Acting Gov. Nicholas Scutari has signed an NJBIA-supported bill into law that will expedite construction permits by allowing architects and engineers to self-certify that applications and plans comply with the state’s Uniform Construction Code.
The law mandates the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish a Design Professional Self-Certification program. Architects and engineers who meet DCA’s criteria will be able to self-certify that project plans and applications for construction permits adhere to the Uniform Construction Code and other relevant laws.
Local code enforcement offices are required to accept and review self-certified permit applications and accompanying documents, issuing a permit within one to five days depending on the project's scope. DCA will publish a self-certification form on its website for qualified design professionals to complete, sign, and deliver to local enforcing agencies.
The legislation is part of a series of reforms developed collaboratively by NJBIA, the State Chamber of Commerce, the New Jersey Builders Association, the New Jersey Chapter of NAIOP (the Commercial Real Estate Development Association), and the Alliance for Action in conjunction with legislative leaders and the Murphy administration.
“This is a very positive law in that it will save time for the business community, but also it will save money for taxpayers,” NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka said. “When the Governor, the Legislature and business community can work together to expedite certain building construction without compromising health or safety, it really is a win for everyone.”
Scutari signed A-4360/S-3402 into law on Thursday afternoon with representatives from these organizations and the bill sponsors present. Scutari, who is also New Jersey Senate president, was serving as acting governor because Gov. Phil Murphy and Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way were out of state attending the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
The legislation was sponsored by Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-18) in the Assembly and Senator Scutari (D-22) in the Senate. Other primary sponsors include Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36), Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-6), and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (D-15).
“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. “At a time when we are focused on addressing New Jersey’s housing crisis, this legislation will expedite the approvals process and get things moving faster.”
The law authorizes DCA to conduct random audits of qualified design professionals to ensure compliance with UCC standards and applicable laws.
“Communities throughout New Jersey will benefit from this new law because it will remove hurdles to economic development and contribute to the efficient and timely approval of construction projects,” said Dan Kennedy, CEO of NAIOP NJ.
“NAIOP NJ believes that alleviating costly delays is critical to any commercial real estate development or redevelopment plan,” Kennedy added. “We are especially grateful to the Governor and his team for their support, Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak for his vision and tenacity getting this bill to the Governor’s desk, along with Senate President Scutari's leadership on this bill in the Senate.”
Jerry Keenan, President of NJ Alliance for Action, also praised the bill’s signing.
“It continues reforms of the construction regulatory process we have long championed,” Keenan said. “That translates into more construction jobs that invigorate our economy.”
