TRENTON – Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed A4360/S3402, known as the “New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act,” into law today. The legislation mandates the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish a design professional self-certification program.
“As the need for quality development grows within our State, it’s important that design professionals receive the proper certifications and permits in an effective and expeditious manner,” said Acting Governor Scutari. “This bill streamlines that process, allowing for construction projects to move forward so that New Jersey can better accommodate the increasing demand for small and large development projects.”
The program will enable DCA to certify architects and engineers who meet criteria set by the DCA Commissioner as "qualified design professionals." Once approved, these professionals may self-certify that applications for construction permits and project plans comply with the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and other applicable laws.
Municipal enforcing agencies are required to accept and review self-certified permit applications and accompanying documents, issuing permits based on project scope. DCA must create a self-certification form, which will be published on its website for qualified design professionals to complete, sign, and submit to enforcing agencies.
The bill also authorizes DCA to conduct random audits of qualified design professionals to ensure compliance with UCC requirements and other laws.
“New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Division of Codes and Standards stands ready to administer the A4360 legislation,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “This is another example of how the Murphy Administration is working to streamline the construction process.”
Acting Governor Scutari was a prime sponsor of this bill in his role as Senate President, along with Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak. Other primary sponsors include Senator Paul Sarlo, Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald, and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli.
“This self-certification program will be beneficial for local government as well as businesses and residents in their communities,” said Senator Paul Sarlo.
"Far too often, construction projects get bogged up in permit applications or waiting for the right person to sign off on the necessary paperwork," said Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak.
"We all know how frustrating it is to see construction projects stalled when we desperately need more housing in New Jersey," said Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald.
"With this legislation, we are enhancing our construction permitting process by enabling certified design professionals to self-certify their plans," said Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli.
"This is a very positive law in that it will save time for the business community but also save money for taxpayers," said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.
“NJBA commends Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Nicolas Scutari, and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak for modernizing NJ’s building code processes,” said Jeff Kolakowsk, CEO of NJBA.
"Communities throughout New Jersey will benefit from this new law because it will remove hurdles to economic development," said Dan Kennedy, CEO of NAIOP NJ.
“Economic development projects in New Jersey are often subject to lengthy delays because of outdated permitting processes,” said Tom Bracken, President of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce.
“The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce thanks Governor Murphy and his team for supporting the bill,” added Michael Egenton, Executive Vice President of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce.
“We applaud the signing of A-4360,” said Jerry Keenan, President of NJ Alliance for Action. “It continues reforms we have long championed.”
