Collapsing buildings, such as the incident in Surfside, Florida, can lead to deaths and affect families’ dwellings. The collapse of the Champlain Towers South in 2021 emphasized the consequences of neglecting the structural health of buildings. Its aftermath led stakeholders nationwide to recognize the importance of structural integrity and pursue legislation strengthening multi-family structures.
The New Jersey Senate Bill No. 2760 or Assembly 3484 (S2760/A4384), signed into law on January 8, 2024, provides stringent procedures for structural inspections and New Jersey reserve study of residential housing. It also supplements the State Uniform Construction Code Act (UCCA), a law that regulates the construction, modifications, maintenance, and occupancy of New Jersey buildings and structures.
Under the S2760/A4384, a structural engineer New Jersey is required to review proposed building plans that create or alter the primary load-bearing system of condominiums or cooperative buildings. This review is mandatory when applying for a construction permit for new or existing buildings in New Jersey.
A structural inspector may be assigned by the permit applicant or selected by an enforcing agency. They are responsible for reviewing construction plans and scheduling pre-occupancy inspections. After the site assessment, the structural inspector will issue a written report detailing the building’s condition and the timing of future inspections.
If the inspector’s report confirms that the load-bearing system adheres to the approved plans, property owners will be issued a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). This document signifies that the building is ready and safe for occupancy. However, if the report requires necessary alterations and repairs, they have to be implemented first before a CO can be released.
In addition to the pre-occupancy inspection, the S2760/A4384 also requires a post-occupancy structural inspection of the property. The post-occupancy inspection must abide by the protocols of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or other nationally recognized engineering organizations.
The newly implemented S2760/A4384 aims to detect and remediate structural issues early on through inspection and sufficient reserve funds. This helps lessen the risk of structural failures in the long run and maintains community safety.
For more details about the implementation of the S2760/A4384, check this infographic by Lockatong Engineering.