New Jersey building code
New Jersey has adopted 2021 IBC (NJ edition) based on 2021 IBC. The table below lists the governing edition for every discipline a plan check touches, followed by the New Jersey cities and counties that amend it locally.
- Current edition
- 2021 I-codes (New Jersey editions) + NEC 2020 + NSPC 2021, adopted Sept. 6, 2022 under the NJ Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23)
- Prior edition
- 2018 I-code cycle (IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC 2018, NEC 2017, NSPC 2018), adopted 2019
- Code authority
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards (UCC); NJ DCA Division of Fire Safety (Uniform Fire Code)
Adopted code by discipline
| Discipline | Adopted code | Local amendment |
|---|---|---|
| Building | 2021 IBC (NJ edition) based on 2021 IBC | n/a |
| Residential | 2021 IRC (NJ edition) based on 2021 IRC | n/a |
| Existing buildings | current (updated as necessary; current as of 2023-03-06) NJ Rehabilitation Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-6) | n/a |
| Fire | 2018 IFC (NJ edition) / UCC fire protection subcode based on 2018 IFC | n/a |
| Electrical | 2020 NEC (NFPA 70) based on 2020 NEC | n/a |
| Mechanical | 2021 IMC | n/a |
| Plumbing | 2021 NSPC (NJ edition) based on 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code Illustrated (IAPMO/PHCC) | n/a |
| Energy | 2021 IECC / ASHRAE 90.1-2019 IECC (residential) + ASHRAE 90.1 (commercial) based on 2021 IECC; ASHRAE 90.1-2019 | n/a |
| Accessibility | A117.1-2017 Barrier Free Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-7) / ICC A117.1 based on ICC A117.1-2017 | n/a |
| Fuel Gas | 2021 IFGC | n/a |
Overlays that can apply
Mapped hazard and district overlays stack on top of the adopted code. These are the overlays recorded for New Jersey. They apply by parcel, not jurisdiction-wide, so confirm the parcel before assuming one is in play. Check CAL FIRE's fire hazard severity viewer and FEMA's flood map service.
- FEMA mapped flood hazard area
- California Coastal Zone
Sources
- https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/codreg/current.shtml
- https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/codreg/ucc.shtml
- https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/codreg/pdf_regs/njac_5_23_3.pdf
- https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/updates.shtml
- https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/codreg/pdf_rule_proposals/2024_prop_p1.pdf
- https://www.nj.gov/dca/dfs/codes/
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-5-70-3-1
- https://www.iccsafe.org/adoptions
Common questions
What building code does New Jersey use?
New Jersey uses 2021 IBC (NJ edition) based on 2021 IBC. It is administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards (UCC); NJ DCA Division of Fire Safety (Uniform Fire Code). The prior edition was 2018 I-code cycle (IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC 2018, NEC 2017, NSPC 2018), adopted 2019.
Do cities in New Jersey amend the state code?
Local amendments are adopted by ordinance at the city or county level. Confirm with the building department that reviews your permit.
Check a plan set against New Jersey code
Knowing the adopted edition is the easy half. Architechtura reads your drawings, resolves which of these provisions actually apply to the project, and returns the corrections a plan checker would write up, each one cited to the section it came from.
Your first check is free, no card required.
Compiled from published state and municipal adoption ordinances. Local governments amend their codes on their own schedule, and a pending ordinance can change what applies to your permit. Confirm the governing edition with the building department before you submit. This page is reference information, not a code determination.