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 requires the state Department of Community Affairs to create 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 comply with the Uniform Construction Code and other laws.
Local code enforcement offices will be required to accept and review self-certified permit applications and accompanying documents and issue 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 agency.
The legislation is part of a package of reforms that 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 worked together on 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 in attendance. Scutari, who is the New Jersey Senate president, was serving as acting governor on Thursday 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 determine whether a construction permit application, and plans and other documents submitted in support of the application, comply with the UCC 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, NAIOP NJ.
“NAIOP NJ believes that alleviating costly delays is critical to the success of any commercial real estate development or redevelopment plan,” Kennedy said. “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, and for Senate President Scutari and Senator Paul A. Sarlo’s leadership on this bill in the Senate.”
Jerry Keenan, President of the NJ Alliance for Action, also applauded the bill’s signing.
“It continues reforms of the construction regulatory process we have long championed,” Kennan said. “That translates into more construction jobs that invigorate our economy.”
