). Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Building code in New Jersey

Verified on the source

In force

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).

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

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)

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

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)

Dated items

Next 24 months

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)NJ Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards

Dated

Questions about the building code in New Jersey

Which building code applies in New Jersey today?

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).

Who enforces the building code in New Jersey?

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).

What changes next for the building code in New Jersey?

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)