This bill amends the "State Uniform Construction Code Act" to enhance the inspection process for construction projects by allowing owners, agents, or responsible persons to contract with private on-site inspection agencies for inspections under the construction code. The bill introduces provisions for charging separate inspection fees and permits these individuals to independently elect to use a private inspection agency for any reason, rather than only when a local enforcing agency fails to conduct an inspection within three business days. This change aims to streamline the inspection process and provide more flexibility for construction stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill removes a previous requirement that limited the use of private inspection agencies to situations where an enforcing agency had repeatedly failed to conduct timely inspections. The new language specifies that inspections must occur during business hours or at mutually agreed times, and it establishes guidelines for notifying the enforcing agency when a private inspection agency is chosen. The bill also includes provisions for fee reconciliation and mandates that enforcing agencies maintain appropriate staffing levels to meet inspection obligations. Overall, these changes are intended to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of the construction inspection process in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-132