The massive 2015 fire that destroyed the Avalon at Edgewater apartments in Bergen County may prompt changes to New Jersey’s construction codes with proposed legislation for Assembly Bill No 1914.The apartment complex was constructed in accordance with existing code; however, the buildings’ lightweight wood framing and lack of sprinklers in certain areas made it more difficult for firefighters to control the fire, resulting in the destruction of 240 apartments and displacement of about 500 people – this is why the consideration of Assembly No 1914 is proving integral to current NJ construction codes.
Assembly Bill No 1914
As a result of this tragedy, lawmakers are currently considering legislation (Assembly Bill No 1914) that would amend the state’s construction code with the aim of improving fire safety. Many of the bill’s provisions stem from recommendations made by the Code Advisory Council of the Fire Safety Commission.
What impact could Assembly Bill 1914 have?
The proposed changes to the construction code would impact the construction of many multiple dwelling structures built in New Jersey. The legislation specifically addresses structures built with lightweight wood frame construction (Type V) and equipped with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13R sprinkler systems, which allow for the omission of sprinklers in certain areas.
The proposed changes to the construction code would impact the construction of many multiple dwelling structures built in New Jersey.
The bill also amends provisions of the New Jersey construction code that allow for the construction of buildings on top of structures such as parking garages, which effectively allow the buildings to be built higher than otherwise allowed.
Requirements under Assembly Bill 1914
Under the proposed legislation, whenever an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with NFPA 13R in a building comprised, in whole or in part, of lightweight wood frame construction:
Unprotected and unheated wood-framed attic areas must be protected by a dry type sprinkler system; and
If the building is a multiple dwelling, the sprinkler system or systems must be monitored for both supervisory and alarm conditions that result in notification of the fire department.
Buildings of Type V construction and equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13R may not exceed two stories measured from the grade plane; and must not exceed a per-story floor area of 12,000 square feet.
Meanwhile, a building of Type V construction that is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with the more stringent NFPA 13 may not exceed three stories measured from the grade plane; and may not exceed a per-story floor area of 36,000 square feet.
Additional square footage may be permitted by constructing an additional detached building(s) or an attached building providing a minimum two-hour masonry or concrete fire wall between each attached building.
Backing for Assembly Bill No 1914
According to the bill’s sponsor, Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex), “The bill balances fire safety concerns with other policy considerations by affording developers an opportunity to increase the floor area of developments without increasing the height of buildings.”Build With Strength, a coalition of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, is also lobbying in favor of the proposed changes to the New Jersey construction codes. In September, Build With Strength released the results of a voter poll that found 95 percent of New Jersey voters support changing the construction codes. The survey also found that 93 percent support legislation requiring all buildings over three stories to have concrete and steel frames.
Assembly Bill No 1914 has been pending before the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee since early this year. We will continue to monitor the status of the proposed bill and post updates as they become available. Otherwise, if you wish to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Victor Kinon, at 201-806-3364.
Fort Monmouth Redevelopment and the Transformation of Monmouth County Real Estate
The Fort Monmouth redevelopment has entered its execution phase, and it is repositioning the broader Monmouth County real estate market. When Netflix and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority closed on the 292-acre Mega Parcel in December 2025, the transaction did more than hand over a deed. It marked the moment Fort Monmouth stopped being […]
Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand
Owning a residential rental property in New Jersey involves more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Property owners must comply with a combination of state laws, municipal ordinances, building and housing codes, and zoning and land use regulations. These requirements can affect everything from the number of dwelling units permitted at a property to whether […]
Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them
The five most common real estate disputes are breach of contract claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, zoning and land use disagreements, construction claims, and boundary disputes. Understanding why each arises, and taking preventive steps early, can help property owners, tenants, developers, and investors avoid costly litigation. Key Takeaways: Real estate transactions are complex endeavors involving numerous parties […]
When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan
Once a child turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf, even if the child still lives at home or remains on the family’s insurance. Three documents close that gap: a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy or directive, and a HIPAA authorization. For […]
Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips
Business mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps companies negotiate a resolution to a commercial dispute without going to trial. Because working with a mediator is very different from litigating in the courtroom, it is important to understand how commercial mediation works, when it makes sense for your dispute, […]
Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation
The five most common causes of construction defect litigation are design defects, substandard materials, workmanship defects, code violations, and subsurface defects. Because these flaws can compromise a building’s integrity, functionality, or safety, they frequently lead to disputes involving multiple parties and high financial stakes. Key takeaways: What is Construction Defect Litigation? Construction litigation is complex, […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
