NJ Governor Phil Murphy, on Jan 8, signed into law additional procedures for inspecting, evaluating, and maintaining the structural integrity of certain residential housing structures across the state.
New Jersey is the second state to do so, behind Florida.
DCA Commissioner Suárez: “The legislation Governor Murphy signed into law will fortify the State’s longstanding commitment to structurally safe residential housing by ensuring stringent structural inspections and the ongoing maintenance of structural integrity”.
The June 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers South condo in Surfside, Florida prompted this move. 98 lives tragically lost due to unresolved structural issues.
The Florida condo collapse issues:
- Structural failure
- Lack of funding to do the work
- Board willingness to raise reserve funding
What types of buildings are affected by the legislation? Buildings made with steel, reinforced concrete, heavy timber or some mixture of those building materials.
Not just high-rises — 7+ stories in New Jersey — but low-rise too, 4+ story condos.
How frequently will building inspections be required?
- Buildings constructed after Jan. 8, 2024, will need to have their first inspection within 15 years.
- Buildings 15 yrs and older must be inspected before Jan 2026.
Read more at NorthJersey.com
Homeowner / condo associations will need to conduct studies to determine amount of reserve funds necessary for major repairs or building safety upgrades.
Some condo boards were in a tough spot, unable to quickly levy assessments or borrow funds to fix problems. This new legislation supersedes all local condo governing documents.
Beware: Short-term rentals with absentee landlords. See below. Dangerous deck with exposed rebar and major spalling of concrete.
