Pursuant to P.L. 2025, c.19, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Division of Fire Safety (Division) has issued guidance concerning fire inspections and municipal obligations. The rule modifications may impact current inspection procedures, particularly those related to portions of Municipal Certificates of Occupancy of single- and two-family homes, more specifically, Certificates of Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Alarms, and Secondary Power Source Identification Label compliance (CSACMASPSIL).
Municipalities that conduct CSACMASPSIL or municipal certificate of occupancy inspections pursuant to a local ordinance are not exempt from the fire inspector licensing requirements pursuant to the Uniform Fire Safety Act.
The Uniform Fire Safety Act requires that, as of February 3, 2025, all inspections must be conducted solely by licensed fire inspectors. The statute establishes licensure standards for all fire inspections conducted by State, local, or county entities. Notwithstanding the new licensure requirements, municipalities may continue to operate under the existing code enforcement procedures for inspections and approvals if inspections required under the Uniform Fire Safety Act are conducted only by licensed fire inspectors.
Historically, housing inspectors have conducted some fire inspections, especially CSACMASPSIL inspections. The statute has granted a two-year transition period, through February 3, 2027, for those retaining existing licenses of Inspector of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings and Housing Code Official while pursuing fire licensure. Fire Inspector licensure may be obtained upon successful completion of a minimum 90-hour training course provided through recognized fire academies and county colleges.
Governing bodies are encouraged to ensure compliance with P.L. 2025, c. 19 by confirming that inspections are conducted by licensed personnel and identifying the appropriate housing inspectors who will be required to obtain a fire inspector license. Additionally, municipalities are urged to contact DCA with any questions or concerns about this rule change.
Questions or concerns may be directed to the Division at 609-633-6132 or bfcecodeadmin@dca.nj.gov.
Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.