DCA Mayors & Legislators Resource Series Informs Local Officials About New Jersey’s Updated Building Codes

Session Covered the 2024 National Model Codes, Key Changes, and the Grace Period that Ends February 17, 2027

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) hosted the latest session of its Mayors & Legislators Resource Series on October 22, 2026. The session introduced local officials and state legislators to DCA’s Division of Codes and Standards and walked them through the updated building codes that took effect August 17, 2026.

The session covered the Division’s bureaus and services, the newly adopted national model codes, and the changes builders, design professionals, and code officials need to know.

“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.”

Who Codes and Standards Serves
The Division of Codes and Standards works with municipalities to set and enforce building codes across New Jersey. It enforces the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law. It also inspects carnival and amusement rides, elevators, and state government buildings; licenses rooming and boarding houses and homeless shelters; runs the New Home Warranty Program; and licenses contractors who evaluate and abate lead contamination.

New Codes and the Grace Period
As of August 17, 2026, New Jersey adopted the latest national model codes, including the 2024 International Building Code, International Residential Code, and International Energy Conservation Code, the 2024 National Standard Plumbing Code, and the 2023 National Electrical Code.

Applicants have a six-month grace period. A complete permit application, with all prior approvals, can still be reviewed under the previous code if it is submitted by February 17, 2027.

Key Changes
The updated codes:

• Count occupiable roofs when determining whether a building is a high-rise, adding safety protections where rooftop crowds make firefighting and rescue harder
• Require adult changing stations in certain large assembly, retail, education, and highway rest stop facilities
• Update snow load standards, considering significantly increased snowfall in most areas
• Add rules for sleeping lofts in small residential units, covering egress, guards, and smoke alarms
• Strengthen fire protection for lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems in buildings and homes
• Require doors between a garage and a home to be self-latching and self-closing
• Recognize all-gender restrooms in the plumbing code

Energy Savings
The 2024 energy code keeps New Jersey at the forefront of energy efficiency. New homes built to the code are about 8 percent more efficient than those built to the 2021 edition. For commercial buildings, national estimates show about 9.8 percent site energy savings and 9.3 percent lower carbon emissions. A new credit-based system also gives home builders flexibility to choose the efficiency upgrades that fit each project.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Get Help
For questions about the new codes or the UCC, contact the Division’s Code Assistance Unit at (609) 984-7609 or codeassist@dca.nj.gov.

To review a recording of this session and previous topics, visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR0Yoee0aU9A.

The Mayors & Legislators Resource Series will continue monthly, with each session covering a different DCA program area. Information on upcoming sessions will be shared through DCA’s communications channels.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, eviction and homelessness prevention, building and fire safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, disaster recovery and mitigation, and information privacy.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: 

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