Today, New Jersey adopted the 2021 version of the International Code Council (ICC) codes along with updated versions of the National Electric Code, the National Standard Plumbing Code, and other related standards.
New Jersey’s Uniform Construction Code (NJUCC) adopts codes by regulation. The codes are administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Division of Codes & Standards. They are uniform statewide and local jurisdictions are not permitted to make amendments.
The following is a list of codes currently adopted in New Jersey
BUILDING SUBCODE
International Building Code 2021 (IBC) with New Jersey Edits
PLUMBING SUBCODE
National Standard Plumbing Code 2021 (NSPC) with New Jersey Edits
ELECTRICAL SUBCODE
NFPA 70: National Electric Code 2020 (NEC)
ENERGY SUBCODE
International Energy Conservation Code 2021 (IECC) (Low-Rise Residential)
Energy Subcode ASHRAE 90.1-2019 (Commercial and Other Residential)
MECHANICAL SUBCODE
International Mechanical Code 2021 (IMC)
ONE-AND-TWO-FAMILY DWELLING SUBCODE
International Residential Code 2021 (IRC) with New Jersey Edits
FUEL GAS SUBCODE
International Fuel Gas Code 2021 (IFGC)
REHABILITATION SUBCODE
NJUCC Subchapter 6 (NJAC 5:23-6)
BARRIER FREE SUBCODE
IBC Chapter 11 & ICC A117.1-2017
New Jersey allows for a 6-month grace period before new codes become mandatory. Complete permit applications (including all prior approvals) submitted by 6 March 2023, may be reviewed under the previous versions of the code. This is the option of the design professional and the applicant, not the code official.
A Few Key Changes to IBC
IBC now defines Mass Timber Construction and permits wood structures constructed of mass timber up to 18 stories tall.
Distilling and brewing of alcoholic beverages has been removed from the “H” high-hazard occupancy classification.
Puzzle rooms are now regulated as special amusement areas.
New scoping requirements to require accessible electric vehicle charging stations
Changes to Accessibility Standards
The Barrier Free Subcode now references the 2017 edition of ICC A117.1. This newer standard includes several important changes the most significant being the larger turning radius and wheelchair parking spaces. The familiar 60” turning radius has been replaced with a requirement for 67” and the wheelchair parking space has been enlarged from 30” x 48” to 30” x 52”. This will result in slightly larger toilet rooms and accessible toilet stalls. These new requirements only apply to new construction and additions. The older smaller numbers still apply to existing buildings.
