The bill aims to enhance safety and inspection standards for fire escapes and exterior stairways by requiring that inspections be conducted by either a structural engineer or an employee of a certified fire escape inspection company, as certified by the Commissioner of Community Affairs. This measure is intended to ensure proper maintenance and compliance with safety regulations, thereby protecting public safety. Additionally, the bill introduces a new classification of "Fire Escape Contractor," allowing certified contractors to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain these structures. It also updates the definition of "building" to include those required to have fire escapes or exterior stairways, reinforcing their importance in building design.

Moreover, the bill amends various sections of the "State Uniform Construction Code" to clarify the roles and responsibilities of construction officials and subcode officials, expanding the definition of "equipment" to encompass fire escapes and exterior stairways. It stipulates that a certificate of occupancy can only be issued after a thorough inspection by qualified personnel, and it modifies the process for issuing such certificates to ensure that all work covered by a construction permit is completed in accordance with applicable laws. Temporary certificates of occupancy may be granted under certain conditions, allowing for safe occupancy of parts of a building before full completion. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance public safety and ensure compliance with established construction codes and standards.

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