ASSEMBLY HOUSING COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4972

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 10, 2025

      The Assembly Housing Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4972.

This bill would permit the governing body of a municipality to adopt an ordinance or resolution to allow a single exit stairway to serve a residential building of less than six stories for a Group R-2 occupancy, as defined in the bill, notwithstanding any provision of the State Uniform Construction Code or any other provision of law to the contrary.  The bill specifies that the first floor of such a structure may be used for a purpose other than residential use, provided that use is classified by the Commissioner of Community Affairs as a nonhazardous occupancy and served by entrances that are separate from those serving the residential floors.  The requirements of the bill would only apply to new applications for development of residential structures submitted on or after the effective date of the bill.

     The bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt a regulatory guidance publication for the governing body of a municipality and publish the guidance on the Internet website of the Department of Community Affairs, which is required by the bill to include a model ordinance for the governing body of a municipality to utilize when acting pursuant to the authority granted under the bill. 

        The bill would take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following the date of enactment, except the Commissioner of Community Affairs would be permitted to take anticipatory action necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill.