The collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Florida in 2021 led to deaths and dozens of families without a home. This incident emphasized the consequences of neglecting to maintain the structural health of residential buildings. It also led to stakeholders recognizing the importance of maintaining structural integrity in buildings.
New Jersey is one of the states that pursued legislation to strengthen multi-family structures. NJ Senate Bill No. 2760 establishes requirements for structural inspections and NJ reserve study of condominium residential housing in the state. It aims to safeguard communities in New Jersey by preventing structural collapses from happening.
First introduced in 2022, the New Jersey Senate Bill No. 2760 or Assembly 3484 (S2760/A4384) was passed into law on January 8, 2024. This law supplements the State Uniform Construction Code Act (UCCA), which regulates the construction, alterations, maintenance, and occupancy of buildings and structures in New Jersey.
Under the S2760/A4384, a licensed structural engineer NJ must assess proposed building plans that seek to alter the primary load-bearing system of condominium properties or cooperative buildings. This will be a requirement when applying for construction permits in New Jersey for new and existing buildings.
The inspector may be designated by the permit applicant or selected by an enforcing authority. Once an inspector is chosen, they will review submitted construction plans, set a schedule for pre-occupancy inspection, and issue a written inspection report. After the inspector confirms that the load-bearing system adheres to the approved plans, a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) will be issued.
The implementation of S2760/A4384 created new responsibilities for property owners, developers, and communities. It seeks to increase New Jersey residents’ safety and peace of mind when it comes to their homes. Moreover, it aims to promote a proactive approach to minimize the risk of structural failures by leveraging the expertise of professional engineers. With the help of these skilled professionals, property owners can safeguard the structural integrity of buildings and address problems before they escalate.
Learn more about S2760/A4384 with this infographic by Lockatong Engineering.
