2015 I–CODES ADOPTED
By Richard Arzberger of Sonnenfeld and Trocchia Architects, PA.
The September 21, 2015 New Jersey Register contained DCA’s Notice of Adoption establishing
new building codes in New Jersey. The Adoption is based on the 2015 model version of the
International Code Council’s (ICC) International Building Code (IBC), International Residential
Code (IRC), the National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC), International Mechanical Code
(IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IBGC), and International Energy Conservation Code
(IECC) as well as the 2014 model National Electrical Code. This adoption also includes a revised
Elevator Subcode (NJAC 5:23-12) and provides that Chapter 11 of the 2015 IBC replaces NJAC
5:23-7 as the Barrier-Free Subcode.
The following are frequently asked questions about new code adoptions:
When does use of the new codes become mandatory?
For six (6) months after the adoption, the option to use either the prior code or the newly
adopted code is at the discretion of the project’s design professional. On March 21, 2016, the
newly adopted codes become mandatory.
Will an existing project underway based upon the prior code need to be updated to the new
codes?
If a project has a completed application for a construction permit prior to March 21, it is
grandfathered and does not need to be updated. Once a permit has been obtained, that permit
remains valid indefinitely, provided work commences within 12 months, and construction
progress is made for each 6 months thereafter.
How does this affect master/prototype approvals?
If you have an approved Master Plan under the previous code, you may continue to base
prototypes upon it and apply for construction permits until March 21, 2016. After this date, all
construction permit applications for prototypes will be required to conform to the newly adopted
codes.
What are some of the changes found in the new codes?
Some highlights of the building code changes include:
 Chapter 11, Accessibility of the IBC replaces NJAC 5:23-7, except for the recreation
portions. The DCA has made significant administrative changes to ensure that the
requirements remain the same as the prior code. One notable exception is that the new
code requires 60% of the building entrances to be accessible where 50% was previously
required.
 Wind borne debris regions in both the IBC and IRC no longer apply to New Jersey except
Police/Fire Stations and Emergency Shelters.
 Wind design criterial have changed for the IRC.
 In the new IRC, floors overhead in a basement that are constructed of engineered wood
products in buildings not protected by sprinklers are required to be protected with a 1/2
inch gypsum wall board or 5/8 inch wood structural panels.
 Fairly extensive reformatting has been done to Chapter 10, Means of Egress, but there is
effectively no change in requirements.
Click here to view the NJ versions of the IRC and IBC.
Click here to view the Notice of Adoption which shows all the changes NJ made to the ICC
model subcodes.