The bill amends New Jersey's fire protection regulations to enhance the inspection and maintenance requirements for fire escapes and exterior stairways. It mandates that inspections must 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 requirement aims to improve safety standards and ensure that these critical safety features are maintained by qualified professionals. Additionally, the bill introduces a new classification for "Fire Escape Contractors," who are authorized to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes and exterior stairways, thereby reinforcing the importance of these structures in building safety.

Moreover, the bill expands the definition of "fire protection equipment" to include fire escapes and exterior stairways, and it clarifies the qualifications and appointment processes for construction and subcode officials, emphasizing the need for certification and relevant experience. It stipulates that a certificate of occupancy cannot be issued unless a compliance inspection for fire escapes and exterior stairways has been completed by the designated professionals. The legislation also allows municipalities to appoint technical assistants to aid in code enforcement and outlines the conditions for issuing temporary certificates of occupancy, ultimately aiming to enhance safety and compliance in construction practices.

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