The bill amends New Jersey's laws regarding fire escape inspections, mandating that these inspections be performed by either a structural engineer or an employee of a certified fire escape inspection company. This change is intended to improve the safety and reliability of fire escapes by ensuring that only qualified professionals are responsible for their inspection and maintenance. Additionally, the bill introduces a new classification for contractors known as "Fire Escape Contractors," who will be authorized to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes and exterior stairways. The bill also emphasizes the importance of certified professionals in maintaining fire safety standards and updates definitions related to fire protection equipment.

Furthermore, the bill revises various sections of the New Jersey construction code, expanding the definition of "equipment" to include fire escapes and exterior stairways. It clarifies the appointment process for construction officials, allowing municipalities to determine their weekly hours while ensuring that specific work hours are not dictated by the appointing authority. The bill establishes that tenure rights for construction officials and subcode officials are equivalent to their job titles prior to the adoption of the State Uniform Construction Code. It also introduces new requirements for the issuance of certificates of occupancy, emphasizing compliance inspections for fire escapes and exterior stairways, which must be conducted by qualified professionals. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety in building practices across New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-25, 52:27D-121, 52:27D-126, 52:27D-133, 52:27D-203