Building Energy Code

Summary

NOTE: Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.

The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Act provides that model codes and standards publications shall not be adopted more frequently than once every three years. However, a revision or amendment may be adopted at any time if a commissioner of community affairs finds that imminent danger exists to the public's health, safety or welfare.

On September 3, 2019, New Jersey adopted the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with amendments as the new residential code and ASHRAE 90.1-2016 as the new commercial code. 

On September 6, 2022, New Jersey adopted the 2021 IECC with amendments as the new residential code and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 without amendments as the new commercial code.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards enforces the code through licensed code officials. Click here to access New Jersey's building energy code.

History

On September, 2015, New Jersey adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with amendments and ASHRAE 90.1-2013 with minor amendments as the new commercial code. There was a grace period until March 7, 2016 while the state transitioned to the new code. Until that time, permits were given for buildings which met the previous code requirements of 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007.