NEW JERSEY — New Jersey has adopted updated building codes that introduce new safety requirements, strengthen fire protections and improve energy efficiency, with a six-month grace period allowing certain construction permit applications to be reviewed under the previous standards.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs outlined the changes during an Oct. 22 session of its Mayors & Legislators Resource Series, which provided municipal officials and state lawmakers with information about the updated codes that took effect Aug. 17, 2026.
The session focused on the Division of Codes and Standards, its responsibilities and the changes that builders, design professionals and local construction officials need to understand…