Bill > A5221

Introduced Session

This bill requires the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (commissioner) to review and amend the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC) to address the increased weight imposed upon those structures due to electric vehicle occupancy. The commissioner is to review and amend the UCC to address both new and existing parking structures. The bill provides that, for new parking structures, the commissioner is to study, develop, and implement UCC requirements, which are to include, but not be limited to: (1) requirements for the increased weight of electric vehicles; (2) new installation codes for electric vehicle chargers; (3) distributing electric vehicle parking spaces for the reduction of load intensity; (4) an analysis of common parking structure construction types to determine whether the parking structure could withstand an increased load; and (5) establishing a minimum of 10 percent electric vehicle parking spaces in new parking structures. The bill further provides that, for existing parking structures, the commissioner is to study, develop, and implement UCC requirements, which are to include, but not be limited to: (1) a review of existing parking structure load requirements; (2) a process for monitoring, measuring, and documenting parking structure performance with increased electric vehicle occupancy; (3) publishing detailed example analysis and strengthening projects as models for assessment and upgrade; and (4) requirements for the owners of parking structures, which the department deems unsound or structurally deficient due to increased electric vehicle occupancy, to develop a remediation plan, including a timeline for coming into compliance within 90 days of the notice of deficiency, or the department is to be empowered to close the parking structure until the owner brings the parking structure into compliance. The bill provides that the commissioner is to, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt rules and regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill is to take effect on the first day of the third month next following the date of enactment, except that the commissioner is permitted to take anticipatory action necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill.

Committee Categories

Wayne DeAngelo (D)*,  Robert Karabinchak (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/27/2025)

Official Document