Governor Murphy signed A-4458/S-3342, now P.L.2024, c.42, which establishes exemptions and revises the implementation timeline for the requirement that newly constructed townhouses be installed with automatic fire sprinkler systems.
Enacted in January 2024, P.L.2023, c.265 (C.52:27D-123.20) requires the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in new townhouses where a construction permit application has not been declared complete prior to August 1, 2024, the first day of the seventh month following the statute’s enactment. This new law establishes exemptions and modifies this requirement so that a development plan with a construction permit application that has not been declared complete prior to the first day of the 13th month following the enactment of that statute would be required to be installed with an automatic fire sprinkler system. That new deadline is August 1, 2025.
A newly constructed townhouse subject to the one-and two-family dwelling subcode, is not subject to P.L.2023, c.265 (C.52:27D-123.20) if an application for a construction permit or an application for development has been submitted to a State, county, or municipal agency prior to the date of enactment of this bill.
P.L.2023, c.265 also required the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt rules and regulations incorporating International Residential Code guidance pertaining to such installations by June 1, 2024. The new law modifies this requirement to allow the commissioner until January 1, 2025, to adopt these rules and regulations.
Please review this information with your planning department and code officials.
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.